September 13: When Your Foot Slips
The amends went okay. But afterward, in the car, your hands were shaking and all you could think about was a drink. Why does doing the right thing make you want to do the wrong one?
“When I said, My foot slippeth; thy mercy, O LORD, held me up. In the multitude of my thoughts within me thy comforts delight my soul.”
The psalmist says, When I said, “My foot is slipping,” your loving kindness, Lord, held me up. In the multitude of my thoughts within me, your comforts delight my soul.
Notice he said it out loud. “My foot is slipping.” He didn’t pretend. That honesty opened the door for God’s help.
Hard emotional moments often bring cravings, even good ones. An amends stirs up the past. It brings up guilt, fear, relief, sadness, all at once. Your body is full of adrenaline. And for years, the way you handled big feelings was to drink. So your brain reaches for the old solution.
This is normal. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t make amends. It means you should plan for the aftermath.
Before an amends, set up a call with your sponsor for right after. Have a plan for the next few hours. Go to a meeting. Get something to eat. Go for a walk. Don’t go straight home to an empty house.
If the craving hits, say it out loud. “My foot is slipping.” Say it to God. Say it to someone on the phone. Then do something different with your body. Move. Breathe slowly. Drink something cold.
If you’re early in recovery and your body was used to drinking every day, cravings can be physical as well as emotional.
Safety first. If you drink heavily every day, stopping suddenly can be dangerous. Talk to a doctor before you quit.
And notice the second line. In the multitude of my thoughts, your comforts delight my soul. When your mind is racing, let God’s comfort in. Read a psalm. Pray a simple prayer. Remember His love has held you up before. It will again.
One thing today
Before your next amends, schedule a call with someone for right afterward. Write down where you’ll go and what you’ll do for the next two hours.
A prayer
Lord, my foot is slipping. I’m saying it out loud. Hold me up with Your loving kindness. When my thoughts are racing, let Your comfort calm my soul. Amen.
More help for the next few minutes is on the alcohol cravings page.
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