Stop, Drop, and Roll: How to Get Through Cravings in Early Recovery

The Holistic Approach is a Well Researched One
The Holistic Approach is a Well Researched One
May 25, 2018
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Art, Music, and Recovery
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Stop, Drop, and Roll: How to Get Through Cravings in Early Recovery

Early recovery is an exciting yet challenging endeavor. As you make it through your first days and months of recovery you will start to experience emotions and feelings that may seem foreign to you. Even though recovery is exciting, in the early days, you may experience cravings.

Cravings are part of the withdrawal process. Try not to be discouraged. With time, support, and solid sobriety, cravings decrease in frequency and intensity. Addiction was more than a physical dependency. Addiction also became a coping tool, so it’s only natural that you would feel unsure of yourself in the early stages. With time and sobriety, you will learn how to handle all types of challenges.

Stop, drop, and roll. In the midst of a craving, the thought to use may seem powerful and overwhelming. However, if you work through the urge, the craving will go away. You may find it helpful to take a moment to stop and think before you act on the craving. Here is what this looks like:

  • The craving starts
  • Instead of acting on it, stop and think
  • Think about the consequences of addiction
  • Think about why you entered recovery
  • Think about the benefits of recovery
  • Drop what you are doing and go to a meeting
  • Roll away from the situation

Once you learn to stop and think through the craving instead of acting on it, your recovery will get easier. All you need is practice and patience with yourself. Thoughts are not fact, even though thoughts to use can feel strong in the moment. Cravings to use will subside in a few minutes if you are able to work through them.

Taking action is another way to move past a craving. Action means that you replace the craving with a recovery-oriented action. Here are some actions you can take to work through cravings:

  • Run to a meeting
  • Call your sponsor or sober friend
  • Take a walk in nature
  • Cook a healthy meal
  • Watch an inspirational movie
  • Meditate
  • Color
  • Read a novel

At The Kimberly Center, we care about your recovery. Contact us now at 855-4-KCENTER to learn more about what addiction treatment involves. We are committed to helping you or your loved one stop the cycle of addiction with education and treatment. At the Kimberly Center, you can are in compassionate and trusted hands.

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