Intro
This is the last lesson in our Relapse Prevention series. Some of the content is taken from our last two lessons so we can put into action the things we have learned. So let’s jump right into our third lesson.
Benjamin Franklin says “If you fail to plan, you are planning to fail!”
#1 Put God First!
Proverbs 3:6 ESV In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
The biggest and most important relapse prevention plan is Jesus Christ! How do we put God first? By making a habit of talking to God daily, reading His word, and learning to live a life that honors Him. Choose a time in the day that you can commit to spending time with Him and stick to it.
#2 Change playmates, playgrounds, and playthings
Get rid of any items associated with your addiction. If it’s a temptation or trigger to be around, get rid of it! Don’t think you can go to a bar and just have a soda or hang out with friends you once used with. Find a way to make new friends that support your recovery and relationship with God. Find new healthy interests and activities. Join a local Christian church and ask how you can start serving.
#3 Process the 12 Steps with your sponsor or mentor
If you don’t already have a sponsor or Godly mentor then get one! Start processing your steps using this link to a 12 Steps Workbook. This tool will help you learn, grow, and stay abstinent from your addiction. After you finish a step, you should review it with your mentor or sponsor. If you feel that your problems are more serious, then consider seeing a counselor in addition to having a mentor. All of this will prepare you to help someone else! Helping others will get your mind off of yourself and give you a sense of purpose.
#4 Do your recovery one day at a time
Matthew 6:34 NIV “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Focus on God today and one day at a time after that. He will give you the strength you need to stay abstinent from your addiction when you seek him first. So don’t worry about tomorrow, focus on staying clean today.
#5 Make a plan for temptations
Write down and talk to someone about your personal external and internal triggers. You have to be aware of your temptations in order to plan how to cope with them or avoid them. When you write them down, put an action plan in place. If (blank) happens, then I will do what?
You may try to convince yourself you have your addiction under control. But think of your addiction as a big green monster in the closet. He might be put away but he’s in there doing push-ups ready to take you right where you left off if you’re not careful to keep the door shut.
Genesis 4:7 NIV says “If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.”
Finally, if you do relapse or you already have, don’t give up. God’s mercies are new every morning. If you have put your faith in Jesus, then you are completely forgiven no matter how bad you feel you’ve blown it! Listen to this amazing promise God has made for us.
Isaiah 41:10 HCSB “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.”
The recovery road will still be hard at times. But each day you turn your life over to God, when you use His wisdom to keep your mind, body, and soul healthy you take one step further away from addiction and one step closer to God.
