Moving Away From Addiction

Craving is a natural product of addiction, and is usually continues on and off well after physical withdrawal from drugs or alcohol is complete.

Craving can be stimulated, or triggered, automatically if a recovering person experiences certain situations that were strongly associated with his or her patterns of former drug or alcohol use.

For an ex-addict, occasional drug or alcohol use tends to keep the craving triggers strong. This is why controlled use - such as "I'll just do it now and then"--almost never works; the craving gets too strong.

But gradually being exposed to craving situations and not getting high, with the help of strong support and good planning, can work to weaken or extinguish the craving triggers. This process of extinguishing the craving triggers is called de-addiction.

Therefore, complete abstinence -- which means not getting high at all -- is the surest and quickest way to reduce craving for good.

Certain old triggers that have not been properly dealt with -- such as the "old neighborhood" you return to for the first time in years -- can remain strong even after years of abstinence. Be careful.

Determination and willpower are poor defenses against craving. Changing your lifestyle -- to gain friends and support, to learn new ways to relax and have fun, and to be a productive and growing person -- can reduce craving and its dangers to your recovery. Real strength grows with time, work, guidance, and support.

You might lapse. If that happens get back on the recovery road immediately. You should have a plan to follow if you lapse. A lapse does not mean that you have failed or have wasted your efforts. It means rather that you must learn from it and probably need to plan better and get more support.

Even though craving is a natural after effect of addiction, remember that you have the power of choice: You can now take the steps now to reduce it and conquer it; or you can remain its victim.

Adapted From: Zackon, F., McAuliffe, W., & Ch'ien, J.