Mentium

Early days here and thinking about alcohol and quitting quite a lot. I have realised something rather suddenly. Any thought that is remotely positive about drinking is my addictive voice trying to manipulate me into a place where I will be tempted.

I think I must try to avoid thinking about drinking as much as I can, and encourage negative thoughts about it and positive thoughts about being and staying sober!

Soberpotamus

Have you learned about urge surfing yet? Urge Surfing – Relapse Prevention – Mindfulness

Carlotta

Bingo. Trimpey wrote that one almost verbatim in his book Rational Recovery: The New Cure for Substance Addiction
It's good to see you back, you had quite a little chunk of time before and you can do it again.
How are you feeling today?

SoberLeigh

Great link, SJ.

SoberLeigh

Good thinking, Mentium.

Soberpotamus

In a tiny nutshell, Urge Surfing helped me be "ok" with feeling urges or cravings to drink. Rather than malign my addictive voice (which works for some and I don't knock that!), or give in... it let me "sit with" them until they passed. Took the wind out of the sails so to speak. To use some cliches

Soberwolf

Have you got a sober plan Mentium ?

PurpleKnight

Sound like a plan Mentium!!

Also keep in mind that sometimes cravings will happen, but don't panic, reach out for support either here on SR or in other ways, thoughts are simply that, they pass, they aren't actions!!

Mentium

Thanks Carlotta. I'm OK(ish) today. Some minor physical discomfort - antsy as they say but nothing to complain about.

Soberwolf - thanks for asking. Yes I do. I posted about it a few days ago. Won't repeat myself here though.

..and thanks for the urge surfing link!