Just recognize those feelings and thinking, the
AV,
and they will fall silent.
Only when you engage in dialog with the AV,
will you have "white knuckles."
Stay alert for new Beast activity, which may be sudden or
gradual. It doesn't give up easily, and it is a strong opponent. When you
feel it struggle within you, it is only your old enemy having a hard time
with its new master -- you. Your Beast activity will taper off and within
a matter of weeks or months abstinence will be
effortless.
If you aren't going to drink or use any more, what would
your purpose be in attending recovery
meetings?
You will be surprised and fascinated at how much of your
thinking is actually your Addictive Voice. You may be stunned to discover
how much recovery movement concepts have become part of your Addictive
Voice, paving the way for more drinking or using. In fact, your Beast will
use the 12-step program as its strongest ally. It will yearn for meetings
and tell you that AA is absolutely right, that by taking personal
responsibility for abstinence you are proving that you are a very sick
person who will inevitably
relapse.
Internet surfers may appreciate AVRT as a subroutine in a BASIC
program:
1. I never drink. 2. "(anything thinking or
feeling that supports drinking)" 3. Go to
1.
Don't count time. Let your Beast count time until the next drink.
Allow yourself to naturally forget why you quit. If you aren't going to drink
or use any more, no explanations are necessary to remain
abstinent.
If you would like to get your PhD in Rational Recovery,