By using an analogy of the sinking of the Titanic and the loss of its passengers, Claudia Black brings a new insight and overview to the issues of relapse.

Of the more than 2200 people aboard the Titanic, 1513 would perish. This was the ship that was unsinkable and, even as the ship was going down, people assumed that they were in no immediate danger.

In telling this story to a group in early recovery, if they were to put themselves aboard that ship, most would be certain that they would be in the group that was saved.

In Relapse: The Illusion of Immunity Claudia uses stories and electronic graphics to underline key points that deal with understanding and preventing relapse and identifies the four "icebergs" that can sink recovery.

Those are:

Overconfidence

Calling your own shots; the inability to hear what others are saying; contempt prior to investigation; and wanting immediate results; having unrealistic expectations this finds them under the influence before they recognize they are in trouble.

Control

The addict/alcoholic, in initial recovery, is willing to surrender to the drug of their addiction but continues to control people, places and things; this ultimately sets them up for a dry drunk and the active relapse.

Fear of Feelings

Guilt about lying, cheating, how you've treated others; Fear about facing the world sober and fear of not being able recoup what you once had; Anger with self for not being able to control your drug and alcohol use; Sadness for what you have lost to the disease.

Secrets

About sexual behavior; physical and/or sexual abuse; secrets about relationships or sexual orientation; other drugs that you have used but will not acknowledge; criminal activity; and financial problems. The shame or deception involved in having secrets is a frequently un-addressed issue that is a major contributor to relapse.

It is commonly stated that as many as 70 percent of all chemically dependent people who attempt to stop drinking or using, will experience relapse, and often more than once.

This video can by utilized for a wide range of addictive disorder relapses - from alcohol and drug addictions, to sex, work, spending and gambling addictions, to food and relationship addictions.

Preview

To view the first 5 minutes of this video, click on the View Video Clip. You will need to have QuickTime Media Player installed on your computer. A free download is available here.

Running time is 28 minutes.