Wordsworth

Strong craving tonight. I had the same last night too, but was able to talk myself out of it. Tonight, however, I have a stronger urge to say, "F*ck it!" HELP!!!

least

NO!!! Don't do it! You'll regret it tomorrow and will have to start all over again. Distract yourself. Occupy yourself with something healthy and positive. You can get thru the cravings without giving in. It's just a feeling and doesn't have to become an action.

LonelyShadow

Is there anything causing the cravings? I sometimes find something as simple as eating something nice helps, or just having a pint of water. The craving will pass, just ride it out!

Wordsworth

Thank you both for your rapid-fire responses!! I think what is triggering it is the feeling that I need the release. I've been working like a dog between work, family, and part-time law school. I feel, after studying all day, that I "deserve" it. Ugh!!!!!!

Bruce292

Think about how you'll feel in the morning. You deserve to feel well in the morning.

LonelyShadow

Ahh yeah you're probably a bit stressed out man what can you do to de-stress that isn't drink? Reward yourself for your hard work in another way. I know that feeling all too well and I find it just goes away after a little while, try to relax and take your mind off the craving somehow, and before you know it you don't have that unwelcome craving! Every craving you manage to beat makes you stronger too

Hang in there friend!

silentrun

When I first quit every night it was the same thing "just get drunk tonight" I used to tell it "let's pretend we did that last night like you pestered me all day to do" If you had given in last night where would you be right now? That's were you will be tomorrow if you drink tonight. The only way to ever get it to leave you alone is to say no to it as many times as it takes.

Dee74

There are some great tips here Wordsworth:

http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...-cravings.html

I can guarantee you won't regret waking up sober tomorrow

D

ErikT

When I was in early recovery,...and had strong cravings...I went to the video store...rented a cool movie....and stopped off at the grocery store and picked up stuff for a really great meal...and some movie theater butter popcorn....while I was going thru the aisles...I found that I was excited for the night I had planned....and the thought of drinking just ...slipped away....

ErikT

sometimes ....strength comes from simply not confronting it....just shifting your view. Its like when a kid is in school whos tormented by a bully....once he simply stops giving the reaction the bully is looking for....the bully just goes away....

bllit

Don't do it i was at day 23 then i drank now on day 3 not worth it

FreeOwl

give yourself a new kind of release.... a new reward...

begin new, healthier patterns of habit.

Get a special kind of tea, or a nice organic soda from a health food store, or mix a flavored water with some pomegranate juice and orange juice, or go get a bunch of fresh fruits and blend a juice smoothie.

Go to a local gym and sit in the hot tub, take a steam room or a sauna, relax on the sofa watching a movie or reading a book.

It may not feel 'the same' - but if you choose something new, healthy, and rewarding / relaxing.... you will find that later you will feel really good about it and it will re-enforce positive alternatives.

Let the craving pass and in the meantime, give you brain some new patterns to focus on.

DON'T FRICKEN DRINK!!! that's just crazy talk.

No, really.... it's CRAZY talk.

ErikT

go see ROBOCOP....

HeartsAfire

Experienced the same thing today, Word. My best piece of advice is one I read on here all the time.

Play the tape to the end.

Play the tape to the end.

Play the tape to the end.

When I do that the romanticism is stripped away and I'm left with the picture of me during my last excruciating hang-over. Or I'm left with my visit to a cardiologist terrified that I had done irreparable damage to my heart (I had not by the way, it was withdrawls/panic attacks I was suffering from).

Keep reaching out. Someone will be here all night ready & willing to talk you off the ledge in a moment's notice.

Play the tape to the end. You're worth sobriety. We all are!

Hevyn

Hi Wordsworth! Glad you wanted to talk about your struggle. I know you can get over this hurdle. Drinking isn't going to make anything better or easier. You are not going to cave.

Wordsworth

I am so indebted to all of you. You will be pleased to know I am happily watching House of Cards and having pizza. I could not have done it without you, so THANK you'!!!!!!

DoubleBarrel

If you exercise, have sex, eat, and take a nap, I guarantee your craving will have passed.

LonelyShadow

Great to hear you got through the craving Wordsworth!

Cheydinhal

Go run a mile on the treadmill or outside if the weather is decent - pounding the pavement always helps me. Going to the movies also helps me a lot. Nothing like a good flick to distract.

DuhDave

I have found that sugar craves and alcohol craves are very similar !!!

You never really know what you're craving...alcohol or sugar...until you eat something to bring your blood sugar up.

I'am talking about a meal... not just a snack.

Hope this helps,

Dave