Coping with Urges,
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4 Common Misconceptions about cravings/urges

by Arthur Horvath President SMART Board of Directors


Urges are excruciating or unbearable.
They compel you to use.
They will not go away until you drink or use.
They will drive you crazy.


Is there any evidence to support any of this? No, there is not. You can resist them and they will get weaker over time. When you realize you can stand a little discomfort, you will be back in control and part of your problem will be solved immediately. Accept your urges as a normal part of changing instead of treating them as catastrophes. You make yourself feel crazy by thinking thoughts such as, "I can't stand this; it's awful to feel this way; this is too much for me; I'm losing control of my emotions and I must be in control.

Physiological urges last around three to five days...after that it is a matter of "reconditioning", retraining your thoughts and beliefs.

YOU have control.


YOU CAN STAND THEM and THEY DO PASS


We CAN make efforts to enhance comfort and to expedite the process !!!
Use SMART's concrete tools like DISARM, Divert & Stop Thought

Many people find that spending time at the SMART online meetings with supportive friends who have experienced success at coping with urges is one good way to Divert attention away from urges in the early stages of abstinence, or anytime urges become bothersome. The meetings also provide opportunities to learn and PRACTICE these practical SMART PowerTools.
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