Looking for Next Steps
As you prepare to make changes, here are some useful exercises to try:
Start building your awareness of the times when you’re tempted to turn to drugs or alcohol. Understanding when events like this arise will help you avoid certain situations going forward. If treatment is a path you’re considering, having this list will be helpful during that time too.
Write down your reasons for making changes or finding treatment. Having some positive reasons written down can serve as helpful reminders when you need them. It could be your family, your friends, your health, your job or your Brothers and Sisters. Do you want to enjoy your daughter or son’s wedding sober? Or feel proud knowing you don’t have to keep secrets from your friends anymore? Keep these written notes close by as you work through your recovery.
Remind yourself what it is you love doing — activities that make you happy and relaxed and that you could do more if you got some help. It could be fishing, exercise, cookouts, music — anything that will distract you or help you to feel happy.
