+- SoberLogic Forum (https://soberlogic.com/forum)
+-- Forum: Tools, Tips, and Tricks of the Trade (https://soberlogic.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=11)
+--- Forum: Evidence-Based Tools To Support And Enhance Recovery (https://soberlogic.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=25)
+---- Forum: SAVE - Defeating Urges And Cravings In Real Time (https://soberlogic.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=29)
+---- Thread: Beginner's Guide On How To Use SAVE To Beat Urges And Cravings (/showthread.php?tid=33)
Beginner's Guide On How To Use SAVE To Beat Urges And Cravings - soloadmin - 04-14-2025
Beginner's Guide to the SAVE Technique
Stopping Addictive Voice Enticements
What is SAVE?
SAVE (Stopping Addictive Voice Enticements) is a simple, powerful technique for overcoming addiction. It teaches you to separate your authentic self from the deceptive inner dialogue that tries to pull you back into addictive behavior.
The Two Minds in Addiction
- The Real You (conscious mind): Wants recovery, health, freedom, and a better life.
- The Addictive Voice (subconscious or shadow mind): Tries to convince you to use again. It can sound like logic, emotions, even your own thoughts—but it's not truly you.
How to Do the SAVE Technique
Follow these five steps to use SAVE whenever a craving or urge appears:
1. Recognition
"Does this thought lead me toward or away from my addiction?"
Train yourself to notice the addictive voice as soon as it speaks. Any thought that encourages using is the addictive voice.
2. Labeling
Once you spot it, call it out.
"That’s not me. That’s my addictive voice."
3. Disputation
Don’t argue, just reject it.
"No. I’m not doing that. I choose recovery."
The addictive voice has no power unless you believe it.
4. Affirmation
Remind yourself why you quit.
"I’m free now. I choose health and peace."
5. Persistence
Repeat this process until the urge fades. It always does. Each time you do this, you get stronger.
SAVE Principles to Remember
- Absolute Separation: The addictive voice is not you.
- No Compromise: You don't negotiate with addiction. No “just once.”
- Present Commitment: All that matters is your choice right now.
- Self-Reliance: You have the power to recover—yourself.
Common Challenges and Simple Fixes
- "It sounds reasonable." → If it leads to using, it's the addictive voice.
- "It's so convincing." → That’s proof it’s the addictive voice. Reject it.
- "I feel deprived." → You’re not missing out—you’re breaking free.
- "Cravings are intense." → They always pass. Let them pass without giving in.
Tips for Daily Life
- Morning Check-In: Remind yourself: The voice may show up. Be ready.
- High-Risk Moments: Rehearse recognizing and rejecting the voice before temptation hits.
- Write It Down: Keep a journal of wins—when you spotted and stopped the voice.
- Shape Your Space: Avoid triggers when you can—especially early on.
Why SAVE Works
SAVE doesn’t ask you to fight cravings forever. It teaches you how to disarm them by realizing they’re not really you. That’s where your freedom begins.
Quote:You are not your addiction.
You are the one who chooses wellness.
And with SAVE, you now have a powerful tool to protect that choice.