How to Cope With Withdrawal Cravings

How to Cope With Withdrawal Cravings Addiction Coping and Recovery Overcoming Addiction Print How to Cope With Withdrawal Cravings By Elizabeth Hartney, BSc., MSc., MA, PhD Elizabeth Hartney, BSc, MSc, MA, PhD is a psychologist, professor, and Director of the Centre for Health Leadership and Research at Royal Roads University, Canada. Learn about our editorial policy Elizabeth Hartney, BSc., MSc., MA, PhD Updated on February 17, 2020 Michelangelo Gratton/The Image Bank/Getty Images More in Addiction Coping and Recovery Overcoming Addiction Methods and Support Personal Stories Alcohol Use Addictive Behaviors Drug Use Nicotine Use Cravings for alcohol or drugs are common among people who have been addicted, or even after a period of intense use. They are both physical and psychological in nature and are most intense during the acute withdrawal period the day or two after you stop using the drug or alcohol.  They can, however, also occur months or years after withdrawal. There are many theories about what causes cravings, but the bottom line is that if you have been addicted you will almost certainly experience cravings. Here are some key points you should understand if youre coping with cravings after withdrawing from an addictive substance: Facts About Cravings Cravings are normal. Researchers have discovered that people who have experienced addiction have chemical changes in their brains which make cravings more likely.Cravings do not mean there is a problem. The fact that you crave a substance does not mean that you are weak or unable to manage your desires.Different people have different experiences with cravings. Some can actually ignore their cravings, while others need specific strategies to avoid temptations.  Cravings do not last forever. They come in waves â€" they build up, reach a peak, and then subside. Knowing this may make it easier to encounter and manage cravings. You are very vulnerable to cravings shortly after becoming abstinent from your drug of choice. When used appropriately, methadone can notably reduce cravings and the risk of relapse.?? Is There Medication That Will Reduce Alcohol Craving? Why and When  Cravings Occur There are psychological triggers that you will almost certainly encounter in your daily life. Here are some specific situations in which cravings are most likely to occur: When you are exposed to whatever youre addicted to (alcohol, drugs, foods, etc.)??When you see others enjoying whatever youre addicted toWhen you are interacting  with people, places, times of day, and situations associated with your addictive substance or activity  (evenings, weekends, and time with old friends can be particularly difficult)??When you are feeling particular emotions you associate with the addictive substance or activity (depending upon your particular psychology, you may be most vulnerable when youre frustrated, tired, or stressed â€" or when youre happy, excited, or eager to share your success).  When youre experiencing physical sensations you associate with your addictive substance or activity (fatigue, shakiness, etc.). Research suggests that addictions cause changes in brain chemistry that make cravings more likely. Tips for Managing Cravings Everyone has a different response to cravings; if one of the following tips doesnt work for you, try another! Know your triggers.?? As you go through your day, take note of cravings â€" even mild ones â€" and keep a journal. This will help you to anticipate and plan for cravings as they arise.If youre planning to be in a location or with people who trigger cravings, have a specific plan in mind for managing your feelings. Know what youll eat or drink, know how youll leave the situation, know who to call if you need support.Keeping busy to distract yourself from the cravings can be helpful in focusing your attention away from the desire to take more of the drug.??Talk about your cravings. For some people, talking about cravings is one way to enlist the support of friends â€" and to move through and past the need to indulge.Surfing through the craving. In some cases, distraction may not help â€" and you may simply need to experience the ups and downs of cravings. In that case, it may help to recall the negatives of the addiction and the hard work youve already done to overcome it.Positive self -talk can often help people through cravings. Yes, youre worth the pain of saying no to something that is likely to harm you in the long run.Music therapy is helpful for reducing cravings; listening to music may distract you from the cravings and calm the physical symptoms of cravings, helping you feel better.??Exercise is one of the easiest ways of reducing cravings because it releases endorphins which make you feel better, and it changes your bodily sensations, making it easier to distract your attention away from physical cues to take more drugs or alcohol. However, start gently, particularly if you are also experiencing fatigue and/or muscle weakness, and avoid developing a substitute exercise addiction by keeping your daily exercise under two hours.? If you have recently become abstinent, avoid triggering situations, or at least be prepared to experience cravings if you go into a triggering situation. 5 Ways to Curb Your Drug Cravings and Avoid Relapse