subject: Recovery 2 Day (R2D) Regrets Lists: [print this page] Recovery 2 Day (R2D) Regrets Lists: Recovery 2 Day (R2D) Regrets Lists:
R2D shows you how to use a simple cognitive tool, the Regrets List and unveil a potential problem.
We all have regrets, some for not going to school, some for not finishing something. Some regrets can be as simple as missing a good meal. Regret can be based on many things, a personal goal not achieved, as in not going to college or going and not finishing. And they can take many forms.
For example: "I regret missing my grandfather's funeral."
The name of this tool may sound intimating or scary to many, let R2D reassure you that is not its purpose.
The tool developed and used in R2D is not a "guilt machine" most people with a substance problem do not need anything else added to their plates to feel additional guilt and this tool is not here to "break you." R2D is not "a break you to remake you" therapy recovery system. This tool, The Regrets List, will help you when used properly.
Regrets List Directions:
What R2D asks you to do, and yes, right now, take out a piece of paper and pen and have it ready.
First, we set the stage of how effective this tool is, and where and how it is to be used.
It is to be used by anyone, with or without a substance problem and they are facing the first question raised by Recovery 2 Day which we will reuse in many tools learned later, however it starts here, "Do you think you have a problem?" : Answers can be, yes, no, or maybe.
Now, if a person says yes, in R2D we do not hesitate and start immediately into the treatment plans described in each edition of Recovery 2 Day. The attitude in R2D is simple, you came for help, so we start helping immediately, and R2D knows that waiting places you at risk.
The question becomes, what should R2D do with the persons that said, "no and maybe?"
R2D does will not accuse you of being in denial.
Typically this is where an untrained or inconsiderate person will apply the pressure and tell you, "Fine, leave then," or "you're in denial." The punishment comes early in a lot of poorly planned recovery treatments.
Your reaction is predictable; you will get up and leave. And maybe this is the only time you attempt a "recovery system." Thinking, "I tried it and it did not work," or didn't like the attitude or way you were treated, and understandably so. The problem there is obvious, if you really had a problem, then it was never discovered. You were allowed to leave and leave angry in most cases. No one likes to be disrespected or ignored.
So instead of insulting you, R2D wants to help you decide, using a simple list we called, The Regrets List.
Here is how to properly use the Regrets List.
Now, is the time to take that paper and pen out and write on the top of it "My Regrets List?"
Ask yourself, and no one is going to see this list, a simple question "Do I have or hold any regrets about things that have happened in my life that involve a substance?
Using the example from above, "I regret missing my grandfather's funeral" supplied by a person that uses R2D, with their permission more details are now supplied.
He went on to say, "I was drunk and I was not in communication with my family. They were glad I was not there. Years later the obituary was given to me, I feel bad about that, I really liked him."
This list can become quite long, depending on the individual making it. There are examples in each edition of Recovery 2 Day.
Now, making a list is not where end, compare your list to the APA criterion of Substance Abuse.
Would any of your regrets fall under the medical criterion of abusing a substance? If so, you have compared your behaviors, to the criterion of abuse and found out something about yourself. Self awareness is a positive tool; we must see a problem before we can do anything about it. That is simply common sense.
Now, take that same Regrets List and compare it to the APA criterion of substance dependence. Again, asking you, have I experienced this? Once more, you have taken a simple list, your regrets and used them to help yourself diagnose the problem.
You can now safely address the original question, "Do you think you have a problem" if your mind has changed, we move forward, if you remain with your original reply "no" then R2D did nothing to insult you, and you wasted very little of your time.
If it showed you something that you had not seen previously, we can move forward.
Now the question changes, if you see and answer shifting to "yes" I do believe I have a problem, when compared to the medical facts," what can you do about it becomes the logical progression of you looking at recovery systems that will treat you with respect and help you.
This is the intent of the Regrets List and nothing more.
