Cravings are something we expect when we’re in the throes of withdrawal, and something that is fairly manageable amidst the support of a residential rehab program. It’s the cravings that sneak up on you at home that end up being so destructive. The cravings that come along when you’ve been clean and sober for a while, and you aren’t expecting them. Cravings can, and will, come along at any point in your recovery journey. Even long-time sobriety veterans report having cravings from time to time. Cravings don’t have to derail your progress though, as long as you know how to deal with them.
Stay Calm
Cravings for drugs or alcohol can induce a feeling of panic, which can prompt you to take actions that you’ll regret later on. When these feelings come along, remind yourself that they’re just that—feelings. Feelings don’t have to become actions unless we let them, and we have control over our own actions. Don’t make any kinds of decisions during a craving, and don’t take any drastic actions. Find a calm, safe space, and wait it out. The craving will pass, and you’ll be thinking clearly again soon.
Get Connected
As soon as you feel even the inkling of a craving coming on, reach out! Call your sponsor, meet up with a friend, or go over to your mom’s house. Cravings are more bearable when we are with other people compared to when we are trying to manage them alone. Attend a 12-step meeting as soon as possible, and share your feelings with the group. You’ll feel much better when you hear others talk about how they’ve been confronted with cravings, and got through them safely.
Walk it Off
Cravings are a chemical reaction. They’re a message that your brain is sending out through your body, asking for a drug that it errantly still thinks it needs. This chemical message causes an imbalance, which is where your alarming, panicky feelings are coming from. Getting some exercise will release endorphins into your body, which will help to restore balance and quelch the craving. So, take a hike, or walk it off.
Get Some Gratitude
Making a list of the things you’re grateful for is a great way to refocus your attention on all the reasons why staying clean and sober is so important to you. When a craving hits, break out your journal and start expressing gratitude. Remember all the people that love you and trust you to stay clean. Remember all the good things that have come to you as a result of all your hard work in sobriety. Write down all the reasons why you’re life is so much better now, and soon the craving will pass.
Managing Director Joey Holub was the first resident and graduate from Shadow Mountain Recovery. He’s earned a degree from the University of New Mexico and continues his on-going education and recovery. Learn more about our Joey Holub, our New Mexico rehab admissions managing director.
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