N. Longshio Yanthan
‘Relapse’ is a word most dreaded by a recovering addict and those around him. It is not easy for a recovering addict once he/she leaves a controlled environment and plunge into the wide world to fend for his/her own. There are many pitfalls, temptations and challenges on the way treaded by a recovering addict. Fortunately there are also lifelines for a struggling recovering addict to grab, recharge and forge ahead. One such proven lifeline is the Narcotics Anonymous programme. Here an addict can get encouraged, motivated and purge himself/herself of troubling thoughts through sharing with fellow addicts. It is this fellowship that keeps a recovering addict going strong without faltering.
Many people think that recovery is simply a matter of not using chemicals and they consider a relapse a sign of complete failure, and long period of abstinence a sign of complete success. Abstinence is the only starting point of recovery but it should be followed by improvement in the quality of ones lives. If an addict does not make conscious efforts to improve the quality of ones life, they will surely ‘slip’ or have a relapse. Recovery from drug addiction is a life long struggle but the important thing to know is that how we handle it. An addict should comprehend that quitting drugs will not solve or eradicate all his/her problems. One has to face the reality if he/she wants to live a clean and sober life.
Recovery means physical recovery, psychological recovery, behavioral recovery, social recovery and spiritual recovery. Recovery from addiction is an ongoing process which progress through specific stages such as abstinence, learning to cope with life without drugs and drinks, learning to live comfortably while abstaining and learning to build a productive sober living. Recovery from addiction is also a slow process; it needs time to attain the whole person recovery (WPR).
To maintain sobriety, keeping clean is the first priority so that it makes the other stages of recovery possible. As long as an addict stays clean, no matter what, they have the greatest possible advantages over their disease. Many addicts get clean in the protected environment but when they re-enter the World, they feel confused and vulnerable. Hence attending Narcotics Anonymous /Alcoholic Anonymous Meeting regularly will lessen the shock of alter. An addict should also realize that after leaving protected place, working out daily structural programme and follow up are the most important component in their journey. Though addiction is a disease, it has all along been connected with many habits- some at the thought level and some others at the action level. During sobriety, they have to develop new ways of thinking and acting. It is ‘the first drink/dose that does the damage”. An addict can’t stop with a small quantity. It will definitely lead to many more, with absolutely no intention of doing so, they will find themselves drinking/drugging without any control. They will find themselves right back to where they left in no time. Therefore, the important step in staying sober is to avoid the first drink or dose.
Moreover, to get a safe place recovering addict must trust Narcotics/Alcoholics Anonymous groups and members. Once they join the fellowship they will start to lose their fears through the experience of sharing. The more they share they more their fear slips away. Therefore one must share for this reason. Now another type of relapse happens when being clean is not the top priority. At times, they experience difficulty in their recovery. Emotional lapses result when they don’t practice what they have learned. Once they get through a difficult time clean, they are given a tool of recovery that they can use again and again. To remain clean, an addict should maintain an attitude of thankfulness for being clean and the best way to express gratitude is by carrying the message of their experience, strength and hope to the still-suffering addicts. Living the programme on a daily basis provides many valuable experiences. As they begin to function in society, their creative freedom helps them sort their priorities and do the basic things first. Daily practice of the twelve Steps of Narcotics Anonymous enables them to change from what they were to people guided by a Higher power. Also with the help of their sponsor or spiritual advisor, gradually they learn to trust and depend on their Higher power. A life that includes wholesome living, uplifting relationships, commitment to values and spiritual growth supports long- term health and sobriety for a recovering addict.
“Narcotics Anonymous promise freedom from active addiction”
N. Longshio Yanthan
Shalom Rehab. Centre
Chumukedima
