As part of my job, I attend professional trainings quite often. Three or four times a month.
Last month I attended a training for therapists and substance abuse counselors called, "Seeking Safety" based upon the book of the same title authored by Lisa M. Najavits. Needless to say, I was impressed.
Recovering meth addicts, and even those who are using, but trying to quit, might have difficulty finding appropriate coping strategies. I'm a slow typist but I'm in the process of compiling a list. There's about seventy-five of them. Here's the first fourteen.
1. Ask for help.
Reach out to someone else.
2. Inspire yourself.
Carry something positive, a poem or a photo.
3. Leave a bad scene.
When things go wrong, get out.
4. Persist.
Never, Never, Never Give Up.
5. Honesty.
Secrets and lying are at the core of meth abuse. Honesty heals them.
6. Cry.
Let yourself cry; it will not last forever.
7. Choose self-respect.
Choose whatever will make you like yourself tomorrow.
8. Take good care of your body.
Healthy eating, exercise, safe sex.
9. List your options.
In any situation, you have choices.
10. Create meaning.
Remind yourself what you are living for: your children ? love ? truth ? justice ? God ?
11. Do the best you can with what you have.
Make the most of available opportunities.
12. Set a boundary.
Say "no" to protect yourself.
13. Compassion.
Listen to yourself with respect and care.
14. When in doubt, do what's hardest.
The most difficult path is inevitably the right one.
