How to Stop Thinking about Drinking!

Does drinking seem to be always on your mind? Do you sincerely want to stop or cut back on your alcohol intake, and yet find yourself somehow focusing on it a good portion of the day? We all know that our thoughts are what guide, if not dictate, our feelings, words and actions. Yet, many times we seem to be unable to control our thoughts when it comes to not thinking about something we truly don't want to think about. Many who are trying to give up their addiction to alcohol are in a constant battle with their own thoughts. They are always "thinking about drinking", and struggling each day to overcome temptation.

While it is certainly true that we tend to act on our thoughts, it is important to realize that the reverse is also true. That is, your words and actions can greatly influence your thoughts, and steer your mind in another direction.

For example, suppose you and I are sitting at a table, and you are talking about how hard it is to avoid drinking alcohol. Your mind is focused on alcohol, you can talk for hours about it, and it's obvious for me to see that you'll probably be drinking it later on in the day, as well.

Now, suppose I suddenly ask you about something I know you're interested in ... say, politics.  You may give me a short answer at first, because your mind is still focused on drinking.  But, the more we talk about politics the more your thoughts turn to the subject of politics, and away from drinking. The words you are speaking are steering your mind away from alcohol. Your thoughts begin to match the subject of your conversation.

If you are having trouble overcoming your addiction to alcohol because it seems to be "always on your mind", then try the following steps (you'll be surprised at how well they work):

• Deliberately start talking out loud about a non-alcohol subject that you're interested in (even if you're alone, go ahead and talk. I won't tell anyone). example: take 5 minutes to talk about your favorite musical group, why you love them, and how their songs have influenced you. The secret: talking about a non-alcohol subject will steer your mind in the direction of whatever you are talking about, and away from alcohol!
• Deliberately take any action that has nothing to do alcohol. example: take a 5 minute walk, or take 5 minutes to straighten your house - or call someone on the phone, just to say hi. The secret: doing something that is not related to alcohol will steer your mind in the direction of whatever you are doing!

You'll soon notice that your thoughts begin to wander away from the subject of alcohol, and your mind begins to focus on the subject at hand. Whether it's your words, or your actions, you are forcing your mind to think of something else rather than alcohol.

The point is that even though you're only spending 5 minutes on these little exercises, you are guiding your mind in a different direction. It is, in effect, Mind Games, as John Lennon might say.

Rather than wallowing in your temptation to drink, you CAN influence what direction your thoughts go by taking a specific action that guides your mind in another direction.

So, you want to stop constantly "thinking about drinking"? Then change your thoughts by FIRST changing the words you speak and actions you take, and your thinking will soon follow your actions!