Cow -- amazing as usual.
My added twist is that I still want to have a drink sometimes, and I deny that at my peril. But what I WANT is impossible because it never existed - I never had a drink in my life - so I want an illusion. So I need to remind myself of that instead of pretending I dont want it.
I know I should not want it, because as a rational person I know what happens. But our addiction tries to convince us that the impossible exists.
My power lies in not believing my addiction because I do NOT want the way I drink ever again.
The key to not relapsing for me is in that time between wanting and doing to remind myself that I really dont want to the reality of my drinking. My guru therappist says that in that moment we need to do something that breaks the thoughts - like twirling aound three times, which really helps.
O, if you read this, I hope that your folks are focused on avoiding relapse. You have a lot of tools, but not the key to that kingdom for YOU.
Love you all.