When individuals think about using, they get caught in the fantasy of being able to control how much they drink. They tell themselves that they will only have one drink. However, that first drink usually leads to one more drink after the other. Next, they convince themselves that no one will know that they are drinking again.
Telling someone about urges before taking that first drink can help individuals avoid damaging consequences. Calling a friend, a supportive professional, or someone else in recovery is a good way to share what they’re going through. Openly talking about feelings and thoughts can make those urges begin to disappear.
The best way to approach recovery is to take it one day at a time. Thinking about staying abstinent forever can be paralyzing. That pattern can be overwhelming, even for individuals who have been in recovery for many years. Avoiding isolation and seeking help from a trusted confidant helps to work through those urges.