Hey Sweetie,
as someone who's successfully battled her own addictions (w 8 years sober) let me just say that
you done good by both identifying something that wasn't helping, and doing what works for you because no matter how you slice it (in any kind of recovery program) that process of trial and error is essentially the process of recovery itself. Recovery (whether it be via 12 steps, structured individual/group therapy or otherwise) is all about finding new ways to cope, manage and deal with things that come up in life which had triggered you in the past.
AA has some good foundations on how to start the process of recovery; but IMO it's incomplete...
The principal to avoid people places and things is an excellent idea when beginning; but the supplementary answers (find a meeting, call a sponsor, etc..) don't expel the "negative energy" that comes alongside a trigger, nor is avoidance a long term answer to dealing with problems/issues/persons/what have you... ergo, and IMO, something else was necessary to fill the gap which is left by the programs teachings.
Some things that I personally found helpful when feeling triggered were walking, writing, listening/singing along to music, hitting the heavy bag, going for long drives, swinging on a swing set, watching a scary or favorite movie, going shopping, sitting in the sun on the side of the lake- all kinds of things to take me away from the situation, expel energy as needed and to make myself feel good in the process.
^these things^ may not work for you; but through a process of trial and error, and listening to your body/emotions you will find what does work for you!
Congratulations on your 1st 30 days hun!
I'm so very happy for you
EACE:
