Step One exercize from sponsor on emotional and spiritual costs for a "High Bottom"
Emotional/Spiritual costs of drinking and drug use:
Poor/non-existent extended family relationships
-eg no thank you letters
Lack of distinct memories about sons' childhoods
Lack of motivation to do more with sons
-eg camping, hiking in woods
Poor friendship network
-eg drinking buddys
Poor relationship choices
Blackouts and stupid behavior, self-abuse
Drug use history creating uncomfortable situatiions/chasing away friends
Lack of direction in my life, living by default
Lack of passion about avocational interests or political interests
Lack of meaning to life
Ongoing cycle of depression
Hiding/minimizing my drinking (living a lie)
Other costs:
"Empty wallet in morning" syndrome
"Cut/bruises of unknown origin" syndrome
Poor decision making about money
Deterioration in health
-eg high blood pressure
Cigarette smoking
Deterioration of sexual performance
Home dirty, in disrepair
-eg basement
No savings/lack of retirement planning
Imminent possibility of legal troubles
Questions to ask myself:
Are these all results of out-of-control drinking (or using)?
Are some causes/excuses for drinking? Also think of circularity and self-propogating...
Which ones will go away with sobriety?
Which ones will go away with sobriety AND work?
Which ones will remain after sobriety?
Poor/non-existent extended family relationships
-eg no thank you letters
Lack of distinct memories about sons' childhoods
Lack of motivation to do more with sons
-eg camping, hiking in woods
Poor friendship network
-eg drinking buddys
Poor relationship choices
Blackouts and stupid behavior, self-abuse
Drug use history creating uncomfortable situatiions/chasing away friends
Lack of direction in my life, living by default
Lack of passion about avocational interests or political interests
Lack of meaning to life
Ongoing cycle of depression
Hiding/minimizing my drinking (living a lie)
Other costs:
"Empty wallet in morning" syndrome
"Cut/bruises of unknown origin" syndrome
Poor decision making about money
Deterioration in health
-eg high blood pressure
Cigarette smoking
Deterioration of sexual performance
Home dirty, in disrepair
-eg basement
No savings/lack of retirement planning
Imminent possibility of legal troubles
Questions to ask myself:
Are these all results of out-of-control drinking (or using)?
Are some causes/excuses for drinking? Also think of circularity and self-propogating...
Which ones will go away with sobriety?
Which ones will go away with sobriety AND work?
Which ones will remain after sobriety?