yrag

remember, if you're fairly new to sobriety, to be aware of what are called TRIGGERS for getting loaded. during this time of year in particular, there are many of them. some are obvious and some are not. old drinking and using friends are pretty obvious but there are some you may not be aware of. certain music, songs and places where you used to hang...being envious of others who can still get loaded and " get away with it"...loneliness (call someone or go to a meeting), anxiety about having to go somewhere sober for the first time (do you really have to go? if so give yourself permission to leave if it gets tough)...some triggers are outside of our consciousness. the brain has logged into your memory, man, many experiences you've had even those you may have forgotten (including blackouts) and if you should repeat one of those experiences (one that you have done quite a bit in the past) like taking a certain turnoff from a freeway or highway...sitting down to watch a certain TV show or sporting event. any one of these (an many others) could be a trigger that you won't know happened until the thought or feeling comes that you should get loaded. if that happens, purposely do DEEP BREATHING that means SLOOOWLY INHALE then SLOOOWLY EXHALE, do this three times while doing what is called THOUGHT-STOPPING. it sounds stupid but what you do is picture a stop sign, notice if its new or old pay attention to it. even though this will only last for a few seconds IT STOPS THE THOUGHT in your brain about getting loaded. your brain can't think two thoughts at the very same time. you may have to do it a few times. if you are sitting around when this happens it is best to get up and get busy with something. isolation is not advisable when we're new so try not to do it unless the only people you know are drinking and using friends. calling anyone you know who is sober usually helps as well. then too you can get on this forum site and start up a communication with others. REMEMBER...TRIGGERS are just your brain doing what all brains do. the brain notices what is present and links it to the past as it plans for the future. that's why gaining sober experience is so crucial. once you have more and more sober experience, your brain can link that to whats happening in the present instead of linking it to the old "getting loaded" experiences. hang in there...your life and you are worth it.
peace...yrag

Impurrfect

(((yrag))) - great post, and Happy Holidays to you, too!

Hugs and prayers,

Amy

1undone

Just about everything is a trigger after 20yrs drinking! So thank you for the post! At least I don't freak out over the cork being pulled off our olive oil! Lol

kiki5711

SASA

Happy holidays!