Developing Skilled Problem-Solving

This theory is helpful when considering cravings. Let’s apply Problem-Solving Therapy to an example:

Problem: You’ve had a stressful day at work and you’re craving a drink

• Past solution: drive to the corner store on the way home from work, then unwind by drinking a bottle of wine.

• Clearly defining the problem: what was stressful about work? How did our habits, actions, and lifestyle contribute to that stress? Could we have managed our energy better throughout the day?

• Brainstorming solutions: manage energy by taking a walk during our lunch break, delegate tasks to lessen workload, ask for help, have a special alcohol-free beverage chilling in the fridge at home, plan a self-care evening after work, plug into your alcohol-free community

• Taking action: practice using one of these skills the next time you have a stressful day at work, and build resilience and problem-solving skills for the next craving.

How can you use this framework for other problems you encounter as you live alcohol-free? What skills can you build ahead of time, so you can utilize them when they’re needed?