How long ago was your last relapse?
1 1/2 years
What do you think triggered your relapse?
I got too "busy" to go to meetings. I decided after nearly 10 years of sobriety to work full time and get my master's degree at night. I didn't listen to my sponsor when she advised me to take it easy, and to get my degree over time. I thought I should push myself to get the master's within two years.
I was beginning to feel resentful at work, feeling that I didn't get every opportunity I deserved. In actuality, I had the best job I've ever had in my life - a dream job. Instead of dealing with those feelings in a responsible way, I decided to "tackle" them with hard work.
I was also in a relationship that my sponsor warned me was unhealthy for me. Relationships like that are a pattern with me, but again, I did not listen.
I had little time for meetings, began to exhaust myself, started screwing up at work, cheated on my boyfriend, and eventually picked up.
My relapse was directly related to not listening to my sponsor, not going to meetings, and not taking it easy on myself.
Lessons learned
- I need to ask for help when I'm overwhelmed.
- I need to take it easy on myself.
- I must trust my sponsor.
- I need to talk about my feelings with other healthy women.
- I need to trust God more.
- I must go to at least three meetings a week.
