Got a Craving? I’ve got you covered.

I don’t gatekeep here. Here are the 6 things I suggest when you are facing a craving. Cravings can feel like a nightmare. They can feel completely unbearable and the desire to drink can win unless you have a plan and some strategies in place. 

Cravings make sense if you’re in a bar or with friends who are all drinking your old favourite drinking, but they can also just as easily spring out of nowhere. I’ve been able to practically tatse the wine on my tongue and  the desire to make the noise in my head telling me to just do it – was nearly overhwleming. 

What is important to remember is that a thought, no matter how loud it shouts – is just that. A thought. It is NOT a command. It is not an instruction, it is NOT direction and you do not have to do what it tells you to do.

So here's what I do to move through cravings:

1. I move. I literally move my body – a craving will activate your flight or fight and you may get flushed with nervous energy. Move, get up, walk around – if you feel like it do ten juming jacks, go for a walk, dance, so something to move that nervous energy through your body. Make it immediate, don’t go and get changed into workout gear – just jum p up and do something. 

2. Grab a piece of ice. Once your nervous system is activated, we can start yto feel the fluttery anxioue feelings and the thoughts start whirring. Your brain goes into overdrive and it’s hard to think rationally. Grabbing a piece of ice and holding onto it brings you out of your head and starught back into your body. The shock of the cold has the effect of ‘snapping’ you out og it and gives you brain something to focus on, it pivots your attention and is incredibly grounding. I also will use it on my wrists and my forearms, it just feels nice to be honest and again gives your brain something to ‘do.’

3. Play the tape forward. Once you are past that immediate PANIC stage, play the tape forward. Yes, right now you want that drink (even though you actually don’t) What would happen if you drank? What would the rest of the night look like? What would the next morning look like? How would you feel? Physically? Emotionally? Mentally? What would the outcome of your drinking be? What would you be giving up? Remember how far you have come, would you be happy to go back to where you started? What would future you tell you to do right now? 

   
   

4. I call someone. Or text. Whatever you prefer but really, calling is better – because speaking to another human who you know has your best interests at heart, be that sober support or a sponsor, they will help you to get out of your head and put your interests first. You can also expect a little tough love thrown in with that support – that is exactly what you need. 

   
   

5. I acknowledge my craving. I don’t try and ignore it – I confront it head on. And the way I do that is by saying this to myself .

“I know you think you want a drink, it’s normal you would feel that way because this is what you’ve always done but you don’t drink anymore."

Sometimes if I know there is a likelihood of being triggered i.e. if I'm super stressed, dealing with a lot at work or handling some difficult stuff I’ve acknowledged to myself, but importantly – always in the third person so for example:

“Old Laura would’ve love to have gotten really drunk about this, but I don’t do that anymore.”

It really helps to see any cravings off at the pass. It helps because when you’ve always done things in a certain way, it makes sense that your brain is going to continue doing the same shit again and again, the brain does love a habit so seeing that habit and letting yourself know its okay – helps shift your brain into knowing it doesn’t necessarily have to be afraid of a craving.

Just as a note on this - I would never say:

“God I really would love to get drunk about this” 

Saying out loud that you would like a drink, that is dangerous and opens your brain up to the possibility of it happening. You brain hears “I want a drink” and it says – well I can solve that. Have one. Small changes but ones that have a HUGE impact.

6. I remind myself that this is just noise. It is going to pass. It may feel like it never will but it does, and the sooner that you implement some of these tricks, the quicker it will pass. Getting through a craving is a huge win and you should treat it as such. Every single time you see a craving off, every time you overcome the internal battle, every time that you prove to yourself that you can, you solidify your strength and you prove to yourself that you can. 

Let the seeds of rebellion against alcohol grow, and watch how quickly it becomes easier. You have got this, I believe in you.

Love always, 

Laura, That Sober Yachtie

Sober Crew Social Club

Here as always for support and conversation around all things sobriety and yachting. If you need extra support, I can put you in touch with intervention services.  If you are suffering with a mental health crisis and need critical assistance please contact your local emergency services.

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