“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that” ~ Martin Luther King Jr.

“A stitch in time saves nine.” ~ English Proverb.
This classic proverb succinctly captures the essence of quick intervention – addressing a problem promptly can prevent it from becoming much larger and more challenging to manage.

Contemplation:

In the realm of recovery, especially from substance use disorders, the immediacy of a well-chosen slogan can be a powerful tool in managing cravings. It needs to be quick and powerful. It needs to elicit an entire philosophy in a nano-second! These slogans, brief yet profound, act as quick interventions, offering a moment of pause and clarity in the face of temptation. Think of them as a mental toolkit, always ready to help recalibrate thoughts and redirect focus. For instance, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) has effectively used slogans like “One day at a time” to support individuals in their journey. The beauty of these slogans lies in their simplicity and their power to resonate deeply at just the right moment. But AA doesn’t own slogans….in fact,  you may find yourself writing your own! Whatever works, right?

Breaking Down Goals into Simpler Elements 

With this understanding of the impact of slogans, let’s apply it to setting achievable goals. Consider the goal of reducing the impact of cravings. While this is a significant and broad objective, we can make it more manageable by incorporating clear, measurable steps or elements.

Crafting and Utilizing Personal Slogans 

First, identify or create a personal slogan that speaks to your experience and commitment to recovery. It might be something empowering like “Courage to heal” or “I am in control.” This slogan becomes a daily reminder and a tool in confronting cravings.

Setting Objectives with Your Slogan 

Now, let’s translate this into actionable objectives. Use your slogan daily as a response to cravings. Each time you feel a craving, recite your slogan and take a moment to reflect on its significance. This practice is a measurable, concrete step towards your broader goal.

Measuring Your Progress 

To track your progress, begin by rating the intensity of your cravings on a scale from 1-10. Then, after consistently using your slogan for 30, 60, or 90 days, rate them again. This will give you a tangible sense of how your relationship with cravings has evolved.

Bringing Your Goal to the Group 

I encourage you to bring this goal-setting approach to our group sessions or discuss it with the group. Share your chosen slogan and your strategy for integrating it into your daily routine. This sharing is not just about accountability; it’s about building a community of support and understanding.

Conclusion 

Remember, the recovery journey is paved with small, daily actions and decisions. Using slogans to break down larger goals into achievable steps, we make our path more straightforward to follow. Let’s embrace this method and watch as we transform our relationship with cravings into an opportunity to learn how strong you are and that you actually do have choices.