Urges to relapse, need advice (TW)
For reference, I’ve been sober for just over a year and a half. I went back to school this august, and the thoughts came back with it. I’m constantly fighting them off and it’s getting worse. I know that I’m falling off the wagon but I don’t know how to catch myself. I also know that it’s all because of school. I don’t know what to do. I can’t get out of it, and I can’t seem to catch a break. I was in such a good place before and it seems like I’m losing so much progress. I don’t know how long I can hold off these urges. Any advice to keep the urges at bay (other than dropping out of school)?
Hello @PorcupineRay
It sounds like you have been feeling triggered since school started. I'm sorry this is happening <3 I know how hard it can be to fight off the urges, especially when you have been clean for so long. I'm proud of you for being one year clean! This is a huge milestone, and I know that if you can make it this far then you can keep going :) Do you know what specific part of school is triggering you? Is it the stress? The people? Once you identify the specific trigger, it can be easier to distance yourself from it and come up with a plan for coping with the thoughts when you do have to interact with it. I will leave a couple of links you might find helpful too.
Videos to watch when dealing with self-harm
Self-Harm Recovery Self-Help Guide