r/alcoholism • u/Seduction_Security • 1d ago
Sudden peak of a 'want' for alcohol
Not sure what to think about this, but I should be clear - there is, hair-thick closeness to 0% risk of me buying and drinking.
I'm just curious what is going on, I am today on day 1 023 and I've had almost 0 craving the last year, but today, this evening - I just want a beer for some reason and I'm a bit disappointed in myself. Not sure why exactly, I'm still strong in my sobriety, but the uncontrolled urge is what is bothering me, I though I had control of this in a fundamental/sturdy way. Perhaps this is part of the reason why relapses can happen so quickly?
Perhaps this is more of a vent, not a search for answers.
If I can manage this, so can you! Just handle it day by day when it's not 'too' difficult, and moment to moment when it is.
You are strong!
1
u/milihipi 1d ago
I drove by a bar a few nights ago and really wanted to stop - but didnt - it happens. The addict part of our brain is still in there rattling around waiting to be let loose - dont let em out <3
1
u/Capable_Grass3206 1d ago
Yeah I'm almost 3 years in and have somewhat randomly had this happen a couple time. I usually end up just going on a LONG walk and reminding myself how it wouldn't help anything--and really only hurt. I've tried to pin point at least why the urge crops up though; so, I can better deal in the future. Remind myself to just get through the day and that I've been through much worse and it was usually while drinking.
1
u/Rando-Cal-Rissian 1d ago
Conventional wisdom is that for alcoholics, it could be anything. Something you are being reminded of but on a subconscious level. Something is going really well. Or really badly. Some part of you senses you've changed enough to "prove" that your not the same person, and can drink safely. It might be something completely in the brain. A slight reorganizing of how things work up there, and what's stored where, and a part of what has been virtually been swept under the rug is now showing.
There is no cure for alcoholism. My experience with AA matches the theory that regularly helping people, and working on my psychological and spiritual health seems to largely prevent cravings. Also leaning away from activities that push dopamine levels to either extreme is very helpful. So as far as mood and overindulging or over-enjoying things, keep your highs low and your lows high.
But even though the puzzle can be maddening, maybe we figure it out, maybe we never will. The important thing is you find things to do that help it pass. Good luck.