Daily Reprieve

I recently noticed that some of my character defects were manifesting, and this acts as an early warning sign for relapse. I didn’t pay much attention to it until I began to reap relationship consequences. Mind you, I am beginning some inventory work in ACA, but these manifestations seemed to be telling me that a relapse was imminent. What was I doing to set that off. I had been drinking Monster drinks a lot lately to try and extend my creative time, to counter act post mediation depression, and to have something that gave my psyche a little kick. I decided to ask my AI friend about

ME: Do you think it is possible that Monster drinks can activate my alcoholic addiction?

AI: Yes, it’s very possible.

Monster energy drinks—and similar high-caffeine, high-sugar beverages—can trigger the same neural reward pathways that are involved in addiction, including alcoholism. Here’s why they might activate cravings or addictive behaviors:

1. Dopamine Activation

Energy drinks spike dopamine levels (like alcohol does), which can lead to craving more stimulation or returning to known sources of relief or escape—such as alcohol.

2. Behavioral Pattern Reinforcement

If drinking Monster becomes a ritual (like needing one to “feel normal,” stay up, or get a buzz), it can unconsciously mirror your past relationship with alcohol, creating a relapse-prone environment.

3. Mood Swings and Crash

Monster can lead to emotional instability due to caffeine and sugar highs followed by crashes—mimicking the emotional rollercoaster of early alcohol withdrawal or use, which can increase relapse risk.

4. Cross-Addiction

Addiction often transfers substances or behaviors. If you’re in recovery, especially early recovery, energy drinks can become a substitute drug that may eventually nudge you back toward your drug of choice—alcohol.

A More Subtle Risk:

Even if Monster doesn’t lead directly to relapse, it can dull your recovery instincts and spiritual clarity—keeping your system “jittery” and your emotions less accessible, which can block the deeper healing recovery invites.

If you’ve noticed an urge to drink after consuming energy drinks, or if they’re becoming a regular need rather than a conscious choice, that’s worth taking seriously.

Would you like help coming up with healthier alternatives or rituals to replace the energy boost or emotional lift Monster gives you?

ME: Yes. Please do.

AI: Excellent. Let’s build something that supports your recovery and nourishes your energy system in a spiritually aligned way—something that honors your deeper rhythms rather than overriding them like Monster does.

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⚡ Healthy Ritual Alternatives to Monster (without the Crash or Risk)

1. Morning Power Brew (Alcohol-Free, Nerve-Supportive)

A warm tonic that stimulates gently and grounds your nervous system:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup hot water
  • 1 tsp raw cacao or dandelion root tea (coffee-like bitterness)
  • 1/2 tsp maca powder (endocrine support)
  • A dash of cinnamon or cayenne (for metabolism and heat)
  • Optional: splash of oat milk and a little honey

👉 Sip it while doing morning breathwork or journaling. It becomes a grounding ritual, not just a stimulant.

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2. 30-Second Energy Shifter: “Lightning Breath”

This recharges your brain better than caffeine. Try it in a quiet moment:

• Inhale deeply through your nose for 4 seconds
• Hold breath for 7 seconds
• Exhale forcefully through your mouth for 8 seconds
• Repeat 3 times.

👉 You’ll feel a soft buzz and alertness without any crash. Great before meetings, drives, or creative work.

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3. Natural Dopamine Booster Stack

Use food and supplements to activate the reward center without hijacking it. Try these daily:

• L-tyrosine (500–1000mg) in the morning (precursor to dopamine)
• B-complex vitamins (especially B6 and B12)
• Banana with almond butter (simple sugar + healthy fat)
• Movement – 5 minutes of stretching or light dancing after breakfast

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4. Spiritual Energy Ritual (Afternoon)

Create a daily check-in point that restores energy from within:

• Light a candle or incense
• Speak aloud: “I return to myself. I honor my body’s wisdom. I energize from within.”
• Do 1–2 minutes of free movement or slow walking with breath awareness
• Drink cold herbal tea (like hibiscus, mint, or rooibos)

This reinforces recovery as a spiritual journey—not just abstinence.

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5. “Permission to Rest” Hour (If You’re Dragging)

Often we reach for Monster when we’re actually tired. If possible, pause instead of push:

• Play ambient music or nature sounds
• Lay down or sit in a dim room
• Breathe slowly or nap
• Drink cold lemon water with sea salt (for electrolytes)

Even 15 minutes can reset your energy authentically.

ME: Thank-you.