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The cravings for me didn't magically cease. It took time. To be honest, as far as cravings, they went away before I ever started step work. The steps are more about staying clean, not getting clean, at least for me. Here is what helped with cravings for me:
1. Lots of meetings and service. Lack of free time works!
2. Being around other recovering addicts all the time. They monitored my behavior and would physically keep me from buying or using drugs.
3. Having phone numbers of other people in recovery to call when I was alone helped tremendously. Reaching out is key for me.
4. Picking up my key tags gave me a sense of pride. I didn't want to lose my clean month over a quick, one-night high.
5. I got a bunch of speaker tapes and played them when I got a bad craving. One that is especially helpful was Brownie from New York, if you can get your hands on it. You can go on the XA web site (just google XA) to make some if you have a burner, or just want to listen to them on your computer.
6. I had to work my recovery the way I did drugs...every day, all the time. If I didn't, I would have relapsed. As far as I know, it is like that for everyone.
7. When I get the occasional craving now, I pray.
Love,
KJ
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