The goal of this experiment is to find harmony between your subconscious and your conscious mind. Mindfulness will be key in your effort to achieve this.

We are going to discuss urges and cravings - these are normal and to be expected, but how you deal with them must involve mindfulness. Studies have shown that ignoring urges only makes them stronger. When the urge to drink comes, take a real look at it instead of ignoring it.

When you have an urge to drink, be mindful of the emotions and feelings surrounding this urge. The goal here is to interrupt the cycle happening in your brain. Keep in mind that practice makes perfect and the most practice you give your brain at dealing with urges in this mindful way, the easier it will become to resist them.

Today, I’m going to teach you all about a technique known as Urge Surfing (developed by two research scientists). This technique parallels cravings to waves. Cravings build pressure like a wave does - until it peaks - and then it dissipates. The height of the wave (urge) and the power of it depend on a variety of conditions. Just like the urges we have to drink.

PS - In today’s ACT, we discuss the growing popularity of ‘mommy juice’. Marketing and advertising companies are only encouraging the rage by selling hand towels and greeting cards, etc. with propaganda saying things like “it’s not drinking alone if the dog is home” or “safety first, drink with a cop.” You see it everywhere. This, along with multiple other sources, commercials, etc, have created a belief that ‘alcohol helps me cope with stress’. Let’s find out if this belief can be deconstructed.