Recovery · Relapse Prevention
Play the Tape Through
Write the full movie now — first sip through morning-after — for the next urge
A rehearsal script for the next high-craving moment. Write the full movie now while sober — first sip through the morning-after — so it's ready when the urge tries to sell you the trailer.
The trailer the urge shows me
The seductive first frame
The full movie (write it out)
Scene 1 — the first drink / use
Scene 2 — after the third
Scene 3 — the blackout / call / lie / fight
Scene 4 — the morning after (physical, emotional, relational)
Scene 5 — the week after
Watch it before you live it
The brain does not distinguish well between vivid rehearsal and memory. Play the tape in full BEFORE the urge, and the urge shows up already spoiled.