Facts About Craving

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Craving – The desire for more of a substance or activity consisting of a desire to experience the euphoric (or other) effects, as well as the desire to avoid withdrawal.

  • Craving is normal in recovery (it doesn’t mean a person did something wrong or their program isn’t strong or working correctly)
  • Craving starts in the unconscious brain and affects thinking and behavior
  • Cravings are closely related with urges (physical desire) and obsession (constant and recurring thoughts)
  • Cravings are caused by both internal and external things that are connected to using drugs and/or alcohol (i.e. a habit of drinking when depressed and when depression occurs in recovery it causes a craving for alcohol)
  • Cravings will eventually diminish through a process known as extinction (pairing things that used to be connected to drinking and/or drug use with new behaviors)
  • Coping with cravings is possible and is an important step in ongoing recovery and relapse prevention
  • Cravings to use can be harder to handle when self-care has been neglected (sleep, proper diet, exercise, etc. are extremely important in recovery)
  • Knowing your craving triggers can help your ability to successfully cope with them

Download our Facts About Craving (PDF)

 


Disclaimer: All content on this website is for informational purposes only. It does not substitute for clinical treatment or advice. If you, a friend, or a family member is struggling with mental health and/or addiction issues please call our main office at 952-926-2526. For emergencies, go to your nearest emergency room and/or dial 911.