Cravings are a reality of life for everyone, but for people who have struggled (or are currently struggling) with substance abuse, they can have devastating consequences. Finding ways to resist the temptation to use drugs during recovery is key to success.
Typically, people who abuse substances do so in order to ease the pain and stress of daily life. So when you’re working on recovery but facing the same stressors you always did, the desire to reach for your substance of choice might become nearly unbearable.
Don’t worry: there are steps you can take to keep yourself on the right track in recovery.
1. Get to a meeting
If you do a little Googling, you’re likely to find a directory of twelve-step meetings in your area.
Depending on where you live, these meetings happen at virtually any hour of the day or night, and people who seek recovery from drugs and alcohol are always welcome at them.
Getting yourself to a meeting has a few great benefits: first, you’re physically removing yourself from the situation where you were tempted to use, whether that’s your home, workplace, or the grocery store. A change of scenery is usually pretty helpful.
Second, sharing your story– and your current struggles– will probably resonate with the other people there. You might also hear some other people’s stories that are helpful for you!
2. Build your community
One of the best things about twelve-step recovery programs is the innate community that comes with them. People exchange phone numbers and are encouraged to call one another.
If you find yourself struggling, pick up the phone! Give a call to a fellow addict and just talk it out.
They might provide some perspective on the situation that you hadn’t thought of, or they might just commiserate and stay on the phone with you until the feeling passes.
Either way, these conversations are beneficial to both parties.
3. Pay attention to your feelings
You might have heard the phrase “HALT” in recovery circles– it’s an acronym that stands for Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired.
Check in with yourself every so often and pay attention to what’s going on with you. Have you eaten properly today and drank enough water? Are you dealing with a difficult emotional situation? Have you talked to another person yet today? Have you gotten enough sleep?
Though it seems simple, making it a point to perform these basic check-ins can help you pinpoint exactly what’s bothering you. This might lead you right to the solution that will curb your cravings and keep you from reaching for a harmful substance.
4. Get Online
If you’re not in a location where there are frequent meetings, or if you’re not able to physically get to a meeting, don’t worry– there are plenty of online twelve-step meetings that happen at all hours of the day.
You might even be able to connect with people in different time zones. There are people in recovery programs all over the world, so no matter what time it is where you are, know that you’re not alone. There are people out there who can help and provide a sense of community.
5. Avoid Triggers
Especially when you’re new to recovery, it’s a good idea to avoid the people and places that were detrimental to you in the past. If you used to frequent a certain bar, or hang out with a certain group of people, while you were using, the places and people are connected with substance abuse in your mind. Hanging out with them might trigger cravings, and it’s often safer to just find something else to do instead.
If you’re struggling with cravings or have relapsed, you can always seek help. Recovery communities are a valuable tool, but professional addiction treatment centers exist for a reason. If you want to take an assessment to determine whether you need to seek professional treatment, or need to speak with an addictions expert, please give us a call. We’re here to help you get your life back on track.
My son is trying to stop use drugs and we found help he.is attent the meetings but he is hanging again with old friends who are using what must I do
Pray God and talk to him again,try your best to show him he is managing out only that he should be assertive to his decisions even with such friends
u must have a one on one talk with ur son and explain the dead road that he will end up on I’d he continue to hang out with or please his friends, always remember people will get u dirty b4 they get u clean. and if his friends really cared about him they would pretend to b busy if he wants to hang out or vice-versa.
Your son needs to take personal responsibility for his life. It is possible to keep friends who are still actively using but it does require self discipline and emotional control. I am what the system refers to as a recovering addicts. The work I do requires me to be in the presence of people who are actively using regularly. I simply tolerate the discomfort. A persons attitude and state of mind is paramount I decided a long time ago to not allow anything or anyone interfere with my life, my recovery. It really is an attitude and state of mind. I didn’t quit to simply stay clean and sober one day at a time for the rest of my natural life. I quit because I wanted to be happy or at least give myself that shot at happiness we all deserve.
Your son needs to take personal responsibility for his life. It is possible to keep friends who are still actively using but it does require self discipline and emotional control. I am what the system refers to as a recovering addicts. The work I do requires me to be in the presence of people who are actively using regularly. I simply tolerate the discomfort. A persons attitude and state of mind is paramount I decided a long time ago to not allow anything or anyone interfere with my life, my recovery. It really is an attitude and state of mind. I didn’t quit to simply stay clean and sober one day at a time for the rest of my natural life. I quit because I wanted to be happy or at least give myself that shot at happiness we all deserve. Also you might want to encourage your son too associate with others who have the same interests goals and passions as apposed to common problems. I’m pretty sure he’ll be much more happier if he does.
Kev I’ve done well keeping clean thought I had it but soon as felt good and thought I had it got sorted job money it got me spending my hole monthly pay in weekend onit and telling my self it’s ok cause only haveing it once month which is increasing to every time have money or get chance and I’ve got goals im so capable of achieving and yer so far away from and never going to achieve if Carnt snap out of it now come so far yet scared I’m going to destroy everything worked so hard for need help or advice please
It’s not worth it not to get help. Join a group online that can talk you down off a craving situation! Or rely on a good friend or brother or sister to give you 3 good reasons not to give into the craving. Remove yourself from where the craving typically happens. Remind yourself why you’re not using right now. It will be well worth any effort you put into it.