Uh Oh, You’re Tempted To Drink
IT’S OKAY TO BE TEMPTED TO DRINK
It’s okay to be tempted to drink. Read that again. It’s okay to be tempted to drink. Even in sobriety, there is no avoiding temptation. You would have to move away from literally every person and—even if you did that—there is no guarantee that someone wouldn’t just show up with some kind of alcohol.
Photo from Lisa Says Gah Pinterest
acknowledging the temptation
First of all, the fact that you’re tempted shows how far you have come. Before you get mad at yourself for wanting to drink after cutting out alcohol when it used to be a huge part of your life, be proud of yourself for the fact that you chose to be sober. A temptation is just that—a temptation. It does not change the time, energy and work that you have spent on choosing your own health and happiness. Acknowledge that the temptation is there, but always be kind to yourself and your progress.
figure out the “why”
Okay, now that you’ve acknowledged that you were tempted, it might help to figure out why. You probably already know that being sober is not just about being sober. It’s also about dealing with all the thoughts and emotions that cause you to want to drink in the first place. You’re probably also experiencing feelings about your own sobriety in this moment like ‘do I even want to do this anymore’ or ‘I can’t believe I’m really thinking about drinking right now.’
Taking note of your surroundings, learning what time or place causes you to feel like you want to drink, can help you to start to understand why you’re being tempted right now.
All the doubt or even shame is a lot to think about on your own. Luckily, there are other people who feel just like you. Author of Good Drinks: Alcohol-free drinks for when you’re not drinking for whatever reason, Julia Bainbridge, advises being intellectually honest and asking yourself questions about where your decision to drink comes from.
In an article for the New York Times, she writes, “Are you opening that bottle of Riesling because it pairs well with your Chinese takeout, or are you hoping the third glass will drown out those voices in your head that are telling you you’re mediocre? Study your own habits —and be honest about them.”
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treat yourself in a different way
Getting rid of alcohol just means that you have more space to fill with activities and treats that you actually love—things that you can fully enjoy and won’t give you a hangover the next day.
Take a walk, blasting your favorite album.
Put down your headphones and find a quiet place to meditate and spend some time grounding yourself.
Pick up the phone and call someone you feel safe with so you don’t have to feel like you’re dealing with the temptation alone.
Maybe you’re just feeling like you want to treat yourself. This is your permission to splurge. *Reminder* when you cut out alcohol, your body is going to crave sugar.
Indulge in your favorite candy or dessert
Mix your favorite non-al drink
Order-in that favorite meal that you’ve been craving (pizza, chinese, a lil’ burger)
Stream a movie, even if it’s $3.99 on Amazon
Pop into a thrift shop