THE STRUGGLE FOR SHUT-EYE IN RECOVERY
Can’t sleep? Tossing and turning? Racing thoughts? Crazy dreams? You’re not alone. Dealing with insomnia or a screwy sleep pattern during recovery from drug and alcohol abuse is very common. It may even increase your risk for relapse. One study shows those in recovery to be five times more likely to suffer from insomnia than the rest of the population. Some sleep problems can be short-lived for users, lasting only through withdrawal. But for others, like recovering alcoholics, problems can persist for weeks, months or even years.
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DO I REALLY NEED THEM?
It’s that time of year when everybody’s talking about their resolutions for the New Year. We’ve heard them all; quit smoking, lose weight, go to the gym, make more money, etc. etc. For those of us in recovery, having resolutions to begin with might seem to fly in the face of 12 step thinking where everything is in the here and now. Regardless, let’s put all those big, often unattainable, goals aside and focus on just a few small things we can do that might improve our chances for a sober 2017 and beyond.
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YOU CAN. HERE’S HOW.
Yes, it’s the biggest party of the year. New Year’s Eve is the one night when it seems every person on earth is drinking and without shame, guilt or consequence.
Why else do they call it “amateur night”? It’s the holiday when normal drinkers suddenly go all sloppy and suck down in a single evening as much as they consumed in all the previous year. But for those of us in recovery, it can be an especially troubling time. Here’s some guidance and triggers to watch for.
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Let’s see. Last year, I gave my brother a bottle of scotch and my favorite co-worker a case of wine. But now, they’re in recovery. What’s a supportive gift giver to do? Here are some last-minute ideas.
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We all know the holidays are loaded with relapse triggers. Here are a few of the ones that might be among the most dangerous to us in recovery.
MONEY, MONEY, MONEY. Financially, many of us in recovery have, for a variety of reasons, money troubles. This is the time of year when financial pressures can mount significantly. Who among us doesn’t want to get the best gifts possible for our loved ones, work peeps or others? Who doesn’t want to make the trip to grandma’s house by plane, train or automobile, despite the cost? Who doesn’t want to spring for the biggest tree, the tastiest ham, the coolest party hat (for the sober party)? Remember, you don’t have to give the costliest gifts, travel the farthest distance, put a star on the tallest tree. Do right by YOUR recovery. Take it easy on the cards and cash. That might ease some of the money stress.
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Here Are Some Ways to Enjoy the Holidays without relapsing.
Plan, Plan, Plan. Planning ahead could be the smartest thing we can do to avoid hitting the bottle or using. That means getting your support system ready. Holiday parties are going to happen whether you feel obligated to attend or not. When preparing for a party or any other holiday events it might be a good idea to hit a 12 step meeting or talk to your sponsor beforehand. He or she has been there. It might be wise to bring along a sober friend or call them before and after the event to make sure things are ok. Make certain you can leave when you wish, and don’t get stuck at the party without a “sober” way home! You don’t want to be in the backseat when a detour is made for closing time at the local pub.
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