Whether it’s drugs, alcohol or smoking addiction you are recovering from, cravings can hit you anytime. Doesn’t matter if you have quite a week before or not used it for a long time. Cravings or urges are a common part of the addiction recovery and are quite intense during the withdrawal phase. For successful and complete recovery, it is important to manage & cope up with such craving episodes in an appropriate way.
Before we talk about how to let’s understand cravings better:
- It is quite normal to experience cravings. Addicts experience cravings during withdrawal phase and later as addiction caused a chemical change in their brain which instigates cravings
- Substance craving does not indicate a mental problem or inability to manage desires
- Everyone has different abilities and ways of dealing with cravings. Some can ignore them while some need to have a plan to avoid them
- Cravings come in phases. They are triggered, built up, reach their peak and then subside. If you are aware of this, it can help in managing your craving
It is the time shortly after you quit is when you are most vulnerable to cravings. However, with some effort and planning, it is possible to manage your cravings and not give in.
What You Can Do?
- Know Your Triggers
There are many psychological triggers that you may face in your routine. Situations like getting exposed to the substance of addiction, seeing someone enjoy that, meeting addicts or people associated with them, emotional turbulence, fatigue, etc. can trigger your cravings. Knowing and understanding your triggers can help you manage your cravings better
- Self-Talk
Logical reasoning with self can be a useful tool when cravings hit you. During the phase, it becomes challenging for you to see past your feelings. You can anticipate this situation and prepare a list of reasons why you chose to quit well in advance. Read this list when you feel the urges.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT includes various techniques like redirection, distraction, and visualization. When you experience a craving, you can redirect or distract your attention to something positive; for instance, listening to music till the craving subsides can be effective.
- Cultivate a Hobby
Pursuing a hobby is a great way to engage your mind positively. It encourages a joyful state of mind and serves as a great means of distraction for the mind too. You can consider hobbies like cooking, painting, pottery, sports, etc.
- Surfing the Craving
In many cases, distraction techniques may not be effective. Instead, you can be mindful of your cravings and accept them for what they are. When it hits you, just stop and close your eyes; be mindful of your thoughts, feelings, and sensations in your body. You can also verbally acknowledge how you felt during the experience.
- Selfcare
Self-care is crucial to recovery and managing your cravings. Inculcating healthy food habits and exercising regularly will help you become more resilient to substance use and also foster your emotional and physical well-being.
- Reach Out
If you are experiencing a craving, you can join a support group and talk about your experience with them. Also opting for holistic therapies and rehabs are proven to be quite effective.
Don’t let the cravings tempt you to the road of self-destruction. Avail help. To know about our de-addiction therapies, call us on 1800-102-0489. You can also visit us on www.alphahealingcenter.in
