An interesting study by Hertfordshire University recently discovered that talking about your cravings can actually reduce their power over you.
Although they used chocolate, not alcohol, the principle is exactly the same. The test subjects who were encouraged to talk about their desire for chocolate subsequently ate 50% less than those who were told not to talk about it beforehand.
If you try to ignore your cravings, or suppress them and pretend they’re not happening, then you can end up drinking even more. So if you want to beat your cravings for alcohol, just acknowledge them and talk about it with someone who is supportive.
Hi Johnny
It’s good sometimes to write a diary of whats going on with your body in withdrawel.WRITE DOWN THE EMOTIONS THE SWEATING THE ACHES THE INNER PROMTINGS, You’ll be surprised at how many symptoms are there
Cravings can be real intense and grip you in a vice like hold for a while.
I find switching thoughts and doing something that occupies your mind can help through the tough ones such as writing on this forum no matter what the time.
Well TC and keep up the awareness as alcohol dependency really creeps up on you.
Believe me I know.
Bye for now
Paul
I have had cravings for a few days, and I have given in to them - I’m not sure if my partner really believes that I get them so I don’t talk much about them. She drinks more regularly than me, but she doesn’t get depressed or guilty about it like me, sometimes I think I am trapped on a binge and the binges are getting heavier, and if I drink for 3 days, the cravings get quite strong. I am also too ashamed to tell friends or workmates, they just think I exaggerate about my cravings, but the morning after a night with little or no sleep (like last night) the cravings can get really intense. Funnily enough, when I’m writing this it lightens them slightly, and I feel encouraged about stopping again. The strange thing is that I use CBT with other people a lot, and I am good at telling other people how to rationalise and relax, but when I get anxious and start thinking negatively after bingeing, all the positive thinking seems to go out of the window.
Emma,
That’s a great question, for some, rabbiting to yourself may suffice, however I would suggest you somehow externalize the conversation. This can be a quick phone call or an email. You can leave a message on someone’s voice mail and it can have the effect of talking to someone. I believe the key is somehow getting your cravings/feelings out there, out of yourself.
thats a good idea but how do you do this say for example you are on your own, kids stressing you out and the cravings kick in? Do you just rabbit to yourself? When i have a craving i just try and keep busy and work through it, as it dosnt last very long.