After experiencing a psychotic episode on Christmas Eve, I was extremely tempted to consume alcohol as a coping strategy. However, I remembered the advice of ADS to use more positive alternative coping strategies. So I phoned the crisis team to off load my problems and gain a fresh prospective which aided me in maintaining abstinence.
Throughout the Christmas period, due to the fact that everybody else around me was consuming alcohol at social gatherings, I was almost unbearably tempted to drink. 
One useful tool that ADS equipped me is the use of a toxic image. This requires you to visualise the negative consequences that have occurred in the past after drinking. I used this and the urge faded.
I also confided in family and friends as an alternative coping strategy which was also effective.
Matt
Published 10th January 2012
