"A man's pride can be his downfall, and he needs to learn when to turn to others for support and guidance." - Bear Grylls
Day 297 AF.
This week I learned about a major change in my recovery support network. The mental health counseling support I have received in the past ten months has been invaluable in traveling my recovery path but will be ending soon. I consider this a pillar in my recovery. I will admit that I sat in my car, reading and contemplating the meaning of the email announcing this news. A few thoughts immediately arose:
1. I have not been successful long-term in past recovery attempts, thinking I could do this alone.
2. I have ended prior counseling relationships in past recovery efforts too soon and then relapsed.
3. I admit to relief at the financial situation as therapy costs money and I've been paying out of pocket (well worth the cost for my sobriety) but I do have budget constraints.
This week, I am performing another SMART Recovery exercise to examine and adjust my thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to be more healthy and helpful. The working tool for this exercise is called "ABC", based on cognitive behavioral therapy, a tool to help to examine feelings and beliefs behind problematic situations and to choose healthier responses and beliefs. (*see below)
(SMART Recovery ABC)
Activating Event - After over ten months of unbroken sobriety and growth in recovery from substance abuse, with much of my success being attributed to the support of an excellent therapist, I received an email informing me that my therapist would be leaving the practice for another opportunity at the end of the month and that we had time for just one more session.
Belief - Two primary thoughts here: I am fearful for my sobriety as I have failed in past recovery efforts without acknowledging and employing the support of a qualified mental health professional. I am relieved at the cost savings in not paying for therapy, but smart enough to realize that the cost of relapse is so much worse.
Consequence - I did immediately recall past relapses without the proper tools and support for real recovery. I was worried for myself, but not fearful. I was also happy that my counselor had the opportunity for career advancement and that he had offered support for finding other therapists. At this point, I decided to let the issue settle into my background thoughts for processing rather than let anxiety spin me up. I also knew it would be the subject of this week's blog posting.
Dispute - I do have both the intrinsic motivation and recovery momentum firmly in hand and gratitude for the support of loved ones and friends. I do have greater self-awareness, self-respect, and self-discipline than I've ever achieved in prior recovery efforts. I am living in a much more healthy way, physically and mentally. I have pride in the creation and sharing of this blog and photography project, as well as the joy in the art I capture and share. I am stronger and smarter this time!
Effective New Belief - I will continue on my recovery path with the knowledge, skills, and behaviors that are working for me, and be sure to engage with social support for my recovery. For now, I will research other recommended therapists for reconnecting with qualified counseling support, if I have the slightest doubt about my recovery strength. Lifestyle changes and budget adjustments are well worth the financial cost to ensure my recovery. I have the power to choose my path and I will not relapse!
As stated above, I am very grateful for the support and guidance from a gifted counselor as I have traveled my recovery path. I will continue my sobriety with the skills and awareness that I have gained from my counseling sessions. Thank you, Andrew, for the good you have done!!
My way of recovery is working for me. Recovery may be different for everyone in the recovery community and I wish success to all.
If my writings in this photography project can benefit anyone in their recovery, I am proud to be of service!
Staying mindful and strong!
instagram.com/bobd.photography
#Recovery52 #recovery #sobriety #addictionrecovery #smartrecovery #mindfulrecovery #creativerecovery #secularreocovery #soberphotography #photography #photographyproject #photoproject
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* Inspired by REBT, SMART Recovery’s tool “THE ABCs of COPING WITH URGES” is a powerful way to deeply examine the beliefs we form after problems arise in our lives. We can’t always solve the problems themselves, but we can change what we believe and feel about them, and what we do (or don’t do) in response.
https://www.smartrecovery.org/
https://www.smartrecovery.org/new-video-release-the-abcs-of-coping-with-urges/