cravings

I don't know why but I woke up this morning with the worst craving to drink - all I want to do is drive to the liquor store and buy a bottle. I've been trying to think through the drink to remind myself how awful it will be if I give in but the urge is so strong. Using HALT i realize that I'm basically lonely and want to numb that feeling with booze even though that's a lousy solution. Guess this afternoon I'll start calling people from my aa group to talk to, because I will not give in to these cravings.

Any and all encouragement is welcome.

Thanks.

Splitimage

Ahh, an alcoholic craving a drink.....really? I think you're the first.

Just being silly here but its really true. This is what we do. And you're doing the right thing by thinking about h.a.l.t, and by reaching out here! I wouldn't wait until this afternoon to reach out by phone. If you're having a craving, call someone now. Remember, when you allow someone to help you, you're helping them stay sober as well.

Get to a meeting if you can, or get out your book. Have you read the whisky and milk story? That one and the jaywalker story always remind me of how my mind can play tricks on me and make me think I can drink.

Have something sweet. When I was new, I had to have chocolate soy milk in my fridge. It did the trick. Especially when we're fairly new, our bodies are adjusting from the lack of sugar that we took away when we took the drink out of our diets. So its amazing how sugar can stop a craving.

Its hard to crave alcohol when its the last thing we want. Remember that anything you walk through sober, you get to put in your vault of experience to help someone else. You might go to a meeting next week and hear someone say they're craving, and you'll have solution to offer.

Just remember that this too shall pass. You've had cravings before, they've gone away. This one will too, and you'll have others that will as well. Stay sober today and think "I'll drink tomorrow." Tomorrow will never come if you always say tomorrow.

I have faith that you'll get through this one beause you're picking up your tools. Keep us posted!!!

~Rayna