Cravings are a perfectly normal part of recovery from any addiction. Regardless of whether you’ve been clean for months or just a few weeks, you’re likely to experience cravings and what’s more, they can be relentless.
Without proper management, cravings can lead to addiction relapse but thankfully, we have some tips to help you manage your cravings appropriately. Here are just a few ways to stop the urge.
Talk To Yourself & Others
Cravings can often cause tunnel vision, stopping you from seeing anything but the craving. Because of this, it’s a good idea to give yourself something clear to look at to distract yourself and one of the best ways you can do that is by writing a list before hand. Have a list of reasons prepared as to why you shouldn’t give into your cravings, what it would mean if you did, along with the reasons you’ve given up in the first place.
Once you’ve spoken with yourself, it’s worth considering speaking with others too. Talk to loved ones, tell them you’re feeling cravings and struggling. Consider calling your therapist or counsellors too as they’ll be able to give you the most professional advice.
Therapy – CBT
CBT or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy helps provide people with techniques to cope with cravings. From redirection to distraction and even visualisation – by undertaking CBT therapy, you’re arming yourself with better methods to deal with cravings now and in the future.
Take Up A Hobby
Whether it’s a hobby you once enjoyed or a brand new hobby entirely, hobbies can provide focus and distraction, especially during times of craving. This is particularly so if your cravings rise during boredom. Replacing your addiction with a healthy hobby is a great way to avoid possible relapse and enjoy a new lease of life.
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Ride It Out
While you may not be able to stop the urge completely, you can ride it out. While it sounds like a tough ask, it can be done. It’s all down to mindfulness and surrounds the principle of simply accepting the craving is there. You don’t necessarily need to resist it, rather accept that it’s there and will go in time. This is also known as urge surfing – simply stop, acknowledge its presence and move on. Talk to yourself and tell yourself what you’re thinking and feeling. Describe as many thoughts, feelings and sensations as you possibly can until you no longer feel the craving and simply move on.
Realise Your Triggers
It’s important you have a good idea about your triggers and what sets you off. From boredom to events, people and even locations. Once you know your triggers, you can then consider trying your best to avoid them or simply preparing for what you know may be the onset of a craving.
Contact Infinity Addiction Solution Today
There are so many things that can help you to learn to manage cravings. Whether you suffer from substance abuse or addictive behaviour then we can help find a way to cope. For more information on the help available Contact Infinity Addiction Solution today on 0800 334 5541
