April 9: When Digging Stirs Up a Craving

You sat down to work on your inventory, and an hour later all you could think about was a drink.

That happens more than people admit. Writing about old hurts brings up old feelings, and for years the answer to those feelings was alcohol. Your mind remembers. The craving isn’t a sign you’re doing the step wrong. It’s a sign you’re touching something real.

Paul writes that no temptation has taken you except what is common to everyone. You’re not uniquely broken. Then he says God is faithful. He won’t let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, and with the temptation He’ll also make the way of escape.

Notice it doesn’t say the temptation won’t come. It says there will be a way out. Your job is to look for it and take it.

Sometimes the way out is very ordinary. Close the notebook. Stand up. Go outside. Drink a big glass of water and eat something. Cravings often ride on hunger and tiredness. Sometimes the way out is a phone call. Calling someone in recovery and saying, plainly, I want a drink right now, takes a lot of power out of the craving.

Sometimes the way out is a meeting tonight. Sometimes it’s a prayer as short as: Jesus, help.

Cravings tend to rise, peak and fall. They feel permanent in the moment, but they pass, usually sooner than you expect. Every one you ride out without drinking makes the next one a little weaker.

When it passes, you can go back to the inventory. You might want to pace yourself, though. Shorter sessions, with a walk or a call in between. You’re not trying to set a speed record. You’re trying to get honest and stay sober while you do it.

For more ideas, read help with alcohol cravings.

One thing today

Write down three ways of escape you’ll use the next time a craving hits: a person to call, a place to go, a short prayer. Keep the list in your phone.

A prayer

Jesus, I want a drink, and I don’t want to want it. Thank You that You’re faithful. Show me the way out right now, and give me the strength to take it. Amen.

This month’s step: Step Four.

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