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Triggers in Recovery

answered 09:15 PM EST, Tue October 23, 2012
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anonymous anonymous
How can I know if I am ready to face my triggers? I like to play recreational hockey and I have been playing for 20 years. I am 2 months sober now. I am not sure if I should play hockey this coming season because hockey and going out for beers is very mixed together in my head but on the other hand twice a week games are the only thing that keep me sane. And what is the point of being sober if I can't do sports? I am not embarrassed to be in recovery. I am thinking about telling everyone on the team that I am trying to maintain my sobriety and asking them to not let me come out with them for drinks after games. This way I can still play but I have some insurance that I will not go out and drink after.

Melissa Borlie Says...

Melissa Borlie M. Borlie
MHR, LPC

Congratulations on starting a fantastic journey; one that will hopefully last the rest of your life. Two months is a relatively short amount of sobriety, but only you can determine how strong your recovery is. If you feel playing hockey keeps you sane, then, by all means, play hockey. I will be honest that I didn't go anywhere that served alcohol or participate in activities that involved drinking during my first year. These are personal choices that each person in recovery must make for themselves. Consider the strength of your sobriety program and the support you have from other people in recovery. This is certainly a conversation to have with your sponsor for his recommendation.

There is no problem with your friends knowing you're in recovery, but please don't make it their responsibility to not ask you along for beers after a game. Your sobriety is your own responsibility and will be from now on. This will not be the only situation you will encounter in recovery in which you will have to make a decision about whether or not to attend an event because there will be drinking involved. Normal people drink and it is our job as persons in recovery to adapt to their world, not the other way around. Maybe you could say something like, "I'm kinda worn out tonight and think I'm gonna go home and get some rest." You don't have to tell people why you don't go or why you don't drink, unless you choose. I wish you the best of luck with your sobriety and your season!!!

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Page last updated Oct 24, 2012

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