Just wondering what everyone does to stay clean when a trigger or craving hits?
I went to an AA meeting this a.m.--not because of any triggers or cravings, just because. I really got nothing out of it today and that happens. I know the basics of how to handle things the "program" way, but i want to know how to handle triggers/cravings the "non-program" way? I like all the info and suggestions i can get!!! thanks :)
Firesign,
Keep yourself busy.Read a book,take a walk,exercise,etc,ect.
Just keep going till it passes.
Good luck.
DJ
Keep yourself busy.Read a book,take a walk,exercise,etc,ect.
Just keep going till it passes.
Good luck.
DJ
do you know how it is when you get something stuck in your head? the feeling goes away for awhile then comes back because that thought is still there. Im going to the gym in a couple of hours--- that always helps. thanks
acknowledge it and let it go, the most normal thing in the world for an addict is to have using thoughts, but you never have to act on it again, no matter what.
keep switching up when the thought comes back, shoot hoops, wash your car, go for a drive, pray, read the bible, meditate, whatever you can think of to redirect that using thought. it takes some mind muscles and discipline, but it gets easier and easier the more you practice.
terrianne
terrianne
usally i will just wait it out and the craveing's go away,if not i will go take a 20min s*** and that seems to do the trick every time...........DR.VINNY.......PHD.
Also, I find it helpful to remember how valuable the clean time I have is. Remember to really cheerish those 7, 14, or 21+ days of clean time and you'll be less likely to flush them away. All the best
Vinny,
You always bring a smile to my face and make me laugh out loud. A 20 minute sh*t will re-direct your thoughts everytime. That was a very interesting and educational bit of information you told us..Thanks for sharing Dr. Vinny.
Firesign,
Well since I don't have a doctor anymore there really isn't much I can do but re-direct my thinking towards something else when triggers and craving hit. Like listening to the radio, going in my children room's and talking to them, hanging out with friends, cleaning, cooking, exercise and talking on the phone or computer. I really just try and stay busy. That is not hard to do when you have 3 children and a man in your life. I have noticed cravings come and go and they never last long..For me the longer I am clean the fewer cravings I sem to have. Don't get me wrong it's been 9 momths and sometimes I still think oh wouldn't it be nice to have just one pill but then I remind myself of the hell I went through all these years taking them on and off and the craving goes away.. They mainly hit the hardest around the holiday's and when I have to go somewhere like to the mall, a concert, vacation whatever. Those are when I really get to thinking about using. Either that or when I am hungry or angry and I have to Halt as they would call it.
All we can do as addicts is take it one day at a time. Cut off our supply. Pray and believe in a higher power and remain focused on staying clean. Weather you attend meetings or not they are not going to keep everyone safe from relapse. You have to figure out how to deal with life in general. There will be up's and down's and times we all want to use. Stay strong and hang in there. Sorry you didn't get much out of your meeting this morning. I am usre that happens sometimes... You could always hit a evening meeting if you feel you need one or a quick call to your sponser. Have a good day! Rae
You always bring a smile to my face and make me laugh out loud. A 20 minute sh*t will re-direct your thoughts everytime. That was a very interesting and educational bit of information you told us..Thanks for sharing Dr. Vinny.
Firesign,
Well since I don't have a doctor anymore there really isn't much I can do but re-direct my thinking towards something else when triggers and craving hit. Like listening to the radio, going in my children room's and talking to them, hanging out with friends, cleaning, cooking, exercise and talking on the phone or computer. I really just try and stay busy. That is not hard to do when you have 3 children and a man in your life. I have noticed cravings come and go and they never last long..For me the longer I am clean the fewer cravings I sem to have. Don't get me wrong it's been 9 momths and sometimes I still think oh wouldn't it be nice to have just one pill but then I remind myself of the hell I went through all these years taking them on and off and the craving goes away.. They mainly hit the hardest around the holiday's and when I have to go somewhere like to the mall, a concert, vacation whatever. Those are when I really get to thinking about using. Either that or when I am hungry or angry and I have to Halt as they would call it.
All we can do as addicts is take it one day at a time. Cut off our supply. Pray and believe in a higher power and remain focused on staying clean. Weather you attend meetings or not they are not going to keep everyone safe from relapse. You have to figure out how to deal with life in general. There will be up's and down's and times we all want to use. Stay strong and hang in there. Sorry you didn't get much out of your meeting this morning. I am usre that happens sometimes... You could always hit a evening meeting if you feel you need one or a quick call to your sponser. Have a good day! Rae
Remeber where you came from. Remember how bad you felt when you quit. Praying will work too. If you put a pill in your mouth, I guarantee the hell you left is there waiting for you or it could be worse. It definitely won't be better.
