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by: Jane Derry
In recovery, only one thing has to change, but that is everything. And
everything is included in everything. Spirituality, emotionality and mentality
are addressed in other articles. This article is purely about the material and
physical.
5 Tips to guard sobriety:
1. Mouthwash
Make sure that your mouthwash does not contain alcohol. Read the label carefully
before purchase, and check the bottles in your bathroom. If they contain
alcohol, throw them out! It isn't worth the risk. The taste and smell are
triggers that you may not even be aware of while gargling, but your disease
knows, and will take advantage of your vulnerability.
2. Cough Syrups
Same as with mouthwash, check all the labels before you buy, many cough syrups
do contain alcohol. Cough suppressants may also contain narcotics, such as
codeine. If you are in doubt, ask your pharmacist to verify the product is
narcotic free. Many people in recovery have relapsed by naively using cough
syrups, and triggering a craving. That almost happened to Bill W. himself.
3. Hair Products and After Shave
In early recovery you just can't be too careful. Think about using a gel or
hairspray, or aftershave lotion containing alcohol. All your senses will be
encased in the cloud of alcohol fumes. Don't risk triggering a craving, just to
use a certain product. There are many alternatives to alcohol based products.
4. Menu Items at Restaurants
It seems that the more expensive and fancy the restaurant is, the more likely
dishes contain alcohol. Read the description carefully before ordering. If there
is booze in it, don't order it. If your server tells you not to worry, that the
alcohol is cooked off, don't risk it! Is your sobriety worth the Coq au Vin? Let
your server know that you have a deadly allergy to alcohol. By using the word
'allergy' in a restaurant, you will be taken very seriously.
5. Someone Offers You a Drink
This can be really scary in early sobriety. Don't be caught off guard. Here are
some possible answers:
No thanks, I'm not drinking today.
No thanks, I'm allergic to alcohol. When I drink, I break out in spots. Like
Vancouver, Calgary, Hawaii...
No thanks, you don't have enough here for me.
No thanks, I don't want to vomit on you.
No thanks, but I'll take the money instead.
Seriously though, have an answer ready. Usually "No thanks" by itself is enough.
You don't have to explain anything to anybody. And besides, you'll quickly find
out that most people don't care or notice. It isn't all about you:)
Early sobriety can be a heady exciting time. Just remember that alcohol is a
subtle foe, you must be vigilant, and keep yourself safe at all times. Soon
enough, it will just become habit and second nature.
If sobriety doesn't come first, nothing comes second.
See Also:
s There A Treatment For
Alcohol Addictions?
If you drink alcohol frequently then you could have alcohol addictions. These
addictions are one of the hardest to eliminate. The causes are deep seated
emotional problems. To end drinking, requires a strong will and a good method or
process that you can follow.
Stay
Sober: 5 Tips for the Holiday Season in Recovery
Here are 5 tips to help you maintain your sobriety as the holidays approach. If
you are an alcoholic, getting sober is one of the hardest things you may ever
do, staying sober will be the hardest, and you need all the help you can get.
Read these tips, one of them may just save your life.
5 Drink Suggestions for
People in Early Recovery
You've gotten sober, and the inevitable will eventually happen. You will be at a
function, or restaurant, and you will be asked, "What can I get you to drink?"
Anyone who is a social drinker will likely wonder why they are reading this
article at this point, but alcoholics in recovery understand. This can be a
life-threatening question!
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About the Author:
My name is Jane Derry and I am an
addiction recovery specialist, find out more about what I do at http://www.ahomeaway.org
Rethinking Rehab. Addiction recovery, it is not what you think. A Home Away
Retreat is a unique opportunity for people in early sobriety to heal, and learn
the tools to live the life they desire and deserve, sober.
Jane's Mission: Through my commitment to live by spiritual principles, it is my intention to model and inspire hope and encouragement to people, especially to those suffering from the disease of addiction.
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