Dallas Bragg shares how he used to plan binges during long weekends, then outlines three steps to stay sober through the holidays: be honest with yourself about cravings, tell someone you trust, and watch for the thought patterns and behaviors that come before relapse.
Oh, hey. Are you in recovery and get triggered by long weekends off, especially during the holidays? I know I used to be. Holiday time off can be particularly triggering for those of you out there who think you can still use recreationally and still maintain a stable life. I know who you are. In my earlier days of active addiction, I saw an extended weekend as the perfect opportunity to sneak in a binge. In the back of my mind, I would slowly begin making a plan for buying supplies. I would be creating excuses to miss dinners or plans Or coming up with a nice escape plan to get out early. The using dreams would begin to intensify, and I find myself reaching out to old buddies. The default addict in me would be trying to take over the driver's seat in my life. You can make it through the holidays without relapsing. Step 1, be honest with yourself. Admit it. Step 2, be honest with someone else. Admit it to them. Step 3, observe your thought patterns, your behaviors, your actions. Come up and identify red flag patterns for next time.
