How to Avoid a Relapse


 How to Avoid a Relapse



When I began my recovery the only thing I knew to do, when tempted, was white-knuckle it.

Later I discovered that there were better ways to deal with a trigger or temptation.

The following is something you might consider.

When being tempted or triggered:

  1. Make a plan: It needs to be specific.

  2. Write down your plan: If you just keep it in your head, it will just be wishful thinking.

  3. Share your plan with a trusted friend--either your sponsor or someone in your group.

  4. Review your plan during the week.

  5. Follow your plan each time you are tempted.

  6. Report back how it's going to the person you shared your plan with.

  7. Reevaluate your plan: If the plan didn't work right, revise it.

  8. Go back to #2.

Let me know if this works for you.

P.S.  You may need to produce two plans: one for pornography and one for masturbation.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

This is good advice. For me, I also like to plan for times when I'm not feeling tempted, since it's easier to make good choices when temptation is not even there. For example, when my wife leaves the house for a few hours while I also have some downtime, I like to leave the house also, since for me being home alone during downtime can turn into a trigger. I'll go for a drive, run errands, visit a friend, or whatever. I don't even have to think about it... I'm just following my plan, and my plan helps keep me in a healthy place.