Drug cravings are an expected reaction if you’re trying to quit a drug. No matter whether you just stopped using drugs this week or you haven’t used it in months, you’re likely to experience an urge to use it at some point. Drug cravings can quickly lead to a relapse if not managed appropriately. However, you need to recognize when a craving cycle begins and then intervene before it pulls you down.
What Is a Craving Cycle?
Craving differs by person, but there’s a familiar pattern that’s common to most people. Here’s a typical craving cycle process:
• Trigger response: Something happens when you are triggered to use. It could be going to a place where you used to meet up with drug-using friends. Once you’ve hit the trigger, the cycle gets rolling.
• Obsessive thinking: Your mind begins racing once you’re in touch with the old addictive behavior. It then becomes hard for you to let go of these thoughts. The more you think about the drug, the more likely you’re going to relapse.
As powerful as craving can be, it’s not beyond your control. Although you can’t control the reality that cravings will come, you can control how you respond and deal with it.
Ways To Deal With Drug Cravings:
Everyone who’s engaged himself or herself in addictive behavior will experience uncomfortable cravings at the outset of recovery. The tips below can help you control your drug cravings, as well as ride out the urge to use.
1. Understand cravings
Understanding how drug craving originates can help allow you to take back control over your cravings. After all, you have the power to prevent yourself from picking up drugs.
2. Remove yourself
You need to move from your environment and go somewhere else if you are battling with drug craving. Taking a walk outside rather than sitting and thinking about your craving will let your brain focus off on the craving.
3. Reach out to others
Reach out to someone when cravings get too tough. You can reach out to your parents, spouse, friends, or other loved ones. This way, you’re not alone with your craving, talking it out may help you figure out what’s triggering your craving.
4. Practice self-care
It is essential to practice good self-care in your recovery. Doing something that promotes your self-care is crucial when a craving strikes. This may include activities as simple as eating healthy and exercising.
Getting Help
Learning how to manage cravings can be overwhelming. But the more you practice coping skills, the better you will be. However, if you are suffering from substance use disorder, you need to get the appropriate treatment so that you don’t live in this dangerous cycle of substance abuse. Reach out to Cynergi Health Partners if you need help.
