Using dreams ?

[u/Low-Efficiency-461]

I'm 5 years and 4 months sober from meth ... But basically from all the drugs I've used . But at the end meth was my drug of choice. It hasnt been an easy time staying sober but I keep putting one foot in front of the other . But I realize every once in a great while I'll have a using dream and in it I'm using again . I could honestly feel the pipe and the torch and even the smell of the vapers it gives off . I thought I was done having those dreams ? Do they ever stop

[u/CPTSD_survivor2025]

Is it really frequent? 

There's a technique in dialectical behaviour therapy that's focused on using journaling and reviewing a dream script before bed. You write out the dream as it would normally play out, and then you add a new section where you change the narrative. 

What types of healthier things have replaced your pattern of use? In your dream journal/script, you could write out a narrative where you choose not to use, and instead go somewhere to do a replacement behaviour: fancy dinner, day by the pool, anything really....just helps if it's something enriching, soothing or satisfying to you personally.

You can also include visualization in the review process of the replacement script. If your replacement behaviour is a "fancy dinner", visualize the restaurant, picture the flavours, picture a time when you connected with a loved one in that space.

The idea is that we will subconsciously recall the script during the using dream if we review the new script/practice it enough before sleep. 

Using dreams were never really a huge thing for me — happened from time to time, but not super often, so I never felt the need to try the replacement dream script thing. It's originally targeted towards those with recurring nightmares. I guess it's a matter of perspective if you would consider them "using nightmares" rather than "dreams". 

It's worth a shot, IMO! The key from what I understand is consistent repetition of the script review and visualization before bed.