I’m curious as to how others begin changing your mindset. When a craving hits, or when your mind tries to rationalize or excuse bad choices. What are your “go to” strategies? Or what are some statements you’ve heard from others that just help things “click.” I hope this makes sense as to what I’m asking 
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For me I try to look at a craving as a fleeting feeling/thought and remind myself that it’s just a pattern as I consciously try to occupy my mind with something else.
It also helps me to watch videos of the horrible impact alcohol (my DOC) has on people and it usually snaps me out of any type of craving.
Over time I’ve become more and more disgusted by it.
I saw a video of John Goodman talking about his sobriety and cravings and how whenever he has one, he tells himself to put it off for an hour which leads to put it off for another hour, for the day. By then the craving has passed.
Welcome to the community by the way! 
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No magic way! It is one moment at time, one craving at time! Not taking that first drink or hit. Then repeat. Fight the fight! It gets easier over time.
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Early days was distraction. Long term plan is the Alcoholics Anonymous program for me. Found connection, distraction, mindfulness, a whole bunch of tools in the rooms. Everyones tools can vary. Id recommend trying em all and see what works,leave the rest
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In my early days, I would tell myself I could have a drink tomorrow. Then the next day, I’d wake up and the craving would be gone. If it came back later in the day, I’d do the same and tell myself I can have a drink tomorrow. Also, meetings and coming here were a huge help. After some time working the AA program, the obsession lifted. Fleeting thoughts still come and go but they’re easy to navigate.
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The early days are rough as you are working on abstaining from the DOC and working on a new routine, lifestyle and rewiring your brain / habits.
I spent a lot of time sleeping and in my awake hours I stayed busy with work, puzzles, cooking/ baking, knitting, exercises… whatever that kept my mind and hands occupied.
I changed up my routes home when possible. Changed grocery stores so either I went to coops that didn’t sell alcohol or I went to places where I wasn’t known so I would need to be carded. I would leave my license in the car to not get tempted. Stayed away from events and gatherings where I would be triggered. When not possible (especially with the holidays here)…have a solid plan ahead to keep your recovery safe
I found this community two months in and it had been my saving grace! I spent all my time here reading all the threads … absorbing all the advice and what others do when they are faced with urges daily. I spend a lot of time on the just for fun threads to stay distracted. This has become a sober family for me and I am blessed to know that it’s always active so someone is always listening.
Come join us on the Checking in daily to maintain focus #72 thread. Here the members post about what they are going through daily (sometimes more and sometimes less)… whatever is needed to keep you connected.
Wishing you well and hope to see you around 
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I made myself a kind of sober plan. A list of things I had to try/do when cravings hit.
It was trial and error what worked and what not.
Distraction was key.
That and venting and sometimes chocolat 
Being here on this forum talking about my cravings helps to get trough a craving as well. Cravings come and goes as waves. Every craving you can “surf” trough is a win and will make you a bit stronger I think.
I’m sober for years now and when I have a craving (yes, still have them sometimes) I know what to do.
- venting here ore to my partner
- find some distraction (walking, work out, netflix, lego, etc)
- Console myself with chocolat ore something else I really like.
And knowing that cravings won’t kill. They can be bad but I can get trough them
That’s my way, now find yours 
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I go for a walk. I walk a real lot. Let me tell you.
I heard this tip on a podcast but it really helps me. If you’re having a craving just play the night forward in your mind. Usually it reminds me that I would feel shame or self-loathing for caving in. Then I play it forward to the next day where I don’t have a drink and I’m proud of myself. Usually the craving subsides and I immediately go do something else that feeds my recovery like a walk, reading, take a bath, etc. I hope this helps you!
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