12 Ways to Control your Cravings

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, cravings are a part of both drug addiction and a cause for relapse. Unfortunately, cravings usually hit you when you least expect them and at the worst possible times. This is why you should know how to control your cravings before they happen. Luckily, there are things that you can do to curb those cravings.

1. Distract Yourself

One of the best ways to control a craving is to find a distraction. The distraction can be anything but it usually has to be something that you actively do like play a video game or work out.

2. Avoid your Triggers

By avoiding the things that trigger cravings you can stop them before they start. If you know that the smell of alcohol is going to trigger a craving, don’t go where you can smell it such as bars or restaurants.

3. Plan to do things in Advance

Take up a new hobby that you enjoy to distract you from your cravings.

Have a craving plan, a set of things that you do if you have a craving. This can be a list of your craving control measures or just a simple routine that keeps you from giving into the craving.

4. Get Out

If you start having a craving, where you are or doing what you are doing, get out or stop. Go somewhere or do something else for a while.

5. Deal with Stressful Situations

Stress is a huge cause for relapse. If you find yourself in a stressful situation, deal with the situation. Make sure that you have measures in place for dealing with stress such as meditation.

6. Learn a Hobby or a Skill

Hobbies can be great for stopping cravings. They keep you busy, give you something to do with your hands, and can help you work through the craving.

7. Talk to a Friend

If you have a craving call someone, particularly someone who understands what is going on. Tell them you are having a hard time and need to talk or better yet get together.

8. Eat or Drink Something Healthy

When you have a craving for drugs or alcohol have a healthy alternative available. Some people chew gum, others drink a glass of water.

9. Write it Down

Many people take up journaling or other ways to keep their hands and minds busy. This can also help you keep track of your cravings.

10. Use Visualizations

Visualizations are things that you picture to change your way of thinking. You can picture anything that you want to such as you throwing away the drugs or even a candle flame, or red light.

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11. Remind Yourself

Remind yourself of all of the positive reasons why you quit and all the negative things that happened while you were on drugs. Most of the time this reminder is helpful in stopping a craving.

12. Get Help

When your cravings get out of control or if you do not feel as if you can stop them on your own, call us at 1-800-895-1695. We can help.