Millions of people struggle with addiction every day. This is true both in the U.S. and abroad. Unfortunately, many of these people will never get the help that they deserve. Now, there are many reasons for this, but one of the predominant reasons has to do with addiction cravings. Cravings can both stop people from getting the help they need and lead people in recovery toward a relapse. But, they don’t have to. If you are struggling with addiction cravings, don’t fret. There is a solution.
Better Understanding Addiction Thinking As It’s Related to Addiction Craving
Addiction thinking can also be referred to as “skewed” thinking. This is thinking that often stops people from rational thought. For example, if you feel hopeless or helpless in active addiction (or sobriety), this can be considered alcoholic thinking.
Alcoholic thinking has also been referred to as “insanity” in 12-Step recovery. They define “insanity” as “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” This is what happens when someone with alcoholic thinking continues to drink and/or use.
It is also important not to minimize alcoholic thinking because it can cause you to act on your addiction cravings. Remember, addiction is a disease, not some type of moral failing. This is especially true for people who have co-occurring mental health issues.
Better Understanding Addiction Cravings
So, what exactly are addiction cravings? According to the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, “The particular definition of craving represented on any craving instrument is derived from an explicit or implicit conceptualization of the nature of drug craving and its role in addictive processes. Nearly all modern comprehensive theories of addiction propose that craving is relevant to understanding drug motivation, and there are several theories that discuss in great detail the sources of craving, craving processes, and the impact of craving in substance-use disorders.”
To distill it down even more. Addiction cravings are the mental, emotional, and physical impulses that cause one to want to drink or use, even when they know that negative consequences are most likely around the corner. If this sounds familiar to you, then you may be struggling with addiction cravings. Again, don’t worry. There are many means, methods, and modalities that can help with carvings. Beyond those, there are also many effective tips and tools that can be utilized.
How to Best Manage Addiction Cravings
One of the best ways to manage addiction cravings is to continue to learn about them and work with other people in recovery. This includes both recovery peers and recovery professionals. Recovery professionals include sober companions, addiction specialists, and therapists. Additionally, recovery peers may include other people in a treatment center. These may be other individuals who are in the same group therapy sessions. They can help you work through emotions and addiction cravings as they come up in real time. This can also happen in 12-Step recovery.
12-Step recovery is all about working with others to help keep each other safe, healthy, and sober. This is why it is often referred to as a “we” program and not a “me” program. It can also help individuals avoid a relapse due to addiction cravings. Instead of succumbing to cravings, you can call someone else and talk it out. It is called “playing the tape.” You will soon realize and remember that the consequences are not worth it. Addiction is a life and death situation.
You will also benefit from working with a therapist. There are many types of therapies that can be highly beneficial. These include psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy and experiential therapies like nature immersion therapy and art therapy. Therapies such as CBT and nature immersion can help you identify thought patterns associated with your addiction cravings, as well as allow you to be present and work through these cravings.
Treating Addiction in the Long Term
Treating addiction in the long term is all about sticking to a recovery plan that works. The best way to find one of these is to connect to a recovery center that meets your individual needs.
These recovery plans should also be multi-angled. This simply means that they use as many modalities as it takes to get the most well-rounded recovery possible. It also often includes a post-recovery center aftercare program. This is a way to stay connected and accountable.
A Focus on Long-Term Success at The Phoenix Recovery Center
Here at The Phoenix Recovery Center, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” That is why all of our recovery plans are individualized and comprehensive with a focus on the future. This includes a focus on mitigating addiction cravings.
The iconic American author and philosopher William James famously said, “Success or failure depends more upon attitude than upon capacity, successful men act as though they have accomplished or are enjoying something. Soon, it will become a reality. Act, look, feel successful, conduct yourself accordingly, and you will be amazed at the positive results.” This is what recovery is all about – forward momentum and the next right action.
Recovery is out there and waiting. You can do this! We can help.
It can be very beneficial to understand what causes addiction cravings and how they affect behavior. This will help you gain the techniques to manage and overcome these intense urges. The good news is that there are also many other effective means, methods, and modalities that can help one achieve the recovery that exists beyond addiction cravings. If you feel like you or a loved one is struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or both, we can help get you on the positive path toward long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this process alone. To begin your healing journey complete this short form or call The Phoenix Recovery Center at (801) 438-3185.
