How do I manage cravings?
A craving is just a feeling, and all feelings pass. If you did not have the craving or urge to drink you would not drink. You can try to manage your cravings by sheer willpower (which is NOT a strategy) or you can manage your cravings by distraction, thought work, and mindfulness. You can teach yourself to no longer feel the craving to drink when you are at a party, restaurant, stressed, sad etc. You can learn the tools to take your power back from the cravings. I go into a ton of the psychology behind cravings and how to teach yourself to manage them in the 30-day Alcoholiday.
Isn’t some alcohol good for you?
Super short medical professional answer: no. Alcohol is a known carcinogen and besides being linked to multiple cancers, moderate alcohol use has been shown to lead to dementia, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease, and digestive problems. Any benefits of drinking alcohol have only been correlations and the World Health Organization advises there is no safe level of alcohol. Side caveat- there are risks in many things we do and take. You are an adult, and you get to weigh those risks when deciding how to live your life.
Why can’t I get past the first few days or weeks when I try to take a break?
You have spent years using alcohol to move you towards pleasure or away from pain. It is going to take time to unwind the habit. Instead of asking why you can’t quit drinking start asking how you can take a break from drinking. This is focusing on the solution instead of the problem.
Why can’t I drink like a normal person?
I’m sure you know people who can “take it or leave it” when it comes to drinking and people who can’t get enough. (Hello, that was me.) Turns out some people produce way more dopamine (the feel good hormone) when they drink so they are more likely to become addicted. However, EVERYBODY has the potential to drink too much and become addicted (mentally and/or physically) to alcohol. Alcohol IS an addictive substance. It doesn’t matter if you’re a man, woman, poor or rich you can become addicted to alcohol.
Listen, you are not broken. You are capable of changing your thinking and your drinking.
I believe in you and I’m here to help.
Get the FREE Dry Guide for tips, tools, and resources for going Alcohol Free. Find it here: alcoholtippingpoint.com/dryguide
Do you want just a small vacation from alcohol but not ready to stop “forever”? Try my FREE e-course: 10 Day Holiday- Alcohol Free Break. Learn more and sign up here: https://www.alcoholtippingpoint.com/10dayholiday
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