picklebreath

It hits me almost every weekend. When it hits me I feel as if I have 0 control. Every single time I tell myself that this is it. I have come to realize that my will power isn't enough. NO mater how bad I feel the next day, not mater how much I hurt the people around me, and no mater how bad I WANT to quit, the cravings are just to strong.

So how do I treat and deal with these cravings? I have a family,a year old daughter and a wonderful girl friend who I want to marry and I don't want to lose them.

I want to beat this so bad!!!


Any ideas or feedback is appreciated!!

thanks

Afraid2Succeed

Hey picklebreath,
I understand completely everything you said. I often feel powerless against my addictions, no matter what the consequences.

Once I saw a show on HBO about addictions. The specialist said that our cravings are automatic and happen instantaneously, whereas our consequential thinking is delayed by about 5 seconds. That means our brains are hardwired to give into our cravings, and that is why it is so difficult to overcome.

To constantly delay our cravings enough to forgo relapse is a monumental effort. I think that's why NA and AA say take one day at a time. In the beginning, the urges are the strongest, so keep in mind that it gets easier with time.

Best, Dave

CarolD

hi and Welcome to SR!


We recently had this link in our Alcoholism Forum

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/ar...640436,00.html

Perhaps it will help you.

Keep posting...It's great to see a new member seeking answers.

Done_With_It

It took me a mix of things, my cravings were so bad for a long time. Ice (meth) was my drug of choice. I know what you mean when you say the cravings are too strong no matter how bad you want to quit, but one day you will just do it no matter what.

A lot of people do meetings, that works for them, I did a few meetings in the beginning, they weren't my favorite and not something I did a lot, but when I got bad cravings I found a meeting, even though I didn't really like them, I knew I wouldn't be using if I was at one. I did smart recovery, I came here, I did therapy, I have a blog, did a different group therapy, I just kept doing different things until I found enough stuff that worked for me, I even threw concerts into my game plan.
I needed the natural highs I was losing. I found things I loved to do, and replaced my behaviors when I wanted to use, whatever it took to not use.. Recovery can be a lot of fun, make time for fun, insist on it, I went to the beach, boogie boarding, etc.
I didn't have any money either, not a dime, I found all the stuff I could do for free,
if that's an issue, there's always free fun stuff around if you look. Make it fun also.
And to this day, its what I still do, and for me it works well. And when all that fails, I just don't use, no matter what..
There's a good book I like that helps called The Artists Way, that always helps me, but it's a bit intense.
That's what worked for me, find stuff that works for you, and you will do it also, it will get easier.
Keep trying ,Don't give up...

Done_With_It

Hm thanks you put into words something I've been trying to explain or say to Teach and some others about (something else) for a long time now.. Thanks!! lol

indigo

Welcome to SR lots of great people here who understand where you're coming from. I hope that you make yourself comfortable and keep on posting.