When you’re struggling with alcohol cravings, try these strategies:
Talk to someone you trust: your sponsor, a supportive family member or friend, or someone from your faith community.
Distract yourself until the urge passes. Go for a walk, listen to music, do some housecleaning, run an errand, or tackle a quick task.
ALSO READ: AA advice: Steps to a sober lifestyle
Remind yourself of your reasons for not drinking. Remind yourself that drinking won’t really make you feel better.
Accept the urge and ride it out, instead of trying to fight it.
This is known as “urge surfing.” When you ride out the craving, without trying to battle, judge, or ignore it, you’ll see that it passes more quickly than you’d think.
Basic steps of urge surfing:
Take an inventory of how you experience the craving. Do this by sitting in a comfortable chair with your feet flat on the floor and your hands in a comfortable position.
Take a few deep breaths and focus your attention inward. Notice where in your body you experience the craving and what the sensations are like. Notice each area where you experience the urge, and tell yourself what you are experiencing.
For example, “My craving is in my mouth and nose and in my stomach.”
Source: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
To be continued
Just for today
I will remember that all things begin with a dream. Today, I will allow myself to make my dreams come true.
Uma unenkinga yophuzo oludakyo siza thintana nalezi nobolo ezingezanzi.
ALSO READ: AA advice: Overcoming alcohol addiction
The AA Estcourt branch hosts meetings every Tuesday at Forderville Primary School from 7pm to 8pm. Contact Desigan on 082 849 3014, Roy on 081 874 8016 or Tony on 079 513 4422.
The AA Winterton branch hosts meetings every Thursday at the Springfield Church opposite the police station from 7pm to 8pm. Contact Dolly on 071 688 5330 or Virgilo on 079 688 0432.
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