Thank you James. I like your story. I personally feel like my strategy is working so far to soothe flavor cravings when I have them. And it has made me strong enough not to drink at a Bachelorette party recently. I was able to join in a toast with my NA champagne. I may have been able to toast just as well with setzer water. I think I know myself and NA beverages isn't the only strategy I have for obtaining. I'm only 40something days in though. Its good to hear about what worked for those with years under their belt.
Would I be liying .to myself.
Hi Laurie, I agree with the other commentors that say be careful. I know I have tried to satisfy cravings with N/A beers, delta 8 thc, kratom, and other legal placebos, but in my experience it only made the cravings stronger, and kept my addictive behaviour going until I eventually relapsed. I realize now I have to have healthy coping strategies for times I experience cravings. Talking about it to an empathetic friend is helpful for me. Telling on myself brings the craving to the surface so I can deal with it and move on. I'm also in early recovery and I have strong cravings and if I can't call someone because it's late or early or whatever I employ deep breathing exercises and positive self talk like "this is temporary" I should also mention I take Suboxone and that helps a lot, there is the option of vivitrol which I have heard helps with alcohol cravings