Sober problem solving is certainly not a well honed skill to those new to sobriety.
There are two main problem solving techniques used by people active in addiction. The first and foremost, is to apply liberal quantities of alcohol, drugs or their destructive behavior to it and hope things improve. The second option, and almost as popular, is to ignore it and hope it goes away.
Well, in recovery those tactics do not work so well. Let’s look at a different strategy that may afford us some success:
1. Identify the problem. The first thing we want to do it is to get a clear picture of exactly what the problem is this. For me, it always helps to put it down in writing. It is also a good idea ask for help of others in defining exactly what the problem is, and to gain a realistic perspective.
2. Once the problem is clearly identified, you must decide whether in fact, you want to do something about it. Maybe people have a clear idea of what their problem is, but have not committed to taking action to resolve it.
3. Once you have identified the problem and resolved to do something about it, ask yourself if the timing is right. Are you ready to do something about it now? Or, when would it be appropriate to take action.
4. Brainstorm solutions. Here is where we want to think of possible solutions to the problem and not be limited by practicality or put limitations on you. This is a brain dump. Now is the time to formulate a plan of action. When the input of others and credible tax to support your decision you want to formulate a plan of action which is most likely to produce the desired result.
5. Implement the action. You can have the most wonderful plan, the most brilliant solution and if no action is taken to implement the solution, it is useless. There is an old story of three frog’s sitting on a log one decides to jump off, how many are left? The answer is three. Making a decision is not the same as taking action.
The last thing we want to do is make sure we follow up on the problem and that is and that is resolved is satisfactory way.
I know all this is easier said than done but part of growing in recovery and attaining a new level personal growth is start dealing with problems of life which we used to ignore. It is possible to succeed in sober problem solving.
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Dear Sir
First of all I sould say, it is my great pleasure for finding your article. I would like to translate it
into Farsi (Persian Language. I hope, it is useful
for everone. May I have your consent?
In addtion, is there any chance to furnish me with your newest articles in this line of study?
Good Luck and Best Wishes
M A Ranjbari