Cravings are part of the recovery process. It is a hurdle you must overcome every time. It is natural to feel cravings for alcohol or drugs, especially if you are dependent on substances for a long time.
You haven’t done anything wrong to cause your cravings. Even after years of sobriety from alcohol or drugs, cravings can still occur. Sometimes, cravings are a withdrawal symptom or an automatic thought when distressing situations arise.
Furthermore, when you are substance-dependent, your brain associates drugs or alcohol as a reward which releases dopamine, the feel-good chemical in the brain. It is why when you stop using substances and start to live a sober lifestyle, your brain has a hard time going back to its original state, hence the cravings.
For these reasons, adopting a new healthy coping mechanism is important.
What is a Medically-Assisted Treatment?
The possibility of experiencing withdrawal symptoms causes many to perceive detox as intimidating and terrifying. Fortunately, Skyward Treatment offers medically assisted detox to help with your withdrawal symptoms. Our medical staff gives drugs during detox to lessen unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.
Medications are also given to recovering individuals to aid cravings. People can choose this option to help them overcome their cravings. Although not everyone is fond of the thought of taking drugs to treat substance addiction, there are many benefits if medically-assisted treatment is done right.
How to Avoid Cravings During Recovery?
Triggers are what bring on cravings for substances. And the first thing you ought to do is identify the triggers. Everyone has distinct triggers, which might include places, people, emotions, and anything else that makes you think of substance use. Here are some tips on how you can fight your triggers to avoid further cravings:
- Journaling
- Going for a walk
- Picking up the phone and calling someone from your support system
- Meditation
- Positive affirmations
- Remembering that your triggers are temporary
If you are still having difficulty avoiding cravings for substances, Skyward Treatment is here for you. We always got your back until you reach a successful recovery.
If you need help, we are in Houston, Texas. Visit or call us!