norm123

Four months in. Getting urges every day in the evening. Any advice out there?

Prinnyruler

I am thinking maybe after work these urges come?
You used to enjoy a beer after work?

Yeah me too buddy.

Advice, yup, when you get the feeling you can't take it anymore and that you will go and drink/buy drink, go do something else you enjoy.

Maudcat

Go for a walk if possible. Get some fresh oxygen to your brain. Deep breaths, maybe a cup of calming tea. They will pass. Peace.

Anna

Congratulations on 4 months of recovery!

What changes have you made in your evenings to help with this? Evening was really hard for me and I got out walking and that changed everything.

Ruby2

Welcome to SR and congratulations on 4 months. I had a hard time in the evening. I had to start new habits instead of just drinking at the end of the day. Gradually the new habits became comfortable. In the meantime, I did a lot of busy work. Washing dishes by hand, folding laundry, jigsaw puzzles. I read and posted here all the time. It all helped keep my hands and mind occupied. I also ate a lot of ice cream. Ice cream is wonderful. I highly recommend it for cravings.

Keep coming back.

ljc267

For me I started drinking at 5:30 sharp everyday, so I tended to get cravings around that time of day. If you are anything like me that is probably why.

thomas11

Not sure if this helps, but I only get urges if I entertain the idea of drinking. Keep the door locked shut on any thoughts of drinking. As others have said around here, take that option off the table...forever.

teatreeoil007

Most of us are option-minded people. Like thomas said, take the option of drinking off the table mentally. Adopt that new mentality. Not an option.

Grymt

The thing to keep in mind is that this will always pass and don't pick up the first drink.

In time the '4 oclock urge' lessens and disappears.

I have found that the most helpful way to deal with the cravings is not to suppress, ignore, or run away from them nor to express them (ie push them on to someone or some thing else) but rather to face them even minded. Just acknowledge their existence as you have here and then go about doing the things lifeasks as a matter of course. You will find that you don't need to understand the urges. The understanding will come naturally.