Originally Posted by kintsugi
But the fact that my mind sort of defaulted back to what it knew made me realize that I don't have a ton of great 'coping skills' developed for bigger life stressors, like moving my family across the country.
Well, actually you do have good coping skills because despite your mind having a passing thought of drinking, you did not act on it, nor do you intend to.
That's good coping. I don't think the occasional thoughts mean that you aren't coping, rather they are just the addicted part of you popping up to see if there is a crack in the door, which of course there isn't, so it won't linger long if not engaged with.
I just expect that sort of activity to pop up during a major stressor. I say something like, "oh yes, there you are...figured you show up lol" It can't hurt you, it can't "make you drink", so it will go on it's way when ignored. That's certainly been my experience.
Congrats on your new job...stressful I'm sure, but also exciting?!