cc64

5 days sober. I made a plan, and am making a huge conscience effort to stick to it, BUT, now the anxiety demon is rearing its ugly head. I identified some more triggers ( like I needed any more of them). I understand that how I respond to triggers will make or break my sobriety. I am trying to apply CBT to identify feelings and behaviors, but my "fight or flight" instincts have a strong grip on me. How do I "fake it til I make it"???

resolute50

Congrats on 5 days sober.
I don't know what CBT is or that stuff.
But,is there any way you can avoid triggers?

Mountainmanbob

I used to believe in that "fake it til I make it"

but, with many ill attempts at sobriety

I started to seek out solid plans so as to help with my recovery

don't know if you hit meetings - but - they don't hurt

Mountainman Bob

SunriseSky

I get some form of exercise every day, even if it's just a walk.

When I start to feel anxious, I find something to do. Whether its weeding a small patch of yard, cleaning out a drawer, finishing some ironing or filing or small home improvement project, it's enough to take your mind off of other things.

When it gets bad, I take a low dose melatonin with l-theanine. It's intended as a natural sleep aid, but I find it takes down the anxiety, not completely, but enough.

Also, I found the anxiety went down slowly but definitely after about 7 days and continues to go down. So stick to it and good luck!

Anna

I'm not sure how you fake it, but you can do things to get through these feelings. Go out and walk, listen to some music, call a friend, get involved in a good book. In other words, take action.

doggonecarl

Don't let your sobriety be contingent upon your serenity. It's too soon for that. The way you feel, that's exactly what you have to get through in early sobriety. You fake it by not drinking and waiting for it to get better.

You probably haven't faced all the "triggers" that are going to make you want to drink. When I was where you are now, I viewed triggers as my addiction's self defense mechanism. It was going to throw everything at me that worked before to get me to drink.

Stay strong.

PurpleKnight

Great job on 5 Days!!