Before we begin: Alcohol withdrawal can be medically dangerous, and cocaine withdrawal can bring intense emotional crashes. EFT tapping and emotionally focused techniques can support recovery — but they should not replace medical detox, addiction counseling, or psychiatric care where needed.
This script is designed for emotional regulation, craving reduction, and shame release in early recovery.
Case Study 00250
22 Feb 2026
Alcohol and Cocaine Addiction
EFT Tapping – Emotionally Focused Recovery Script
Session Focus
- Reduce active craving intensity
- Regulate the nervous system
- Address shame and self-judgment
- Heal the emotional driver beneath substance use
- Strengthen sober identity
Phase 1 – Assess the Craving
Before tapping, rate:
- Current craving intensity (0–10)
- Emotional distress level (0–10)
- Shame level (0–10)
Just notice. No judgment.
Phase 2 – Setup Statement (Karate Chop Point)
(Tap the side of your hand gently while repeating 3 times)
Even though I feel this craving for alcohol and/or cocaine,
I deeply and completely accept myself.
Even though part of me wants relief right now,
I choose to respond with awareness.
Even though I feel pulled toward old patterns,
I am open to calming my body and mind safely.
Phase 3 – Tapping Round 1
Reducing the Immediate Craving
Tap each point 5–7 times while saying the reminder phrase.
Eyebrow:
This craving in my body.
Side of Eye:
This urge for relief.
Under Eye:
This pressure building inside me.
Under Nose:
Part of me wants to escape.
Chin:
Part of me feels overwhelmed.
Collarbone:
This tension in my chest.
Under Arm:
This restlessness in my system.
Top of Head:
This craving wave moving through me.
Pause. Breathe deeply.
Remind yourself:
Cravings rise.
Cravings peak.
Cravings pass.
Re-rate craving intensity.
Phase 4 – Addressing the Emotional Root
Now ask:
What am I really feeling underneath this urge?
Stress?
Loneliness?
Fear?
Shame?
Pressure?
Choose the strongest emotion and continue tapping.
Tapping Round 2 – Emotional Driver
Eyebrow:
This stress I’ve been carrying.
Side of Eye:
This pressure to hold everything together.
Under Eye:
Feeling like I can’t slow down.
Under Nose:
Feeling like I’m not enough.
Chin:
This fear of failing.
Collarbone:
This loneliness inside me.
Under Arm:
This shame about my addiction.
Top of Head:
All this emotional weight.
Pause. Breathe.
Now shift.
Eyebrow:
Maybe I can feel this safely.
Side of Eye:
Maybe I don’t need chemicals to cope.
Under Eye:
My body can regulate naturally.
Under Nose:
I am learning new ways to protect myself.
Chin:
I survived before substances.
Collarbone:
I can survive this feeling.
Under Arm:
This discomfort is temporary.
Top of Head:
I choose stability over escape.
Re-rate emotional intensity.
Phase 5 – Releasing Shame
Shame fuels relapse. Compassion fuels recovery.
Tapping Round 3 – Shame Release
Eyebrow:
I feel ashamed of my addiction.
Side of Eye:
I judge myself harshly.
Under Eye:
I’m tired of disappointing myself.
Under Nose:
Part of me feels broken.
Chin:
I don’t want to carry this shame anymore.
Collarbone:
I was coping the only way I knew how.
Under Arm:
Addiction started as protection.
Top of Head:
I forgive myself for surviving.
Pause. Breathe.
Now shift.
Eyebrow:
I am not my addiction.
Side of Eye:
I am rebuilding trust with myself.
Under Eye:
Every sober moment counts.
Under Nose:
Healing is happening.
Chin:
I am stronger than this pattern.
Collarbone:
I protect my future self.
Under Arm:
I choose clarity.
Top of Head:
I choose freedom.
Phase 6 – Install Stabilization
Place one hand on your chest.
Take a slow breath.
Say:
I can feel my emotions without escaping.
I can survive urges without acting on them.
I am building strength one moment at a time.
Visualize yourself tonight choosing not to use.
Calm. Steady. Clear.
Emergency Craving Protocol (Quick Version)
If craving spikes:
- Rate it (0–10)
- Do one tapping round
- Drink water
- Change location
- Call a support person
Never fight a craving alone if it feels overwhelming.
Important Safety Note
Seek immediate help if you experience:
- Severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms (confusion, shaking, hallucinations)
- Intense depression or suicidal thoughts
- Loss of control over use
Recovery is strongest when supported.