dealing with cravings and mind games

[udoschoices]

hey vets - i need some help on how to counter-act the false signals my brain is trying to play on me... i always battle those unconscious impulse reactions saying "its ok to get some pills, wouldnt it be great to get some..." I've ben going to meetings every day, i realize thats what will help me - but how do you BREAK FREE from those impulsive thoughts that are "not my own"??  I rationally dont want to use - but i keep getting these irrational things like "oh so and so might have some, or call so and so..." and it drives me nuts.

any help on anyone that got past those demons the first few days/weeks/months. I realize time will help, just need advice on how to push them out. Been reading on CBT principles about the brain sending false messages and signals and i'm trying to recognize them for what they are - but dang, those opiates like to keep their hooks into your head!!!

thanks all....  i'm ok and the feeling has passed just any tips or help would be appreciated... i know you know what i'm talking about...

[udoschoices]

yes sponsor, yes participating, meeting people, reading, etc... not my first time in the program... but havent gotten a counselor, but did go to one before - who suggested meetings.. and since they are free and not $100/hr, i'm doing this now... trying for 90 in 90... been going every day.

i hear you about TIME and my sponsor says same thing - it just drives me crazy the unconscious rationalization the disease says to you...  just wanted to reach out and get some feedback

thanks a lot

[IBKleen]

Hey,

Here I go again with that word everyone hates---TIME. Don't get me wrong, I still have the thoughts but they rarely stick around long and take over my brain. My disease gets trickier the longer I stay clean and I don't respond to the voices, so there is always a committee of sorts having conversations in my head. Today I have a choice to listen and act or to keep moving forward.

The meetings are great but are you just going or are you participating? Got a sponsor? Working the steps? Reading? I ask because so many people say they are going to meetings. That will get old real quick if you don't become part of the fellowship. Just a thought.

For me, counseling was a huge step to quiet the voices. It took a long time but I got to some core issues and learned new coping skills other than self-medicating. If you are open to, and able to, go to counseling you may want to consider it.

In any case, glad to see you are clean and glad to see you are here!! Hang in there.

[petroglyph54]

Yep the hooks are deep and they have barbs as will, they couldn't even file the darn barbs off! I'm trying to focus on what I do want, not how it makes me fell trying to get there. Like you said your rational mind doesn't want any, this detoxing doesn't seem rational tho do it?This will get better it will. Those that would get you going again on drugs either don't know what your going thru or they are not friends, {sorry man} had to say it. Also, I can't claim the privilege but I thank you for serving.