Cravings to use drugs or alcohol are pretty common in early recovery. Just because you have a craving, does not mean that you will relapse. Although, you want to recognize the craving, work through it, and move forward or relapse could be close.

Tip 1-

Recognize that as heavy as the craving feels, you don’t have to act on it. Thoughts are not fact. Feelings are also not fact. Once you learn how to separate thoughts from fact, the cravings should reduce in heaviness. This takes time, but continue working through the difficult moments.

Tip 2-

Take a moment to breathe. Breathing is a principle of mindfulness. Mindful breathing involves breathing in and out, closing your eyes, repeating, and paying close attention to the sound and sensation of your own breath. Mindful breathing helps to ground you and keep you focused. Paying close attention to your breathing helps distract yourself from the craving and re-focus.

Tip 3-

Give yourself a break. Just because you had a craving to use, does not mean that you are weak, doomed, or a bad person. Be easy on yourself! You are not going to be perfect 100% of the time. Just giving yourself a break can really work wonders.

Tip 4-

Have a replacement action in mind. You may find it helpful to have a go-to move for times that cravings are extra strong.

Replacement actions can be as simple as:

• Pop a piece of candy in your mouth
• Go to the movies
• Exercise
• Basketball or other sports
• A nice meal
• A piece of chocolate
• A caramel latte

Tip 5-

Don’t underestimate the power of sober friends and loved ones. Recovery is not meant to be journeyed alone. If you attend AA or another type of 12-step group, you know that the group relies on the power of like minded people working towards a common goal. The friends that you meet in the 12-step rooms are your biggest allies. Many of them will pick up the phone during times of need, and you may be able to return the favor someday.

At The Kimberly Center, we want to help you take the mystery out of recovery. Call us now at 855-4-KCENTER. We are committed to putting you and your recovery first. At the Kimberly Center, we will teach how to get through cravings successfully. Call us today to find out how to make recovery a reality.