The topic of cravings often comes up at 12-step meetings.
"I've got these terrible cravings and want to drink"
"If these cravings don't go away I'm going to put a needle in my arm."
One hears statements like these - or variations of them - in meetings on a regular basis.
Yet, we must pause and ask ourselves: what are cravings? While many treat them as if they're monsters lurking along our path of recovery waiting to pounce upon us, that's only our brain asking us for more of that wonderful substance that took away all of our pain - at least for a while.
In other words, our body and mind want to feel that sense of oneness with the world, that feeling that makes us believe that everything's okay. That feeling that gives us power over everything, even our unruly selves. That feeling that ultimately brings everything in our lives crashing down around us.
A craving - in my opinion - is a normal part of recovery. And each time one pops up, if we resist the temptation we become stronger. Eventually, if we continue to ignore our cravings they dissipate and don't return.
Think of your craving as merely a thought, then let it pass through your mind. Kind of like a cloud drifting through the sky.
A craving is only a request, not a command that we must act upon. After all, we make the choice to use or not use. Do any of you ever recall anyone holding you down and pouring alcohol down your throat - or forcibly putting a needle in your arm, or a pipe in your mouth?
Remember that we're the decision makers when it comes to using. And resisting the cravings is a wise decision.
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