Dallas Bragg explains how to break short relapse cycles by extending abstinence periods through safeguards like staying with family. He recommends moving from 2-week cycles to 4 or 6 weeks, then longer, and treating each relapse as data rather than failure.
So let's say that you're using every 2 weeks. Well, that's your cycle, 2 weeks. You have to loop out of that. In other words, when 2 weeks are coming up, put all the safeguards in place. Do everything you can to keep yourself away from it, even if it means going to go stay with Mama, to get yourself to 4 weeks or 6 weeks. Now you've built momentum to get yourself through the next cycle, which might be a month. It might be 3 months, which is the ultimate addiction cycle. I'm not sure I understand. That means you're now focused on getting through 3 to 6 months. Then you may use again. Look, this is a journey. It's not linear. And you have to look at it in a certain way with realistic expectations if you want to get out. The important part is to see the use, the relapse, as a point on the journey. A chance for you to learn. So that when you are getting ready for your next cycle, you can be prepared with the Knowledge and managed expectations.
