[Pagekeeper]

When the thought of drinking comes, I try to think it all the way through to the consequences. From my past experience, what I have learned is that it's not the first drink or even the drunk that gets me, it's that the obsession to drink comes back and with a vengence. Remember the obsession? I'm not talking about fleeting thoughts which are easy to dismiss, I'm talking about that nagging, awful feeling of wanting to drink that is absolute torture to the alcoholic.

I also like to make a list of the things in my life I can appreciate better while sober. I used to think I drank because it made everything so much more fun, but truth is it complicated all of the things I truly love: reading a book, exercise, spending time with my loved ones, heck just driving to the store became an issue that might result in serious consequences.

I also like to think about waking up in the morning. Because every morning when I wake up I am so happy not to be hungover. I'm so happy I made the choice the day before to not pick up a drink.

Hope this helps!

:ghug