Discussion: Thinking Positive or Neg...

[T1]

I've just got back from seeing my addiction specialsit. And we talk about how cravings are something addicts will have to deal with in form or anothr for a long time. His idea to have me embrace my desires by cycling through all the possitives that effect me perosonaly. Example I dont want to use cause I don't want my daughter to be around it. or I don't want to use becuase by wife will be pissed. My doc is saying turn aroun those same issues so they are not based on a negative and based on accomplishment-Reward-System. Meaning humans typical repsond to better treatment while they are on a rewards system vs not. The mast plan is if you can recognize those possible situations to then think a series of reward thoghts not negative thoughts. So in my babbling way, (before I fall asl33p) I personally believe that shock value and watching people bottom out makes me apprecaite my life that much more. I've have not hit rock bottom to force into recovry the stories I do read scare that crap outta of me. Maybe this is a bit confusing for most be it's about handle your craving in different wasy. Personally I don't think I can do the "its all possitive". The shock value and scare tactics from loosing it do a hella job too. Sorry for the ramble but its late and im probobly making no sense.

[Aducksdelight]

You are making sense to me. Frankly, when I have cravings, I remember bottoming out and lying on the floor dying. I remember overdosing and praying to God to let me live. I need to remember that. Maybe humans do better on a rewards system but for me, remembering what that was like has helped me to stay clean and sober for 9 days. I don't ever want to do that again and I don't want to die. If those are negative statements that should be turned around, so be it. I'm still here and with God's help, I'll be here tomorrow.

[2ala2]

You're making perfect sense.
My sponsor told me to list all the things i'm grateful for today when I had my last big craving.
My bottom/s was awful and terrifying.
They both, i believe, are a good deterent.
I don't think I will be given another chance if I use.

[ccgirl]

ala said what I was thinking. A little bit of both seem to be a good balance. I, at least, need to think of the good things I have from not using, but I also need to think about how crappy I felt about myself while using, and how crappy detoxing is.