"What saves a man is to take a step.
Then another step."
- C. S. Lewis
Sobriety has been achieved by many former problem drinkers. It takes a decision to quit and the perseverance to overcome the temptation to pick up a drink at the first moment of discomfort. To give yourself an extra edge over temptations employ this mantra everyrtime your addiction tells you that you need a drink:
Mantra: "I do not drink anymore now."
This technique is put forth in the Rational Recovery book by Jack Trimpey and on the website (https://rational.org/index.php?id=1) The little voice in your head that tempts you to drink alcohol against your proclaimed wishes, is your addictive voice. Rational Recovery prescribes using Addictive Voice Recognition Technique (AVRT) to avoid taking the fatal first drink that can set you back on the road to substance abuse.
He says, "Stay away from recovery groups of all kinds, substance abuse counselors, and avoid other bad company as well. Set your confidence for lifetime abstinence arbitrarily at 100%, recognize all self-doubt as your Addictive Voice, seek worthy relationships, and you’ll do fine."
Addictive Voice (AV): Any thinking, in words and images, that directs, supports or suggests the possible future use of alcohol and other drugs.
