When you’re in recovery from addiction, one of the toughest parts is handling the intense cravings that arise. This is especially true when you’re just new to sobriety.
Everyone faces their battles when recovering, but cravings are actually quite a common struggle. In this post, we explore the nature of cravings during recovery, how they change over time, and effective treatment strategies for the physical and mental cravings and managing them.
What Are Cravings?
Cravings in the context of addiction are intense, often uncontrollable desires for the substance or behaviour that the person is addicted to. They usually happen as part of withdrawal symptoms, but people still experience cravings from time to time, even if they’ve been in recovery for a long time.
These can be both physical and psychological. Physically, the brain and body can react to stress or the absence of the substance it’s used to getting, causing uncomfortable symptoms that make the person crave the substance even more. Psychologically, the person’s thoughts and emotions can trigger cravings, especially when they find themselves in situations, with people, or at places typically associated with their addiction.
From a scientific perspective, cravings are understood through brain chemistry and psychology. When a person repeatedly uses an addictive substance or engages in addictive behaviours, typically, their brain undergoes changes that prioritise these substances (or behaviours) over other healthy rewards.
Cravings are a big challenge in treatment and overcoming addiction because they can be triggered easily and feel overwhelming, leading to a strong and intense temptation to use the substance again. This is why understanding that they can (and will) happen during treatment and learning how to manage cravings is a significant part of recovery from addiction.
Are Drug and Alcohol Cravings Different?
Yes, sometimes. Drug cravings and alcohol cravings can be different, both in their nature and how individuals experience them. These differences can be put down to many factors, which can include the substance itself, the individual’s history of either drug use or alcohol addiction, psychological factors, and the context in which cravings happen.
- Different Substances & Different Effects: Different drugs and alcohol don’t work the same way in the body. Some might make you feel energetic, and others make you feel relaxed. So, the craving for each can feel different based on what effect you’re missing or wanting.
- Personal Experience: Everyone’s body and mind react differently to drugs and alcohol based on their past experiences, how often they use them, and even their genetics. This means that one person’s craving for alcohol might be all about wanting to feel relaxed, whereas another person might crave drugs as a form of escapism.
- Mind Matters: A lot of cravings have to do with what’s happening in your life and how you’re feeling mentally. For example, if someone is used to having a drink to unwind after a tough day, they might start to crave alcohol when they’re stressed. On the other hand, someone might get drug cravings because it reminds them of the fun times they had before drug addiction took hold.
- The Setting: Where and when alcohol or drug cravings happen can also change things. Someone might only crave alcohol in social settings where drinking is common, whereas another person might crave drugs when they’re feeling lonely.
Do Cravings Change Over Time?
In the early stages of addiction recovery, you might feel like you simply can’t ignore the cravings you’re feeling because of how intense they are.
Remember, this is actually very normal, and many people experience overwhelming cravings in early recovery. After all, your body and mind are still getting used to not having what they’re missing.
But is it still normal to experience sudden urges when you’ve been in recovery for a while? The answer to this question is also yes – but it’s not as hopeless as it sounds.
The longer you stick with your decision to stay in addiction recovery, the less often you’ll feel these intense urges. Even people who’ve been in recovery for a very long time, decades even, can suddenly experience cravings, maybe when they’re stressed or around specific triggers. However, the intensity of these cravings and how long these cravings last are not comparable to early-stage cravings.
Do Cravings Go Away Eventually?
It would be inaccurate to say that people in addiction recovery will never experience a craving ever again. But here’s some good news that might help.
According to studies, those tough urges don’t last forever, and they actually get a lot easier to handle over time. In fact, in one research study, individuals reported that after a whole year without alcohol, the craving to drink was barely there at all, down by 95%. The longer someone goes without drinking in recovery, the easier it gets.
And it’s not just alcohol. Research suggests that this also applies to those recovering from drug addiction. The more weeks they go without engaging in drug abuse, the less they feel the need for it.
Advice on How to Handle Cravings in Addiction Recovery
It’s important to remember that recovery is a lifelong health journey. Although cravings will lose intensity and frequency, the key is learning the strategies to manage them effectively.
- Distract Yourself: It doesn’t matter where you are in your recovery journey. If a craving hits out of the blue, really try to focus on something else. Go for a walk, call a friend, or do something you enjoy.
- Avoid Triggers: Stay away from places, people, or situations that make you think about substance use.
- Ride It Out: Remember, cravings will not last forever. They usually pass in a few minutes.
- Talk About It: Sharing how you’re feeling with someone you trust can really help.
- Stay Positive: Remind yourself why you decided to recover in the first place and how far you’ve come.
Are You Worried About Relapse? Find Support Today
If you’re in recovery from drug or alcohol dependence and feel worried about relapse, we can offer professional support to help you stay on the right path. Get in touch with our support team today at 01908 489 421.
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