One of the main reasons why people revert to drug abuse is cravings. Drug cravings arise from involuntary neural responses to signals that have been connected to drug use through experience. They compel you to keep using drugs even when you know they are ruining your life, relationships, and health.
Different psychological and environmental factors trigger drug cravings. A certified addiction treatment center in Florida like Serenity House Detox & Recovery can help in identifying your triggers and advise on how to manage drug cravings effectively.
What Are Drug Cravings?
Drug cravings are intense desires to use a particular drug. Whenever you use a drug, it modifies your brain functioning. After prolonged use, the brain finds it difficult to function effectively without the drug or substance.
When you experience drug cravings, your body tingles with anticipation for the drug. In some cases, the feeling can be too overwhelming to resist the temptation to use the drug. This is why drug cravings contribute a big deal to relapses.
What Triggers Drug Cravings?
Drug cravings are triggered by different factors for different people. Triggers can be broadly classified into internal and external triggers. Internal triggers occur when your brain needs to be under the influence of a drug to function effectively. In such a case, when the drug’s levels in your bloodstream drop, you might start experiencing intense urges to abuse the drug.
Emotional states are also common triggers. An example is if you were used to using marijuana to get through stressful situations, you might experience a craving when you find yourself in a similar situation.
Your environment is an example of an external trigger. For instance, being in a bar where you used to drink could potentially trigger an urge to drink. The sight of drug paraphernalia like syringes, needles, and marijuana bongs can also trigger cravings. This is because your brain will start experiencing memories of the drug’s effects.
You can learn more about drug cravings prevention techniques from a detox center in Florida. This will help you avoid situations that could lead to a relapse.
A Drug Detox Center Can Help You Manage Drug Cravings
Learning to manage cravings is a vital step towards recovery from drug addiction. Some of the ways you can manage your drug cravings include:
Medical Detox
The most effective way of managing drug cravings is to undergo drug detoxification. A detoxification process flushes out all the chemicals from your bloodstream, making it easier for your body to function without needing the drug.
Eliminating Potential Triggers
Identifying and eliminating potential triggers is essential in reducing the chances of getting tempted to use a drug. For example, it is advisable to get rid of all drug paraphernalia from the spaces you use. You should also avoid places that could trigger cravings like bars, clubs, or parties with drinking involved if you are struggling with alcohol addiction.
Learn New Skills and Adopt New Hobbies
This is an effective way of managing emotional triggers. Learning a new skill or picking up a new hobby can keep you engaged and distracted when drug cravings emerge.
Involve Close Friends and Family
It is good practice to let your close friends and family know that you are going through addiction therapy. Apart from the emotional and moral support they offer, they can help you avoid occurrences of drug cravings if they know your triggers.
Let Serenity House Detox & Recovery Help You Manage Drug Cravings
We understand how much effort it takes to overcome addiction. That is why our qualified medics will be with you every step of the journey. Drug cravings will generally tone down with time. However, we have additional programs that can help you get more effective in managing triggers. Examples include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Meditation therapy
- Individual therapy programs
- Family therapy program
- Dialectical behavior therapy
If you or your loved one is struggling with drug cravings, worry no more. Contact Serenity House Detox & Recovery Center Florida at 866.294.5306 or contact us at your earliest convenience to get professional assistance.
