Handling Alcohol Cravings: Real Talk and Practical Tips
Episode Overview
Differentiate between thoughts of alcohol and actual cravings. Stay connected with your support network to avoid isolation. Don't beat yourself up for having cravings; it's a normal part of recovery. Recognise isolation as a red flag for potential relapse. Use practical tools like meetings, therapy, or calling a friend to manage cravings.
Craving thoughts are like clouds. They will pass. Clouds always pass.
In this episode of The Recovered Life Show, hosts Damon Frank and Shauna McKenna Vick tackle the tricky topic of handling alcohol cravings. They dive into their personal experiences and share practical advice on how to manage those pesky urges that can sneak up on anyone, even years into sobriety. Damon opens up about his own struggles with cravings, even after over a decade of being sober.
He stresses the importance of not beating yourself up when cravings hit and instead, focusing on the steps you can take to manage them. Shauna adds her insights, explaining how thoughts of alcohol can sometimes be mistaken for cravings and how important it is to differentiate between the two. They both agree that isolation can be a major red flag and emphasise the importance of staying connected with a support network, whether that's through meetings, friends, or a therapist.
The episode also highlights the experiences of sober veterans and the unique challenges they face. Damon and Shauna salute these brave individuals and discuss how many have found strength and healing in sobriety. This episode is packed with heartfelt advice, real-life anecdotes, and a good dose of humour. If you've ever struggled with cravings or know someone who has, this episode is a must-listen.
It's a reminder that cravings are a normal part of recovery and that with the right tools and support, you can overcome them. So, why not give it a listen and find out how you can better handle those cravings when they come knocking?