What Can I Do When I Am Tempted (or triggered) to Return to My Addiction?
1. Make a Plan, Work the Plan* (see suggestions below): Notice and write down what "triggers" you. Avoid these triggers if possible, and cue for the emotional/spiritual triggers. Decide ahead of time what you will do when faced with triggers, especially unexpected triggers.
* Make a list of all of the reasons why you want to overcome your addiction(s). (cuing!*)
* Read this list 20 times a day. Record it on your phone and listen to it again and again. (cue)
* Have your BSFF Quick Sheet handy for cuing. If specific events or emotions come up, it's a good idea to cue for those specifically.
2. Command your Muscles to Act: You see, your muscles can re-train your brain. It has been found that you literally can act your way into correct thinking! So listen to your muscles as their actions train you in the correct response to your cravings. Exit the building--RUN! Don't even go into the room or building that contains the trigger or substance (or computer, etc.) if possible. Command your muscles not to act on what your brain is obsessing about.
Command your muscles to stay still and breathe deeply, focusing on the mechanics of your breathing (and cuing!) Give commands to your muscles of what they will and will NOT do--and follow those commands. Let your body know you mean it! Be the Boss of You! And start cuing! (Remembering to cue for the failsafes. There are many failsafes when it comes to addictions.)
Set a Timer: You can resist for at least 5 minutes. Start to work your plan in those 5 minutes, and start cuing for the reasons you're triggered and craving.
3. ENDORSE! Pat yourself on the back now. NOW! Endorse yourself for EVERY EFFORT TO RESIST IMMEDIATELY-- THE SECOND YOU RESIST! Then CUE or EFT tap!
4. Statement suggestions:
"It is now worth it to me to face the pain(s) of my addiction(s) and overcome my compulsion to use." (Cue)
"I allow the pain (emotional/spiritual events) that this addictive urge represents to be swallowed up in Christ ." (cue and remember it can be helpful to be specific if possible)
"I allow God to replace my pain (specific if possible) with His love and peace (or other positive emotions such as security, serenity, etc." (Cue)
Continue to create statements cue as needed, and as inspired.
Always finish with your Orientation and Full Armor of God cues.
Always finish with your Orientation and Full Armor of God cues.
*These ideas may be helpful in making your plan:
1. Visualize being surrounded with God's Love and Light. Put on the armour of light (Romans 13:12) (and cue using the quick sheet if possible--if not, just cue!)
2. PRAY for help, for ideas, for people you can reach to--pray!
3. LISTEN to beautiful music that uplifts and humbles and motivates you to resist the battles. LISTEN to what the Holy Spirit is trying to say to you. If you feel too far removed from the Holy Spirit, listen to what you would hear someone say who really believed in you at some time in your life.
4. SCRIPTURES: Use 3-4 scriptures that really motivate you to put on 3X5 cards, or in your phone...and CUE!
5. USE Your love of JESUS CHRIST AND GOD AS A SHIELD!
* Put a picture(s) of Christ up to help you recall His Love for you, and your Love for Him.
* Put Affirmation cards up with "I AM" Statements (for Afformations--put "why" in front)
i.e. "I AM A DISCIPLE OF CHRIST." (cue)
"I AM A CHILD OF GOD." (cue)
"I LOVE JESUS CHRIST, AND HE LOVES ME." (cue)
"I WILL PLEASE JESUS THIS MOMENT, etc." (cue)
* Remember that the Savior will literally go before you as a shield:
"..I WILL BE THEIR SHIELD" (D&C 35:14) (cue)
"THE LORD IS MY STRENGTH AND MY SHIELD." (Psalms 28:7) (cue)
"...BUT THOU, O LORD, ART A SHIELD FOR ME...." Psalms 3:3 (cue)
Yes, you have many neuropathways to redirect--kind of like clearing a jungle path with a machete, so this may take some practice. ENDORSE FOR EVERY GOD-GIVEN VICTORY! And...
6. KEEP SCORE OF YOUR SUCCESSFUL RESISTANCE: Really do this. This part is extremely important! On a piece of paper make a mark for every time you resist the temptation to use. It's very important you report the number of successes to someone every day. Let them know how many times you resisted during the night and during the day. Especially report to God! Set up someone right now to report to--needs to be a living, breathing person. Your Mom, or Dad, a friend, or even better, a sponsor. Start attending a local recovery group. Check 211 for resources, there are many addiction recovery services in the community to help you find someone to help.
MAKE YOUR PLAN, WORK YOUR PLAN!
*Cuing refers to using the method, "Be Set Free Fast". These tools can be effective alone, nevertheless, the BSFF approach will make them much more effective.
THIS BLOG IS NOT INTENDED TO BE TAKEN AS MEDICAL ADVICE! THE AUTHOR ADVISES THAT YOU SEEK OUT HELP FROM A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL.