Tips for Managing Cravings and Stress in Recovery
Addiction recovery is a complex process, and one that most people navigate in their own way. Having a few tips may help make your journey successful.
Addiction recovery is challenging, but it is one of the most rewarding journeys you can take. It changes your path and that of your family’s for years to come. What’s the secret to long-term addiction recovery and to avoiding relapse?
At Victory Addiction Recovery Center, we recognize the fear that comes from not knowing what’s to come. We offer the tools you need to sustain your addiction recovery long-term.
Strategies for Managing Cravings and Stress
Addiction recovery is a long process. Instead of looking at it as a straight line with a start and end point, think about it as a looping line, where there will be times when you step back into challenges and have to pull yourself back on track. And that’s okay. Consider these tips to help you.
Recognize That Cravings Will Pass
Most of the time, this is the most powerful tool you have when a period of cravings or negative thinking takes over. It’s not going to last. If you can just hold out, the strong urge will pass, and you’ll gain control.
That sounds easy, right? It’s anything but. This process is called urge surfing. You’ll:
- Recognize the presence of the craving.
- Accept that craving as a part of the recovery process.
- Wait for it to pass or reach out for help.
Cravings typically last 5 to 30 minutes before they dissipate. Don’t be alone during these moments if you can avoid it.
Identify and Manage Triggers
Triggers are feelings, thoughts, or experiences brought on by what’s happening around you that put you at risk. Triggers may include:
- People and places: Especially locations where you once used substances or people who shared the same path with you.
- Emotions: Strong, negative emotions are triggers, especially those related to stress and anxiety.
- Situations: Situational triggers are high-risk situations where you’ve previously been encouraged to use substances, such as at parties, or areas where these substances may still be available to you.
- Thoughts: Negative thoughts and reminders of past experiences, even subconsciously, can be triggers.
- Lack of wellness: Not eating, drinking, sleeping, or getting proper nutrition can cause a resurgence of the desire to use a substance
As you explore ways to prevent relapse during your addiction treatment in Lafayette, we’ll work with you to identify what your triggers are. Once you know what they are, you’ll learn specific strategies to avoid them or overcome them.
Create and Work Towards Goals Consistently
Goals are a powerful tool for moving yourself forward. Instead of being focused on the past and the negative, you’re thinking about and working towards goals. Make sure you:
- Write down goals that are important to you, including what you wish to learn, explore, or develop in the coming months and years.
- Tell others about your goals for fitness. Even if you have to talk into an empty room, make statements about your goals for the day, week, and long-term. Doing this outline helps reassure your brain.
- Keep goals consistent. Make sure that what you do during the day is helping to push you forward towards your goals. Don’t engage in activities that hold you back.
It may sound cliché, but work to find purpose in life in addiction recovery. That’s something we’ll work on during treatment. Then, once you have a better understanding of those objectives, make sure each decision you make during the day puts you on the path to success.
Get the Addiction Treatment Help You Need
Always recognize that this isn’t a fight you have to do alone. Addiction recovery starts with seeking help. We encourage you to contact our team now to learn about our residential treatment for addiction in Lafayette. Let us work through an assessment with you. Then, we’ll help you get started with rebuilding.
Addiction therapy doesn’t stop after you leave residential treatment. We have strong treatment plans to help you, including an alumni support service that’s just a call away. The reason for that is simple. Addiction is a long battle, but one that we will remain by your side through, supporting you as you go.
That’s important. The reality is addiction relapse rates can top 40 to 60% in some cases, much like many other diseases like diabetes and cardiovascular illness. But when you incorporate the right treatment, you gain the confidence you need to move forward. You have the resources you need by your side.
Get Started With Care You Can Trust
The best tip we can offer is to contact Victory Addiction Recovery Center now. Start with a treatment plan in Lafayette that’s designed to support long-term recovery. Contact us now.