Normancita

I'm really struggling right now.

I'm on Day 10 and what I really want to do is drink.

Please help me. Please teach me how to surf the urge like I've heard people talk about. I'm trying not to drink but this is so hard.

Done4today

Can you call a sober friend? Get busy cleaning the house or go for a walk. Grab a book (AA big book is a good one) and lie in bed and read yourself to sleep. Just don't take that first drink.

Normancita

Ok I'm going to clean.

This sounds crazy but I'm going to eat candy. I'm hoping the sugar will satisfy the craving.

Gottalife

Candy is a good idea. What are you doing about your recovery other than trying to not drink?

Opivotal

When I would get these urges, I would put on my sneakers and walk until they passed. Your AV is trying to get it's grips on you.

Reaching out for support was an excellent idea, Normancita!

You can get through this. On to day 11.

Normancita

Not sure.....I don't really have a plan right now.

Grymt

ok, calm down.

do this



1. it will pass.

2. if it seems to intensify you are doing the right thing. If you fight it or suppress it you may prolong it while it seems to diminish it may really be pushed back inside only to emerge again later.

3. IT WILL PASS.

Gottalife

Do you know any people, like you, who have achieved permanent recovery without any plan?

PhoenixJ

meeting, art, journal, walk, cleaning is good, shower, coffee, more art, movie, another meeting, post here- LOTS. Breathing- the mindful stuff. Read, research, go to library, art, read a new book, post.

Done4today

mentioning candy reminded me that I would go through a half gallon of ice cream. Not recommending but damn it was good. And I didn't drink but now trying to lose the 30 plus lbs I put on the first 8 months.

Normancita

Thank you for the suggestions everyone, and the beautiful meditation.

Ok so I'm cleaning the bathroom and intermittently popping Mike and Ike's candy (berry flavor).

I'm also putting a pot of coffee on.

Regarding reaching out....I haven't told anyone I have a drinking problem. It started quite innocently in spring of 2012 and by spring 2013 it became full blown.

Dee74

There's some good practical advice on urge surfing here Normancita

http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...e-surfing.html

Try and step outside your craving...observe it...think of it as a wave, beginning middle & end...where are you now..?

Can you try and 'surf' through it?


think about what you might do to get through it - are you Hungry Angry Lonely or Tired (HALT)?

Change you change your atmosphere or location?

There are so good cravings tips here too
http://www.soberrecovery.com/forums/...-cravings.html

Normancita

Thank you, Dee.

I think I might be all of HALT! What a mess I am!

I'm at home. Just finished the candy....my bathroom is clean and now I'm heavily caffeinated. I think I'm through the crest of the craving wave, and now I'm in the trough.

Thanks for the links...I'm going to check them out now.

Delilah1

Lots of good advice above, cleaning and candy also sounds like a good start! Congratulations on the first ten days, you e hit the double digit mark, and that is something to be proud of.

I definitely found going for a walk, or to the gym to be really helpful. I think being active helped me change my current mindset. The cravings definitely lessen with time, and you begin to shift your focus into recovery, and being the best person you can be, vs not being able to drink.

You were very smart to come here and post, and just think how nice and clean your bathroom is going to be!!

Hang in there, you've got this.

PurpleKnight

Keep pushing through Normancita . . . feelings pass, they aren't permanent, the key is to distract yourself and ride out that wave!!

You can do this!!

Normancita

Thank you to everyone here.

I've gotten through the night and heading to bed. I've squeaked by another day with your help.

Blessings to all of you!

Norma

Dee74

Thats great Norma

D

Opivotal

Well done, Norma!

CreativeThinker

How are you feeling this morning Normancita? Aren't you glad you surfed it?

Make it a great day!

Normancita

Hi everybody!

I am SO SO SO HAPPY that I surfed the urge last night!

It felt great to go to bed knowing I'd sleep through the night and not wake up st 2 AM sweaty with my heart pounding.

It also felt great waking up with clear eyes and no headache.

Thanks for helping me....you all made a difference!

Norma