So, you’ve passed the stage where everyday you think about having a drink. Good for you! However, you’ve cut back on your meetings, because, you say, you want more time for yourself and your family. In every meeting you went to people there, in recovery, talked about their addiction, the harm it caused to their lives, and those they loved. Now, you don’t hear those stories as often. You’re therefore not reminded as often about the dangerous road you used to be on.
You might still be on that dangerous road, or the proverbial slippery slope, and not realize it. There’s no one telling you that you have to attend so many meetings. You’re free to plan where you go and when. Be advised that when you cut back on meetings you might want to keep your support system at close hand.
Complacency can be defined as arrogance—feeling content and self satisfied. It’s also a thought process in which you think what you did yesterday will take care of today. I’ve got this covered. I’m all set. I know what’s going on and how to lick this thing. Before you know it, colleagues from work invite you out for happy hour. It’s Friday. What the heck? You know you shouldn’t even venture into a bar or liquor store for that matter, but you don’t want to feel like a chump, so you say sure.
It felt practically seamless to join your work buddies at the bar. You told yourself you’ll just order a soda. After all, you’ve been in recovery for five years, you can handle this. Everyone seemed to be having such a good time, clinking beer bottles and glasses. You felt cheated and left out of the fun. Then, just like that, you raised your finger to the bartender.
One of your colleagues had to drive you home, because the one drink felt so good, and then you couldn’t stop. Your spouse was broken hearted and didn’t speak to you for a week, and you were riddled with shame. Complacency is a no-win situation, but now, you have very important information. You have witnessed first hand the power alcohol still has over you.
If you have a slip, get back to the program and to your support system. Accept that you’re not a bad person. Accept the danger of complacency and power of alcohol, once you do, you’ll be in better shape. Sometimes in recovery you have to learn from your mistakes and shore up your commitment to sobriety.
If you or a loved one struggles with addiction, get help now. Nexus Recovery Services specializes in addiction treatment and encompasses holistic therapy for the mind, body, and soul with a focus on staying active and connected to nature. Our mission is to provide tools and support for every client’s seamless transition into a meaningful and fulfilling life of sobriety. We offer a free and confidential consultation. Call us to get started: (888) 855-687