Cravings – How To Fight Back

Addiction is a devastating condition that negatively impacts lives and ruins relationships. Gaining the ability to efficiently ward off cravings to use and mean the difference between recovery and relapse. In this entry, we will offer up a few guidelines to help combat the urges and maintain sobriety.

1 – Contact a designated counselor, family member or friend when you feel the need to use. Choose a person you can trust – someone with whom you can discuss your cravings when temptation shows its face. Simply taking the time to discuss your feelings is often the best way to address the craving.

2 – Jot out a list of activities to distract yourself when cravings hit, and refer to the list whenever need be. Your list could include anything from a light jog around the block to video games or creative pursuits.

3 – Think about how using will make you feel during comedown, or the cash you will miss later on. Considering the negative consequences your use will bring about can help address the temptation in an efficient and effective manner.

4 – Throw yourself into new activities. If you've been using large quantities of drugs or alcohol or a long time, you will likely find yourself with a large quantity of free time on your hands once you quit. It is imperative that this void is filled with positive activities and interests that benefit you in a physical or psychological fashion.

5 – Opt out of people, places and experiences that will tempt a relapse. Though it will be difficult at first, this commitment is essential to escaping the spiral of addiction.  

How To Avoid Relapse Post Heroin Rehab

Completing a heroin rehab treatment program is a great accomplishment. It is not, however, the end of your recovery experience. The choices made following rehab are perhaps just as important, if not more so, than those made during rehabilitation. Maintaining proper aftercare and discipline is a crucial aspect in maintaining sobriety throughout the transition back to the day-to-day routine.

Because addiction is a disease, avoiding relapse and the triggers associated with it is a major factor is maintaining sobriety once treatment is complete. Most all drug rehabilitation programs work to provide patients with relapse prevention tactics as part of their rehabilitation and aftercare programs.

5 Relapse Prevention Tips

1)      Avoid keeping your feelings in. If you attend addiction support groups as part of your aftercare treatment, these forums can be a wonderful place to express your feelings and emotions.  In this way, you’ll be able to alleviate excess tension while obtaining help and support from peers who have been through similar experiences.

2)      Commit to an activity or hobby to keep yourself occupied. Take up an instrument, exercise class or volunteer at a retirement facility. Dust off the old brain and choose a class at your local community college to keep the old chef dream alive. The busier you are, the less opportunity you’ll have to resort to old habits.

3)      Steer away from acquaintances and friends who don’t support your decision to remain sober. Surround yourself instead with friends and family members who support your recovery and are committed to keeping you on a positive path.

4)      Do your best to avoid situations that may tempt you to use. This includes emotional circumstances and areas that have pushed you to use in the past. If you must attend events or places that cause you to dwell on your addiction, be sure to map out a feasible escape plan.

5)      Those who relapse are not failures. THOSE WHO RELAPSE ARE NOT FAILURES. If you happen to slip up, it will do you little to dwell your mistake. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and take the next step forward. It can be easy to let one mishap excuse a return to negative behaviors. Do not let one simple mistake alter the positive steps you’ve made. Consider contacting your substance abuse rehabilitation center for support and advice during this difficult time. Recovery is never an overnight process. With time, drive and determination, you WILL be able to achieve the happy, healthy and fulfilling lifestyle you’re striving for.