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"Thoughts" of Drink

texastipper
texastipper
I just made this journal post, but thought I'd also share it here for those not following my journal.

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Weird, 3pm and as I was in the middle of pulling clothes out of drawers to thin and re-organize and the thought or concept of having a drink wandered into my mind. It wasn't really a craving, but like yesterday while shopping, just a passing thought.

It was so subtle and EVIL!

Again, it kind of took me by surprise. Seems the difference is just last week I wouldn't have even stopped to think about it but would have immediately acted upon it. Today, I stopped, acknowledge it, and came in here to write about it. Now I am finding it amusing how tricky the old brain can be!
Needhelp4me2quit
Needhelp4me2quit
Yes - I completely get that. I can be doing something that has absolutely NOTHING to do with drinking, and the "concept" of having a drink will cross through my mind. If I have already resolved to not drink that day, I can take that thought, acknowledge it, move it aside, and re-focus on what I'm doing. It is subtle and evil and sneeky. That is why you must be firm in your convictions on what you will and will not do, before the thought even has a chance to develop.
thomas-gee
thomas-gee
The insidious disease ! It pops in like an old friend and for a moment that old comfortability almost tricks us. Then we can remember how that old companion led us down a deserted path and left us, time and again.
Good for you,excellent for you !
stickywick
stickywick
Yep I totally relate to that too.
I used to have to act on so many of my thoughts. Now I can acknowledge them, and let them go. Its like that odd feeling I've gotten walking close to a ledge where a tiny voice says "jump" or even "fall." I don't. Same voice says "drink." I don't.
citychick2011
citychick2011
Happens to me all the time. That's when I bring out my bag of mental ammo. Latest addition, courtesy of Sosa, STEP- stop, think, envision, proceed. Also, from jersey, " I no longer need to drink; it's not worth the trouble." I got lots of mental ammo in my bag lol.
Guinevere19
Guinevere19
I had the same sort of experience last night. I was just reading a book like I usually do in the evening and I started to think that if there was alcohol in the house, I would probably be drinking now. It has been 8 days since I have had a drink and I didn't have a sudden urge to run out and buy some. Like you said, it was just a passing thought.
texastipper
texastipper
Sneaky! It's almost funny how that happens when you think about it - just realizing the mind is at work whether you like it or not! Keep it up!
slc123
slc123
I went twelve days and gave in to that stupid voice and for 36 days have stayed away from alcohol 50%. I want it to be 100 %. I do know that I can't have alcohol in the house. I definitely don't have an off switch. Keep up the good work!
Needhelp4me2quit
Needhelp4me2quit
I like the "STEP" idea. I had not heard of that one before. I plan to use it. Stop. Think. Envision. Proceed. It's simple, yet effective. Thanks!
1is2many
1is2many
Thoughts are just that thoughts. But my mind is pretty crafty in the thinking dept. The point is you recognized it and didn't act on it. The next thing is to never forget... That's the part I found most difficult. See I would always quit and feel better and go back. It took a program to stop this merry go round
1-2
jad1969
jad1969
Don't listen to it's little whispers. It's like having that devil on your shoulder. Tempting you to no good at moments of distraction or weakness. Just remember how far you have come already and going back is not an option. Stay strong :)
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