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Old 06-23-2014, 09:01 AM
  # 16 (permalink)  
Boudicca
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Originally Posted by Nonsensical View Post
Not pertaining directly to the quote you provided, but to the AVRT approach in general, I found it instrumental to differentiate between my addiction and my self. Before recognizing this difference I knew I needed to stop drinking, but I also had a seemingly endless compulsion to drink. I didn't understand this constant battle in my head and that lack of understanding increased my anxiety and perpetuated the problem.

AVRT/RR offers a simplified version of what is really going on in an addicted person's brain. I like 8-syllable words and additional detail so I did additional research, but not everyone wants or needs the long version of the game plan: When addicted, a part of the brain over which we have no direct control in terms of its particular function (the Beast), compels us to seek our substance of choice. Our superior frontal cortex (the Self), wherein lies our reasoning, inhibitions, logic, decision-making, etc., needs to recognize that compulsion for what it is, and refuse to act on it.

This made eminent sense to me on a personal level.
I really like your post. The RR method is the only thing I have tried in my 20 plus year career that worked to help me STOP drinking.

That said, what really resonated with me was "found it instrumental to differentiate between my addiction and my self." What relief it was to hear that I didn't need to carry this around the rest of my life. I could make a choice and BE DONE. I am not "my addiction." It is a very small part of who and what I am.

Not to say that I am not struggling mightily with the Beast right now. It is extremely angry that I am not listening nor believing its stupid lies anymore.
I believe the RR concept is quite simple. Just not easy.

Thank you for your insight.
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