The other day i was extremely tempted , the first time in 18 days…I’d planned for my friend to come over, (ex drinking buddy)… she was still going to have a drink…I was stressing out over it soo much as i really wanted to drink with her even though i said i wouldnt…In the end i had to cancel it because I felt ill from the stress/temptation. It made me feel weak for the first time and I was really upset with myself for being so tempted. Ur mind can easily come up with excuses for yourself to have a drink!! And forget all the negatives… its scary. Anyway I was proud of myself for cancelling it but just wondered how other people cope with temptation? X
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I know some people that have been here a while have seen this a few times, but this is the blue print I’ve used… I use a few other strategies, but this is my foundation.
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Like it thanks! Booze brain… really good idea xxx
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I like this strategy. I feel empowered, by saying “no” to myself. I guess, it takes some discipline. It’s tough at first, but it gets so much easier every time I say “no”.
I have used a shotgun approach as well. I started exercising, eating healthy, fulfilling my spiritual approach to life. I prefer church. However I do get comfort and relaxation out of meditation. The worse thing I can do for my overall health is drink alcohol. 
I just never drink now, I don’t want to drink now. Even if the opportunity presents itself I won’t drink now. I just don’t see a reward in it.
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My brother drinks almost every single night in my presence , while I just have ginger ale or some really heavily gasified soda.
I honestly don’t want to ask him not to drink while he is hanging out with me because it would only make me feel more self-conscious , yet … it is hard not gonna lie. But I think by exposing myself to those situations even when feeling vulnerable and still being able to not drink makes me feel empowered , like I have total control of this , I am beating my booze brain and at the end of the night I am super proud and happy with myself.
I don’t know , maybe I like pushing myself a bit too much , but it has worked so far 
.
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Hi @Septicpigeon. Totally understandable. I don’t call that being “weak” at all, you were being smart by being aware of the risk to your sobriety and cancelling for now. In the future it can get easier, and maybe you won’t need to cancel.
A while back I created a topic to discuss “mental tricks” to handle thoughts and cravings. Of course there is also lots of advice in books and online, but maybe look at this to see what I and some members have tried…
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I think there’s quite a few people on the forum who find your approach too difficult initially @Otka, but I have to say what you’e doing works for me.
As most of my friends are heavy drinkers, what I see is not the cool, advertised, marketed version of drinking, but normal people steadily looking the worse for wear, slightly slurring, forgetting what they were talking about, and not being half as smart as they normally are.
Which is a great advertisement for me not to drink!
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@Charlesfreck that is actually a fantastic way to see it. And you are absolutely right.
I am personally not trying to suggest that people try to imitate what you and I do , wich is basicly exposing ourselves to temptation. I actually think I am extremely vulnerable to this , and that is exactly why I do it. Call me crazy , but it pushes me to deal with my problem right there no anesthesia , it also reminds me what I DONT want to be anymore (basicly what you were saying , seeing how others behave when drinking heavily) and even if difficult the sense of accomplishment at the end of the night feels way too good.
I know it’s a tough strategy , the odds of failing are way higher , but I have to test myself because I know I will have to live with this for the rest of my life , so if I don’t put myself in real situations then I’ll be just a prisoner of my own issue. So that’s my goal , not to be.
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Such good answers from people. Thank you.
For me, setting good boundaries for myself is really important. There are just some places and behaviors that are just not good for me. Some are actually rituals that will eventually follow it’s course and lead to me to act out.
Practicing the healthy behaviors I’ve set for myself is the most important aspect of dealing with temptation down the road. The more I’m talking care of myself, the more empowered I get to make wise decisions to avoid acting out.
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@Septicpigeon
I always have a plan. I put stops in place to make sure I remain in control. Ill be at a party tonight, in fact. I am bringing my own 2 liter Coke Zero.
I have a plan for the way I think things will go. I also have a plan for the night going to Hell.
The main point f emphasis is that I can control me, so I will. I can’t control anyone else, so I don’t try.
Best,
Chandler
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