Cold turkey- help me when I'm tempted

[rainbowdash17]

I'm about to go cold turkey from cocaine.
It's time to! Definitely
My weak points are when I'm tempted to buy some (usually evenings)

Can I message on here when I'm tempted for a pep talk on why I shouldn't & reassurance that it's ok?
I think it would really help me

Do you reckon we can do this?

I totally identify with that Flat , the trigger points and certain times of the day when it's all you can think about and sort of convincing yourself everything will be ok this time.

I still have slip ups but am determined not to go back to the hell I found myself in years ago. Sometimes hitting a really low point with it all is the motivation to never go back there.

Changing routines does help and also not being with people that "normalise" it. There's no easy answer I don't think.

Have you contacted any addiction services in real life? Dealing with addiction is HARD and sometimes it's best to ask for some help.

Lostit there is no magic wand is there. Did you find anything in particular helped with cravings? Or is it just a matter of distracting oneself until they passed? It's very encouraging to hear you have pulled yourself out of the hell hole, well done

Totally identity with hating it but still craving it. Flat, I find distraction helps.

The things I did (and still do) to beat cravings are like you really sitting it out and keeping an iron will. Sometimes literally sitting on my hands and crying!
It does get easier but I know I could easily slip back into bad habits. Busy yourself at the worst times to take your mind off it or phone someone. They don't even have to know about your problems, just chatting about mundane stuff is a distraction.

If there is a local NA meeting near you or online it can really help. There are people from all walks of life there; young, old, professionals, parents so don't think your problem isn't bad enough to contact them.

It helps as well when I'm having an internal argument with myself about picking up half a gram, it won't hurt, I can control it.. to think actually that's my addiction talking and it's not rational at all.

I also drink really strong coffee now and do quite a lot of crosswords in the evening (I'm boring) or chat online

I really would get that picture of yourself and your daughter taken down immediately

Thanks Ilostit, very useful tips, especially the one about just seeing it as the addiction rather than me talking!! Netflix is a godsend, I have a few TV dramas lined up (no pun intended) Not sure crosswords would quite do it for me😉.

Rainbow, have you had a chance to go back to the support group? Was so impressed you joined, I haven't been brave enough yet

It is like an external voice isn't it?! I've slipped up recently (last week - had 2 lines) but I look at the big picture too. 2 lines in 2 months is better than binging every Friday night. And Saturday night. And Sunday morning.

Anyway, binge watching stuff, doing things, being busy all help.

Serial I look forward to getting where you are now, never underestimate what you have achieved, from someone who is still in the insane addiction cycle, I salute you, this really is one of the hardest things I have ever tried to do.

You will do it flat. It's hard though.I'm smoking like a bastard! Is that a recommend coke cessation method?! Even now I could happily buy 2 grams - but I know how badly that would end. I "play the film to the end" in my head. A very useful technique.

Just keep plodding on, Flatwhite and you'll get there. It will get easier to say no.
Take one day at a time and remember why you want to change. You've taken one of the hardest steps; admitting you have a cocaine addiction.

It took me a long time to stop kidding myself that things were ok.
You can do it.

I'm completely hooked on the fags too, Serial

I like your "play the film to the end" technique. I've not thought of that before but I can see how it would help.

Serial and Ilostit thank you SO much for the encouragement. There is nothing like advise from people who have been there. I think I might start my own thread as don't want to hijack Rainbow's. Sending you all much love and strength whichever stage you are at, this drug is a shitty bastard

This thread could be a little support group for all of us struggling with the bastard coke, flat
for everyone, especially Rainbow, you sound as though you are finding it tough. There's no judgement if you have slipped up. Just keep on fighting it and being honest with yourself if you can.

Ok Ilostit, maybe I will stick around for now! Rainbow we are here for you, so grateful you had the courage to start this thread. Keep in touch if you can

Coke is a motherfucker isn't it? So good but soooo fucking bad.

I almost wish I had a physical addition that I could kick rather than a psychological one. Have had a drink and am imagining how great a line or 5 would be now. Am going to bed though. Anyone else get coke dreams by the way?! I do!

Yes get those dreams too......get yourself into bed have the dreams and wake up feeling happy, refreshed and ready to face the day. Play the film right to the end. Keep strong 👍🏻

Waking up fresh on a Sunday is GREAT! how are we all doing today?

Well done last night Serial. I know for me having a few drinks used to go hand in hand with a bit of charlie and the more pissed you get, the more it seems like a good idea.

Good on you for keeping your head. you would have been feeling like crap today.
Yes I get the coke dreams, really vivid, weird dreams. I didn't know other people did too.

Brilliant Serial! Well done!! Such a good feeling isn't it. Enjoy your Sunday x

All bright and fresh this end too x

Good work Flat!! Hope everyone has a lovely Sunday.