FallingStars

Do you think the crave or urge to drink is a function of your thoughts or a physical thing or an emotional pull? Or any combo thereof?

biminiblue

All of that.

resolute50

I would say all of the above.
But, for me it became a hiding place. And eventually became a prison.
So IMO, I think the mental aspect of it is harder to control than the physical.

Eddiebuckle

I would call it a learned or conditioned response.

https://www.verywell.com/what-is-a-c...sponse-2794974

PurpleKnight

The solution definitely requires mental, emotional and physical responses in order to push through beyond what our addiction would prefer us to do.

It can be done!!

Delilah1

It's definitely both, I felt it was more emotional for me, than physical though, especially after the first few days. The good thing is the urges fade, and almost become nonexistent as time goes on.

Tonymblue

For me i think its both. Mental as well as physical.

EliL

If you are alcohol dependent then it can definitely be physical. Once you have detoxed and the alcohol is completely out of your system then it can't be physical, so would be psychological. Don't know how helpful that is though?

Ezra78

I agree with this 100% ... this is me.

2muchpain

I think sobriety comes in stages. The craving for alcohol is more physical in the early stages of getting sober. The urge to drink is a biggie when I first quit and am going through horrible withdrawals. Once past that, it becomes an emotional thing for the most part. That's why making a plan to deal with the emotional aspects of sobriety is so important IMO. Now if I can follow my own advice!! John

Lookingforchange

I think it’s, mental, physical, emotional and spiritual myself.

Canuckleman45

For me its ALL mental.

Red78

I think it depends on what stage you are at but I would say that all 3 come into play, I have never been physically addicted myself but then neither was any of us in the beginning, unless born with alcohol dependence syndrome..
For me it's a habit, it's what I'm used to reaching for, so for me its mental..

DontRemember

Didn't read the responses(that's how I roll?).. It's all mental.. What controls your body?...What controls your breathing?

bradly22

A mental thing. It's all in your head.