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Learning to let go of addictive behaviors is the greatest challenge for those in the process of recovery.  The addicted brain try’s to cling to the addictive behavior as if it were necessary for survival.  That is just how the Limbic Part of the brain works. This is why it is so painful for those in recovery to let go.  A very powerful and instinctive part of them is trying to hang on to its form of self-medication. Understanding this is what acceptance and surrender are about.  The great hope of a new life comes from understanding that the higher function brain (Pre-frontal cortex) can learn to manage the lower functioning brains cravings.  This is done by actively practicing daily’s (through the daily planning sheet) and in learning to become more mindful and aware on a moment by moment basis. “The bird of paradise alights only on the hand that does not grasp it.”  Understand that no harm will come to you if you don’t act out.  You will find that there is a beautiful sense of peace that will come to you when you learn to let go and walk away.  Practice walking away this week and see for yourself!