describe a craving

[spuddleduck]

I was talking about my drinking issues with mr spud and tried to describe my al cravings to him. I found it very difficult and spent the rest of the day trying in my head to put my finger on a description and couldn't. it is like a hunger, but that is crazy cos hunger is a natural urge for something that keeps us alive, alcohol does the opposite. it can be all consuming, I find whatever im doing, however busy I am, when a craving takes hold I cant concentrate on anything, but still I struggle to describe the actual feeling of an alcohol craving. its certainly not just fancying a drink or anything as sensible as that, in fact I rarely fancy a drink, I don't like the taste of alcohol and I don't like the effect it has on me.
just curious to how others would describe their feelings of a craving.

[oliveoyl]

describe a craving

Uncontrollable desire

[Jammymammy]

describe a craving

Cravings to me r explained like this.....if u would step over ur Granny, after she fell down in front of u to get wot ur after without any conscience! Probably not very elegantly put but that's how it feels to me!!

[Jazi's Mum]

describe a craving

Hi spud. Craving is not the terrible feeling as described by oliveoyl, and jammymammy. For me it's more subtle. The thought of drinking comes into my mind and the 'desire' grows slowly but inexorably as the day wears on. Then somehow that thought morphs into the action of my hand reaching out and pouring - almost without conscious 'action' on my part.
Good topic. JMum

[DancingGirl]

describe a craving

Interesting thread - thanks spuddle.

For me it is entirely psychological. The thought enters my mind and and then start debating, arguing, struggling with myself. I think about "that first one," imagine all kinds of things - I have to stop now because I'm going to create the craving as I write!!!

[looking for peace]

describe a craving

Interesting.... I just thought of something today after reading this topic. A craving to me is like when my autistic son gets into his repetitive broken record mode (happens often). He gets on on topic and repeats and repeats for what seems like forever. Nothing stops it or changes it and it's really annoying. I've tried ignoring, being sympathetic, getting angry, trying to change topics, everything.

When I get a craving it's like that annoying autistic tendency in my brain to get stuck in a groove and nothing helps. It comes on suddenly and lasts until it just goes away or I give in. Maybe next time I get one of those cravings I should think about it like it's an autistic kid who just can't help himself and eventually gets unstuck and moves onto something else.

[treetops]

describe a craving

Interesting thread.
I think what I experienced was more of the subtle kind - and it was a habit- associated with times of the day/doing things/emotions etc. The slow-build-up during the day to a rendevous with someone you know you should not be seeing (and I am not talking about the bank manager!:H)
Touch wood - I don't get those kind of cravings now - as I have new habits - and realise I can still do all the things I liked to do - and some more besides.

I guess what I am saying is that for some of us time and distance from the bottle is what we need - to break the habits. I think many people here just don't give themselves enough time to get to that point. Thats why medications can help some - to get that space - others can doit without medications or they have group or other support.

Not easy and I am never going to be complacent.
I still can't get through to my partner that AL craving is not the same as wanting to eat another piece of cake. IMO- its a totally different thing and I get fed up when people trivialise AL cravings. Thank goodness, we don't - cos we know!

[mama bear]

describe a craving

I like this thread.
I feel my heart start to race, and my tummy gets all bubbly and I feel excited.
It's almost like having a big crush on someone and the feeling you get when you see them.
How sick is that??

[looking for peace]

describe a craving

Mama bear, I get that bubbly feeling too. It's the first time I ever heard it described as having a crush on somebody, but that's exactly right. A crush on a charming serial killer, that is. Good analogy.

[spuddleduck]

describe a craving

hmm ... interesting descriptions... all of which ring very true, the autistic child, the crush, and certainly not like just wanting another slice of cake. I think understanding the feeling and catching it before it is HUGE can be the key to beating it.

[mama bear]

describe a craving

the key for me is to distract myself

[bettygirl]

describe a craving

I noticed that if I say hello to the craving and don't deny the feeling, it will pass. just because I think it, doesn't mean I have to act upon it. before I would get the urge (compulsion, desire, illicit love affair) to drink and say "fu*k it!" and go to the store.


for me, drinking is a total compulsion, and after some time and learning how to not give in to the craving, it has become more of a memory that I occasionally reminisce about, but am not consumed by.

maybe I will say, I have learned to surf the wave instead of falling into the barrel!

[mama bear]

describe a craving

good to know betty....

[K9Lover]

describe a craving

For me the desire is not for the alcohol itself, but for the feeling associated with it. I know if I'm drinking I'm probably sitting on the couch, watching a movie, being all relaxed. Same with smoking, it's not the cigarette I want, it's the feeling of relaxing. The alcohol and cigarettes are "rewards" that I am trying to find replacements to.

[Kradle123]

describe a craving

Terrific Thread Spuddle!

Mine is a blend of Looking's progressive, incessant Autistic Tendancy and Mama's Crush on a Serial Killer Analogies....

perfect descriptions and pretty scary...