Unfortunately today was a difficult day for me. It’s hard to learn how to be sober while also trying to learn all these new feelings that come with it. Today was a bit of a struggle that has ultimately caused me to have some big cravings.
I have been trying out non alcoholic drinks, is there anything else that might help ease the cravings ?
Thank you!
4 Likes
Welcome Latesha
I’m glad you found us.
There’s lots of things you can do about cravings.
I think most importantly for me was to share them. Whether it be here. Maybe checkout this thread where people share their daily experiences strength and hope.
Or find a meeting and share it there where people understand.
I did a lot of angry power walking with Eminem blasting on my ear buds. Hot showers for 20 minutes in the afternoon crying because I can’t drink like a normal person. Change things up. Fuck with your usual routine. But most importantly share your struggles with your supports.
Also hoping on the gratitude thread was a wonderful attitude adjustment for me. I’d get on there and list all the things I’m grateful for. And read others too.
I’m glad you’re here and asking for help.
Stick with us friend.
5 Likes
You are not alone. Those tough days where cravings are strong are draining. Good for you for coming here and not suffering alone.
Personally i found that the NAs caused more cravings early on.
What tools do you have in your sober toolbox to navigate all these newly released emotions? Do you have a support system that champions your sobriety like friends, family, aa?
Im with dazercat never crave alone. I found sharing it kind of took its power away.
4 Likes
In early sobriety, those cravings can be BRUTAL! My issue wasnt with alcohol (it was drugs) but I have heard from others on here that the NA beers can actually increase cravings. So just something to be mindful of.
When i had severe cravings in early recovery, i found a few things that helped:
- exercise or even just moving my body thru other activities
- prayer to my HP
- playing the tape to the end
- journalling
- reading recovery literature
- meetings
- sleep
- turning on some good music and cleaning
- coming on this forum and venting it out
- self care (such as a nice warm shower and skincare routine)
- talking to a supportive person
I basically would go thru my list until something worked. Not all activities on my list would help every time. But overtime, i began to have certain “tools” that worked for certain triggering events/cravings.
Remember cravings DO NOT last forever. They may feel like it, but they dont. Its like a wave. Eventually the craving will subside.
2 Likes