Conquer Cravings with Angela's C.A.L.M. Method
Episode Overview
Differentiate between thoughts and cravings. Use the C.A.L.M. Method to manage cravings. Cravings are signals, not commands. Focus on long-term goals over immediate relief. Build resilience through strategic responses.
Cravings don't require strength; they require strategy.
Angela Pugh, the brains behind Addiction Unlimited, is back with another episode packed full of practical advice for anyone grappling with cravings and the temptation to drink. If you've ever found yourself on the brink of relapse, this episode is your toolkit for staying on track. Angela introduces her C.A.L.M. Method – a science-backed, four-step approach designed to help you handle cravings when they strike.
With her signature no-nonsense style, she explains how naming the craving, activating your body, linking to your future self, and making microchoices can transform the way you respond to those urges. The episode kicks off by distinguishing between merely thinking about alcohol and experiencing a full-blown craving. Angela assures you that having thoughts about drinking doesn't mean you're failing – it's just your brain doing what it's been conditioned to do.
She emphasises that cravings are a physiological signal, not a command, and shares her mantra: 'Relief, not relapse'. This mantra serves as a reminder that what you truly desire is not the drink itself but the relief it promises. Angela's C.A.L.M. Method offers actionable steps to interrupt the craving cycle. From catching and naming the craving to activating your body through movement or cold water therapy, she provides practical strategies to calm your nervous system.
By linking to your future self and making microchoices, Angela encourages you to focus on long-term goals rather than immediate relief. This episode isn't just about surviving cravings; it's about emerging stronger and more resilient on the other side. Angela's candid and compassionate approach makes it clear that you're not alone in this journey. So why not take a moment to explore these strategies? Who knows, they might just be the lifeline you've been searching for.