In class today we learned of a simple
tool to use to help us avoid relapse.
Its a simple acronym we all know if
you did any guard duty. HALT and
it stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely,
and Tired.
Hungry - Do not let yourself go hungry,
it causes you to crave something and
that something could turn out to be
alcohol or drugs. Try to eat healthy,
but anything will do, to keep the hungry
cravings away. Here at the apartment
complex we Veteran alcoholics live in,
you could say the Veterans Hospital
has supplied us with a mini store. No
lack of food or snacks and my favorite
ice cream of course with toppings.
Angry - As I sober up, my feelings and
emotions are returning, I have angry
feelings about the Vietnam war, the way I was treated when I returned home, angry at everyone for no special reason. I am angry that it is hard for me to concentrate, angry at my ex wife and full of self pity. So I am told the second I become aware of these feelings, to speak to someone about them. I try to avoid psychiatrist, I believe they are confused from listening to so many confused people themselves. Only kidding. Talk to your sponsor, net work of friends and other Veteran alcoholics that are sober or go to a alcoholic anonymous meeting.
Lonely - Loneliness can lead to drinking
and drugging again. Call your sponsor,
a friend, go to a meeting, go shopping,
be where people are, do not be alone
if you get this feeling. Here at the
Veterans Hospital we Alcoholic Vets
don't have that problem, but we will
when we leave this program, so now
we are aware of what to do.
Tired - I am told to get myself on a
schedule so I get enough rest and not
become overtired, as my defenses will
not be as sharp and will lead back to
a relapse. All we veteran alcoholics
are getting our bodies use to a schedule
while here at the Veterans hospital, in
bed by 11pm and up by 6am. I plan on
keeping this schedule when I leave this
program.
Author: Alden Morrison
