TRIBAL PROGRAM NEWS
A&D Program Offers Holiday Advice
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by Annee McLennan, CSAC 11
I’m available:
Mondays in Eugene, 541-484-4234; Tuesday through Friday in
Salem, 503-390-9494; the first Tuesday of the month in Siletz,
1-800-600-5599 or 541-444-8286
Holidays and Recovery/Relapse Prevention
The holiday season is often a hard time for people in recovery. Many things can
happen to increase the risk of relapse. Review the list below and check the items that
might cause problems for you and your recovery program during the holidays.
More alcohol and drugs at parties
Money stress due to gift buying
More stress due to lots of traffic
Increased stress due to crowded shopping areas
Normal routine of life interrupted
Stopping exercise
Not going to AA meetings
Not going to see counselor regularly
Party atmosphere
More contact with family
Increased emotions from holiday memories
Increased anxiety regarding triggers and cravings
Stress from not having time to meet responsibilities
Dealing with “New Year’s Eve”-type occasions
Extra free time without structure
If you checked 1 -3 items, you are lucky. The holidays produce only a slightly increased
risk of relapse. Mild
If you checked 4-6 items, the holidays add lots of stress to your life. Relapse risk is
related to how well you cope with increased stress. Your score indicates that you need to
plan carefully for your recovery during the holidays. Moderate
If you checked 7 or more items, this indicates that the holidays add a major amount
of stress to your life. Relapse prevention means learning to recognize added stress and
taking extra care during dangerous periods. Your score indicates the holidays are one of
these periods for you.
No one has to relapse. No one benefits from a relapse. Think about your recovery
plan. Schedule your time. See your counselor. Use the tools that have helped you in
recovery to stay drug/alcohol free through this stressful time.
Clockwise from top: A Head
Start student herself bids on
an item; Robert Kentta tries to
claim another item; Tim
Limbert (I) and Jim Crawford
keep track of the bids; and
Nancy Simmons signals her
bid. Opposite page: Vela
Sorensen shows the next item
to the audience.
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