Using crutches to get you through

"Their greatest initial difficulty tended to be the absence of a crutch to help 'escape, hide or get momentary relief from painful situations, troubles and feelings.' Instead of masking emotions with alcohol, the masters eventually learned to recognize what they were feeling, and to allow themselves to experience it and express it in a healthier way.

According to the Times: 'Quite a few of the masters found that when alcohol no longer served as an emotional mask, they needed professional treatment for depression, anxiety or relationship issues that might have fed their drinking problems.'" Treating Substance Abuse

I think this is my problem right now. There's no crutch for me to lean on in times of stress, except smoking and eating. When you take away all the crutches, especially at once and before you learn new techniques to handle those new emotions, it can be almost devastating. My goal in the next few months is to learn how to deal with these new emotions popping up.