If you struggle with drug cravings, it may feel like you can’t go another moment without your drug of choice. You are not alone. It is difficult to overcome an addiction once your body has adjusted to the drugs or alcohol you have been using. Even after completing addiction treatment, some people continue to experience psychological dependence. Learn how to overcome cravings.
Stop Drug Cravings before They Begin
If you haven’t already found professional help, consider attending a quality rehab or substance abuse treatment program. It is easy to assume that you can begin treatment on your own at home, but a quality detox program followed by rehab can help you overcome drugs faster and more effectively. Rehab also teaches you to resist relapse and temptation.
Consider Different Types of Counseling to Manage Drug Cravings
Counseling, group therapy and support are ways to battle drug cravings. While counseling is an important part of the rehab process, you can also attend counseling outside of inpatient drug treatment. Some counseling approaches include the following:
- Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). CBT changes behaviors before they take over your life. It is based on learning more about why we make certain decisions in our life and making better choices for the future.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). DBT helps you understand the emotions behind drug use. It can help you feel more peaceful and confident in your life by working on relationship skills and monitoring anxiety.
- Motivational interviewing. Motivational interviewing helps you break through denial and build a strong resistance to relapse.
- Trauma-focused therapy. This form of therapy helps treat the underlying trauma and anxiety behind drug use.
Know that Drug Cravings Are Normal
A quality support group can help you understand that drug cravings are normal. By meeting with and talking with others who understand what you are going through, you can get past the rough patches and find recovery success. Relapse is not caused by cravings alone, but you must effectively deal with cravings as they happen. It is important that you seek others who can partner with you through recovery.