Treating Drug Addiction – Keeping Triggers & Cravings In Check

By Author: David Luther
Total Articles: 19
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Your recovery does not end at getting sober, and your brain still requires some time to recover and rebuild connections that changed while you were addicted. During this rebuild, drug cravings can be intense. You can support your continued recovery after drug treatment in Oakland simply by preventing situations, places, and people that trigger your urge to use.

- Use caution with prescription drugs – Stay away from prescription drugs with the potential for abuse or use only when necessary and with extreme caution. Drugs with a high abuse potential include anti-anxiety medication, sleeping pills, and painkillers.

- Be honest about your history of drug use when seeking medical treatment – If you want a dental or medical procedure done, be truthful and locate a provider who will work with you in either prescribing alternatives or the absolute minimum medication essential. You should never feel embarrassed or mortified about previous drug use or be denied medication for pain, if that happens, find another provider.

- Prevent going to clubs & bars – Even if you do not have any concerns with alcohol, ...
... drinking lowers inhibitions and impairs judgment, which can easily lead to a relapse. Drugs are often readily available and the temptation to use can be overpowering. Moreover, try to prevent any other surroundings and circumstances that you correlate with drug use.

Coping with drug cravings

At times, longing cannot be evaded, during or after drug treatment in Oakland. So, it is essential to find a way to hack it.

- Challenge & change your thoughts – When experiencing a yen, numerous individuals have a tendency to remember only the encouraging effects of the drug and forget the harmful effects consequences. So, you may find it helpful to remind yourself that you really won’t feel better if you use and that you stand to lose a lot.

- Urge surf – Numerous individuals make an effort to deal with their urges by toughing it out. However, some cravings are too strong to overlook. During such scenarios, it can be valuable to stay away with the urge until it passes. This technique is called urge surfing.

Talk to family or friends about longing when it happens. Talking can be really helpful in identifying the source of the craving. Remember, craving is nothing to feel bad about!