Wendy asks: When will the cravings stop?

Many people who are recovering from the use of drugs or addiction of any sort, will ask the question "When will the cravings stop"?

The actual physical withdrawals from most drugs are over within a couple of weeks or less. However, the craving to use can go on for quite a while. This is because it has become a habit of your mind and emotions.

These thoughts and cravings will diminish over time because the less we feed a habit the weaker it gets and eventually it will die and fade away.

Most “cravings” are triggered by something we see, smell, feel, or think about in various ways.  When you sense the craving, try to recognize what  the actual trigger was. If it is something you can eliminate (like driving through a certain area, specific magazines, lighters, thoughts, etc) then remove them. Otherwise you must learn to retrain your mind and emotions. For instance; if the stress of driving home from work is a trigger find something relaxing to do as soon as you arrive. You could have a cup of tea, take a brisk walk or a bath. The trick is to find a substitute that is safe.

Often watching a TV show or reading a book is a quick way to find a diversion from the thoughts of using.  As you reward these triggers with safe replacements the desire to use or pick up weakens and the desire for the safe substitute grows. This type of change is progressive so don’t give up.  Also it helps to remind yourself that if you use you might have immediate gratification but you also will send yourself back down into the pit and have to  deal with all the grief and garbage that you are hoping to get away from..