Cue, craving, response, reward and sobriety at special occasions, Ep6

Play it out to the credits. Having just one isn't a choice for us. See, in your mind, how the movie ends when you have "just one." We know there is an addict in us, we don't need to be reminded every second, of every day. Our addictive mindsets are in there, lurking, and to be aware of that is your most powerful weapon.

Special occasions are difficult things to attend when you are in sobriety and addiction recovery. Super Bowl Sunday is my favorite holiday of the year and the first big challenge I had two years ago when I first got sober.

How you see yourself there, how you view others, your mindset going into the event, what you'll do when offered alcohol or drugs, how you'll respond - there are so many factors to take into account.

Here are four things I watch out for when I attend functions that are generally drinking events.

Cue: triggers
Craving: which motivates a
Response: which provides a
Reward: which get associated with the cue

Be aware of the cues around you at events and be mindful of the craving. Stop it in its tracks by responding in a way that breaks the habitual structure your mind has created so that the reward provides you a stabilizing action - thus feeding thoughts of you being in control and the emotions of confidence and mindfulness in situations that would have, in the past, pushed you into your addiction cycle.