In less than one year after going through detox, 40 to 60 percent of people relapse. The bravery it took to confront the problem unravels, primarily because of powerful drug cravings. For people struggling with drugs and alcohol to remain clean and sober, it’s imperative to manage the addiction cravings that can last for more than a year. At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida, we offer programs that get our community members through detox and deal with drug cravings. If you plan to enter a detox program, there are a range of ways to handle drug addiction cravings and avoid a relapse. Learn more by calling Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida today at 866.294.5306.
What Are Drug Cravings?
In laymen’s terms, a craving is simply a strong desire to acquire something. We all have cravings for things like sweets and pizza, among many other things. By and large, these desires are a fact of life that usually results in needing to burn off a few calories. But drug and alcohol cravings have a debilitating effect on our minds and bodies.
When a person uses drugs and alcohol, these substances alter the makeup of the brain. Sustained use causes significant changes that manifest in the sense of need. When the brain and nervous system don’t get regular contact with the substance, the person will struggle with powerful, sometimes overwhelming cravings. The high number of relapses are often due to not having the support and strategies to deal with cravings.
How To Deal With Addiction Cravings
Experiencing alcohol and drug cravings remains part of the recovery process. People working to maintain a healthy and productive life must accept and overcome them. These urges can lay dormant and crop up when your feel vulnerable. They can also be triggered by a particular smell, familiar place, sight, sound, or emotion. Stress and anxiety often trigger addiction cravings as well.
It’s essential to understand that you will experience these urges from time to time. But how you deal with them can make a world of difference. These are considered effective strategies to get through drug cravings without relapsing.
Look for a Distraction
When the cravings start to manifest, change your focus to something else. Take a long walk, going fishing, exercise, or practice mindful meditation. Distraction can be a powerful tool to take your mind away from the urge and refocus it. Also, activities that physically remove you from accessing alcohol or drugs give you time to let the craving pass.
Talk About It
When addiction cravings flare, having someone to talk to can prove useful. Consider speaking with a sober friend, sponsor, loved one, or mentor. Discussing the issue and the trigger that may have prompted the craving can increase your knowledge about them. That knowledge becomes a valuable asset when dealing with future drug cravings.
Think About Consequences
Self-reflection in the form of a Q&A session can be a powerful deterrent. Ask yourself what could happen if you take a drink? What could happen if you use drugs instead of resisting the urge. These answers typically run along the lines of losing a job or getting arrested for DUI. People who have already suffered these and other consequences are less inclined to relapse after having a good think.
It’s important to understand that having these urges doesn’t necessarily mean you will restart old habits, nor does it signal that you are doing anything wrong. Cravings are a natural part of recovery, and it’s in your best interest to accept them, deal with them, and move forward.
Get Treatment at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida
Post-detox drug cravings require careful monitoring and effective coping strategies. No one needs to deal with addiction cravings alone. Our compassionate staff members work closely with those in recovery to identify triggers and develop ways to persevere. There’s no reason to let craving upend your recovery. You can call Serenity House Detox & Recovery Florida at 866.294.5306, or contact us online today.