Avoiding Relapse

[Suki97]

Has anyone been able to stop, like completely stop for a considerable amount of time or to this day. I stopped two weeks ago and to be honest it's been going really well. I've been able to resist the temptation and there's only been a few points when I found myself slipping into it by accident. At first it was difficult to sleep because daydreaming was how I eased myself into sleep and I didn't really know what to do with my mind so I ended up worrying. But that's kind of faded and I'm sleeping well. It's also been a really stressful period in my life and I've managed to hold up. But I guess I'm worried that I'll just end up starting again. I worry it may be like an alcohol or drug addiction in that you can give it up for a while and then relapse. But then again If we are really determined and find other coping methods why should we become addicted again?

I guess what I'm asking is has anyone ever given up for a period and relapsed? If so why and do you have any tips to avoid relapse? 

[Liz]

Yes, I stopped daydreaming 7 months ago and haven't relapsed since :)

I avoided relapsing by deciding to relate to maladaptive daydreaming as a regular old addiction (no different than a drug addiction)...and joining a 12-Step group. The 12 Steps have helped me reshape my thinking and outlook on life in a way that makes daydreaming no longer necessary. For me, this total shift in thinking was the only way to avoid relapsing. Otherwise...you're right. If nothing changes, than nothing changes. Relapse can be pretty inevitable if there's no big change.

By the way, if you or anyone else is interested, the 12-Step group I'm part of is called Escapism and Fantasy Addicts Anonymous. (I'm not being paid to post this ;D )

[Suki97]

Liz said:

Yes, I stopped daydreaming 7 months ago and haven't relapsed since :)

I avoided relapsing by deciding to relate to maladaptive daydreaming as a regular old addiction (no different than a drug addiction)...and joining a 12-Step group. The 12 Steps have helped me reshape my thinking and outlook on life in a way that makes daydreaming no longer necessary. For me, this total shift in thinking was the only way to avoid relapsing. Otherwise...you're right. If nothing changes, than nothing changes. Relapse can be pretty inevitable if there's no big change.

By the way, if you or anyone else is interested, the 12-Step group I'm part of is called Escapism and Fantasy Addicts Anonymous. (I'm not being paid to post this ;D )

Thank you that's really helpful:) I will check it out:)