Today was beautiful. It’s been a bit cold and rainy off and on, but as soon as I stepped outside this morning, my brain said “summer". Went for a walk to the store, sat outside for a while, got some chores done. Had a nice, productive day. Now it’s evening and I’m winding down, and I had a sudden intense craving for smirnoff ice, of all things. There’s no REASON for the craving, stress wise, and I’ve been happily sober from alcohol for over 5 years. I’m determined to stay sober. I just wish the “maybe just one tiny drink” kind of thinking wasn’t still cropping up. I’m suspicious it’s something about the weather. I might go grab a sparkling water or a fancy, bitter soda at the store. Anyone have thoughts or advice on how to cope a bit with weather-related urges to use?
Your brain is literally relearning how to think and cope with so much more than you’re aware of! It’s more than just the weather. It could be the weather, the time of day, the light, the ambiance, the smell of the air mixed with whatever you just cooked, what your body feels like at this moment, and a memory all at the same time.
Get through your firsts… the first morning, the first fight, the first victory, etc. Then your seconds, thirds, etc. Your brain will adjust and respond differently each time. Nevertheless, weather does greatly affect me. It’s easier to not think about smoking when it’s nice outside because I’m getting a dopamine hit from the beautiful weather.
I still get “random” urges to smoke. But, luckily, they don’t last long at all. I think it and let it go.
My advice is think about these urges, the thoughts, as balloons. Let them go! 
Don’t chase after them. Don’t grab after them and pull them back down. Let them go! Watch as they go up, up, and away… 
Firstly, well done on your beautiful 5 years of sobriety! 
Many of us here can resonate with the good weather drinking thing. If it was ever part of your drinking routine, sunny weather could be a trigger. Maybe cloudy lemonade, or something thirst quenchy could be a good swap? I love lemon san pellegrino for sunny weather, ice cold 
Do you have a journal or anything that might remind you of the early sobriety days? Reflection is a good tool for moments like these. Think about attending a meeting maybe? It’s good that you’re here, talking about it 
I can relate. The cold beers after a long, sunny workday was a habit for decades, absolutely normal and common. I noticed that me thinking about “a beer would be nice now to unwind and enjoy the evening” occurs when I’m exhausted beyond a certain point, tired and hungry, sometimes needing someone to talk to. Thus it is a classic situation to check HALT and act accordingly.
Journaling helped me to identify the pattern and the needs behind.
My gotos are having a quick snack (an apple, a sandwich, a handful of nuts …), drinking something fizzy, taking a shower, checking if I need more food (if yes I get or cook a full meal), closing my eyes on the sofa for 10 minutes (alarm set) with or without a meditation playing in the background and then calling a friend if I need connection.
Something that has been linked for so long (here: all my life as I grew up seeing the beer after work is the normal) will possibly always be there as a past picture of normal. I define it outdated for myself like lead-containing fuel. We still drive, we still need fuel but this particular sort of fuel is off the list. So is alcohol containing drinks for me.
Congratulations on ur 5+ years sober!! Thats incredible work 
Its sooo funny that u mentioned this (weather cravings). I have noticed over the years of being clean and sober (I am 4+ years in) that certain seasons or types of weather, increase the cravings and thoughts. For example: The fall (autumn) season is always really bad for me… every single year. And weather that is gloomy, snowy, or just a lack of sun can cause thoughts to pop up for me.
I cant seem to figure out WHY it happens. Like what about the fall season makes those thoughts pop up. But they do, and its how I handle them that really matters. I usually just acknowledge that the thought is there and then let it go and go about my day. Very much what @ICanAndWill shared at the end of his post.
I remind myself that they are just thoughts and that these thoughts are just that… thoughts. I dont need or have to react to them. Im fully aware now that not all of my thoughts are helpful or true. That my addiction is lieing to me and trying to find ways to get me to go back out.
I like to distract myself when the thoughts arise. Exercise helps me alot to increase that feel good hormone. It sort of “resets” me and my mood. Not sure if ur into exercise, but that might be an option 
It’s funny how that addictive voice tries every single thing it can to throw us a curve-ball, it’s almost laughable and ridiculous and you need to see it that way. Squash the voice like a fly, don’t give it any air time or start reasoning with it, just squash it and laugh at it. Then grab a fruit juice with ice, or fizzy flavoured water, or ice-tea, or kombucha, or ginger and lemon…. And sit in the sun and breathe and remember how great it is to be sober and that you can go to bed that night with a clear consciousness and wake in the morning with a clear head and no guilt
Thank you all so much for your thoughts and advice. I think I’m gonna start stocking San pellegrino for those random times that strong urges come up. Getting better about regular journaling (especially about sobriety specifically) might also give me more insight into those moments, as a few people have suggested. I really appreciate the support and advice, y’all, thanks again.