It's similar for all of us, not just for addicted people. If you are having a tough time or going through a period where you're depressed by anything, like maybe a broken heart, a love affair that just ended, or an unsuccessful business--anything that disappoints you or makes you depressed--just find a substitute for it right away. Sit down and think back as far as you can remember: What made you happy before? Who made you feel good? Which place triggered the best interest or feeling in your life? Go there, if possible. Meet those people who have common interests with you and who are good for you, who make you feel confident, make you feel loved, supported, and "buddy-buddy." And do the things you used to do or you wanted to do, or that you've already tested and know they make you feel really good. So go for those things; busy yourself with all those interesting things and interesting people and interesting places. And then you'll have no time to even think of alcohol.

Most of the time we drink or smoke because we're bored or we're anxious and we worry. The reason we're anxious, bored or worried is because we are without the people we love and like; we are without the activities that interest us and give us pleasure; we are in places where we are depressed and where we don't like the environment. So, the more you are depressed in that environment and without friends and without interesting activities, the more you drink or smoke or whatever. Hang on through the tough time. Twenty-one days are guaranteed to break any habit whatsoever, twenty-one days at the most, every time. You can break any habit in 21 days.

So you know why Shakyamuni Buddha went to sit under the Boddhi tree for 49 days? He was just making sure! (Master and audience laugh) Jesus also went to the desert for 49 days. Why 49 days? Seven sevens or seven threes. Remember how God made the world in seven days? He made a mess of it, but at least it was in seven days. So we can repeat this cycle with many of our activities in life, if we want to achieve something. That's why sometimes we have a seven-day retreat. We could have it longer, but now we are having it. Whoever has time can just stay longer: 21 days or 49 days, and become a Buddha instantly. After a month and a half, the Center will be full of walking Buddhas (Audience laughs). Why not? In Tibet, the Buddhas (Tulkus) are running all over town. It means they have living Buddhas everywhere, so we can make some here. (Applause)
There's a trap, however. When you are in this kind of depression or in need of something, it is very, very difficult to get up and go to the places that give you pleasure, to contact the people who make you feel loved and supported, or to go do the activities that bring you happiness. But do it! You just have to try it once. And once you get there, you'll be happy you did.

Just tell people that. You have to make the effort just to begin; that's it. The beginning is important. Once you begin, you will continue, because you will have all the pleasure and happiness again. You won't remember the bad habits. You might still remember, but your day is now full of activities and interesting people--you do this, go there, talk about this, make jokes, hang together, have a party, and have fun. Then you don't have time to think too much. You do think maybe, but less intensely than when you have nothing to do, with just a boring job and boring home to come to, and you're friendless and lonely--that will kill you. Nobody can step out of an addiction that way, without support, without the happiness to substitute for it. You need people who interest you and make you feel good, places that bring you pleasure, and healthy activities that interest you or make you feel happy.