HAPPY THANKSGIVING week to all. This is a really tough time for us addicts, especially if we aren’t back in contact with our families. It can start to look lonely and dark and that feeling of self pity can creep back in. I see so many addicts go out and relapse this time of year every year. Between now and New Year’s we lose so many to their addiction. This is not necessary IF I choose to use the tools of recovery.

In keeping it very short and sweet this week … and keeping it very simple I want to just let you know that you really don’t have to relapse even if you want to. A tool I use often and especially around this time of year is something I was told to do early on. I was told to make a gratitude list of 4 or 5 things each day during this time of year. Just take a quick minute to write down things that I am grateful for. Things like my sobriety, my higher power, not living from one high to the next doing WHATEVER I needed to do to get the next hit and not being dope sick and detoxing. This always gets me off my pity pot and puts my life back into the right perspective.

Some other very valuable suggestions are

(1) To get out of my own head and find someone else to help. Try serving at a homeless shelter at thanksgiving, that will shake you right for sure.

(2) Band together with others who might not have families to go to for the holidays and plan your own dinner. Every year we invite people to our home to have thanksgiving dinner with us and our children who don’t have family to go to. It’s always fun to watch how we all interact together and conversations are a hoot.

(3) And for lord’s sake pick up the phone and tell someone how you feel. Many many of us have had the same experiences and can relate. You are only as sick as your secrets and we aren’t mind readers. Taking an active role in your recovery is a must.

May you be blessed this holiday season. I know I am …. I am sober and not dead!

Picture By the Italian voice