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Post by Admin on Dec 15, 2017 1:54:22 GMT -5
Four Common Misconceptions about Cravings and Urges
* Urges are excruciating or unbearable.
* They compel you to use.
* They will not go away until you drink or use.
* They will drive you crazy.
Is there any evidence to support any of this? No, there is not.
You can resist urges and they will get weaker over time.
When you realize you can stand a little discomfort, you will be back in control and part of your problem will be solved immediately.
Accept your urges as a normal part of changing instead of treating them as catastrophes.
You make yourself feel crazy by thinking thoughts such as, "I can't stand this; it's awful to feel this way; this is too much for me; I'm losing control of my emotions and I must be in control.
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When an Urge occurs, accept it, but keep it at a distance. Experience it as you would a passing thought, one which "comes in one ear and out the other". Detach yourself from it, and observe and study it as an outside object for a moment. 'Hmm, that's interesting. It'll pass.' Then return your attention to what you were previously doing.
If the Urge is intense, remember (and perhaps picture) your benefits of stopping. (Remember that list in your wallet?) Recall the "moment of Clarity" when changing your addictive behavior seemed almost without question the right course of action.
Think your addictive behavior through to the end. Don't just remember the "good times", complete the thought to include the negative consequences that follow.
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