Do you use any quick “mental tricks” to handle cravings, thoughts, or anxieties about drinking or using? These are a few that have helped me over time, maybe you can share your own.
As soon an I catch myself with a twinge of thought about drinking, or buying alcohol, I try to crush it and shut it down ASAP before it gains momentum. Sometimes by even switching to a horrible thought or image like sticking a needle in my eye (sorry) or eating an insect (sorry again!). I know some people put a rubber band on their wrist and “snap” it when getting bad thoughts - similar idea.
If a craving/plan builds momentum, and it feels like there is no turning back, I clam down, breathe, and decide to ride it out like a wave, knowing it will eventually subside (This was a technique from SMARTrecovery I recall). There is always a way back. Just move on and keep busy. I also promise myself a small reward later in the day.
When I feel sorry for myself not being able to drink today, and there seems no escape, I think of all the other people on this forum or in meetings and programs struggling with the same challenge, and I feel less alone - like it’s all of us together, not just me.
Ive not really thought yet about buying alcohol. ive not had a drink for 7 days and feel fine so far. when i went to the supermarket today instead of browsing the alcohol section i browsed the soft drinks aisle. i treated myself to something from the expensive section and got one of those products most people put back thinking “how much! im not paying that” and i got that instead of a case of beer.
I’ve been drinking diet coke on ice which is refreshing, but not healthy I know. It’s better than a hangover. Also, been craving sweets like icecream and chocolate which I haven’t eaten in years!
*When a craving thought pops up(which doesn’t happen much now, thank God), I don’t romance it…I fast forward the tape to the part where I wake up feeling like I’m walking through hell…had a blackout and don’t remember things, have a monster hangover, guilt and shame depression, pity party, etc.
*If I’m feeling antsy, I take a walk, meditate, or talk to someone.
*If I try to throw a pity party because I can’t partake in drinking and feel like I’m missing out…I remind myself that all these beautiful things in my life are happening BECAUSE I’m NOT drinking. Leave the past behind, be present, and the future will have more blessings in store.
Thank you- I always look for new ideas to add to my toolbox. The eat the bug one cracked me up!! I do try and think of how I felt physically when hungover. It was nice if you to take the time to share this with us
Yesterday was my first day. I don’t like sweets at all, but for some reason I wanted a candy bar. It was was a horrible craving. I ended up eating cereal and felt better.
@Dulce you’ll find that you’ll crave sweets more now that your not drinking. There’s sugar in alcohol so now you’re replacing it with candy. This is okay…it will help keep you from craving alcohol. It’s a good idea to carry chocolate with you when the moment hits.
Thanks for rhe heads up. I honestly had no clue that would happen. Especially since I’m not a sweets kind of person. I’m heading to the grocery store first thing tomorrow morning and buying some of those puppies.
Hi. I’m reviving this thread, and adding a few more “metal tricks” to handle cravings, thoughts, anxieties (please add your own!)
There have been days and nights, walking past dozens of bars in “the city”, and getting this sinking sad thought: “Oh my god, I’m never going to hang out in bars again and drink, never, never, till the day I die?!?” …and then feel even panicky. So I STOP and realize, how many other things am I realistically never going to do that I’ve been totally ok with!?
I’m never going to jump out of an airplane.
I’m never going to be a millionaire.
I’m never going to have a threesome (maybe not even a twosome at this point! )
I’m never going away to college, or becoming an athlete, or joining Mensa, and the list goes on.
But there are so many other things I can and will do, but nothing is possible without sobriety.
Hello everyone!! I’m working my way through day 4, and feeling pretty good! Yesterday was a very stressful day at work, my boss (VP) yelled at me, I cried in the bathroom and it was just bad. Normally I’d stop for wine on my way home. Instead, I stopped breathed, thought of this forum, bought tart cherry juice and put it in my favorite wine glass. It worked!!! It satisfied the craving, tasted awesome, worked for the sweet craving, is super healthy and I didn’t slip up. I felt SOLID. I also had chili cheese fries, which were also great, lol. I appreciate everyone here trying and sharing. <3
Hi @MayaLoo. That sounds like a rough day, sorry. It’s great how you handled it. And not all rewards have to be “healthy” chili cheese fries can help now and then!
The most effective mental trick for me is to remind myself that feelings can’t hurt me but drinking will. Feelings will come and go. You must experience the bad ones in order to appreciate the good.
I guess what works best for someone really depends on the reasons why they would drink in the first place. I’m discovering that it’s harder for me to shut those urges down when something happy happens or I accomplish something. The need to celebrate or reward myself with a drink needs some work.
@Oliverjava I seriously like that idea, and will definitely try it! Especially on those stupid commercials.
@MissQuinn yes I agree, it is a very individual thing, what works or doesn’t. But that is true, abstaining sometimes feels like standing out in the freezing cold, like you can’t take it anymore. But the freezing cold is different than a feeling - it will damage you!
Yeah, had not eaten sweets in years. Kicked in over first few months, but now sweets craving is mortly gone. I like the texture of ice cream and dark chocolate though, may get some fat free frozen yogurt and some mini chocolate chips to toss in for treats.
The truth is, I didn’t drink just when I was sad or unhappy…I drank when the sun was shining, when it was raining, when I felt good, when I felt like I had a successful day. So, that being said, I now choose to to reward myself like you would a child…a pack of gum, a soda on ice, new art supplies, a “toy” (book)
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