S.O.B.E.R

S.O.B.E.R.

When we have a troubling thought, or a desire to drink, the mindful approach is laid out this way:
Stop – Pause for a moment and consider what you are doing;
Observe – Think about what you are sensing, feeling and experiencing, and what events led to the situation;
Breathe – Pause for a few deep breaths in order to assess your situation in as calm a manner as possible;
Expand – Expand your awareness and remind yourself of what will happen if you keep repeating the unwanted behavior (and how you will feel afterward);
Respond mindfully – Remember that you have a choice, that you are not required to continue the undesired behavior.


I learned of the six characteristics of addiction, alcoholism:

  1. Allergy - the craving which started the second I had a hit, a pill, a drink
  2. Progressive - meaning my tolerance grew quicker and quicker very fast. Needing more to get the "job" done or feel the same effects
  3. Self - delusion - denial, mind games, repression, conscious lying, stealing then lower self esteem  --> all of which to keep the addictive behavior going
  4. Preoccupation with the object of addiction, boy, drug
  5. Loss of willpower, despite my best intentions, I repeatedly could not stop using
  6. Withdrawal - psychological withdrawal

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