Originally Posted by
SunshineSally 
TU, I know about the ACE effect when one makes that decision of a Big Plan, and that it can go on forever. Trimpey also alludes to those early into their plan, that they can have times of lots of AV, lots of cravings, but that it gets easier with time. It seems one must have a very vigilent on-guard mindset early on, like 24/7. If one's guard is down, it could almost be like a white knuckling for some at times. That is, until you get the hang of the art of it. When in the throes of white knuckling and working at beating down the AV which has been allowed too much thought at a given time, there must be techniques for that critical point of time.
Sally, there are.
See "Addiction Diction" on Pages 37 and 152. When you think "I want a drink," transpose the words so that it becomes "It wants to drink, but I never drink."
You can also use "Shifting," described on Page 202, in conjunction with the "Relapse Anxiety Grid" on page 190. The shifting technique can be used pro-actively, in that you can practice ahead of time, when you are not craving.
Why don't you go ahead and read up on those again and then see if you still have any questions?
Originally Posted by
SunshineSally There is struggle with AVRT, that is, it's not always roses and ACE for everyone.
The art of it is honing a skill, but people can still actually fall (drink) in the process until they get it right. The approach doesn't lend itself to that thinking, it's pretty much: If you decide to stop, then stop, period.
If they do fall, do many think they've failed it and give up on this approach?
How does one pick oneself up again in AVRT after failing it at a given time? Simply more resilience and determination of vigilance?
This does happen to some, yes. They don't quite get it the first time, but they can re-affirm their Big Plan. The key is to go back and figure out why you were not able to detach from the Beast. There is a "Lapse/Relapse Reconstruction Sheet" on Page 178 for this purpose.
It is a little like learning to swim. At first it might feel awkward, because you don't know how to do it, and it is difficult to coordinate your arms and legs in sync, but with a little practice, you don't even have to think about the actual strokes or coordination anymore. If you want a different example, picture learning how to read. You don't even have to think about it anymore, but you once did. Now it is automatic.
It is the same with AVRT. You simply have to do it, and each time you do, it will get easier. Eventually, you won't even have to think about it, it will be like a reflex. Again, though, like reading or swimming, no one can do it for you.