HALT ???

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-27-2004
HALT ???
2
Fri, 10-29-2004 - 11:57am
Could someone explain what HALT is? I'm familiar w/ 12 step programs but I've never heard of this.

I saw this in the roll call: HALT rule in 12 steps, (don't get too hungry, angry, lonely or tired) and it really rang true with me.

I often end up letting myself get too hungry, angry, tired and especially LONELY!.

terri

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-04-1999
In reply to: bunny542
Fri, 10-29-2004 - 5:29pm
HI Terri: I don't have my many 12 step books in front of me, so this is over my head, but in Alanon we say if one gets too hungry, angry, lonely or tired that it is hard to keep your serenity, so if your body needs some food, or a nap, or you need to express your anger to someone, or to reach out as you are lonely, take care of those basic needs first, then you will have the "strength" to follow the 12 steps, whether it is dealing with the alcoholic in your life, or not drinking or taking drugs yourself, or even I have trouble with overeating. Well, time is short, take care, Josie.
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-04-2004
In reply to: bunny542
Fri, 10-29-2004 - 5:38pm

Hi Terri -


What Christine said is right - and jeez, I think I'm suffering from all four right now. I'm tired, starved (aka hungry!), lonely, and angry - angry at others for not understanding this disease, but worse, angry at myself because I still feel like I have some control of this and I should be able to get over it!


HALT is used in many 12 step programs, but is applicable to just about any situation. When you are Hungry, Angry, Lonely, and/or Tired, you are going to be less effective at what you are doing, less serene as Christine said, less able to make decisions, and more likely to make the wrong ones or react to things in a more negative fashion than you otherwise would. The 12 steps of AA have been applied to many addictions and disorders, but basically, they are a Design for Living and sometimes I wish everyone had exposure to them - they help me not only with my addictions, but with how I deal with many things at home, work, etc.


peace and love,

just_a_big_kid