Cravings can occur when you try to reduce or stop using drugs or alcohol or even when you haven’t used for a while.
Learning to deal with cravings can be an important part of making changes to your drug or alcohol use.
The more you understand about your own use the more predictable cravings will become. Cravings always pass so if you can learn ways of dealing with them it can make trying to reduce or quit much more manageable.
Try these strategies:
Create a distraction box.
Notice when the craving begins so you do something about it.
Change the situation you are in. Go for a walk or run, get out of the house for a bit.
Delay using or scoring for a few minutes. You might find the craving will change. When the time is up, delay using for few more minutes, and then another, and so on. It is easier to resist cravings bit by bit rather than saying you’ll never ever use again!
Remind yourself that cravings are a normal they’ll pass. The more you can get through the weaker the craving becomes and the less often they will come back.
Distract yourself- even if just to delay scoring or using
Talk to or visit someone supportive when you start to get cravings.
Do something relaxing and enjoyable instead.
Have a bath or shower. Or a massage.
Go for a walk or run or do other physical exercise.
Maintaining your physical health gives you once less thing to worry about, as well as helping you to be strong enough to manage the worries you already do have.
Cravings always pass eventually
Remember if you use or can’t get through a craving you haven’t failed and you are not weak. Like anything it can take practice. Chances are you know more about how to achieve your goals or manage cravings than you did before. If you do use after going without for a bit, remember to be as safe as you can, there are a few extra risks involved.
It takes courage to change. Remember you are not alone & other young people have been in your shoes.
Get help now
YoDAA is a free and confidential online and phone service that offers supports to young people, families and professionals. You can contact 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday.
Pregabalin is an anticonvulsant drug which works by slowing down brain impulses that cause seizures, and affects brain chemicals that send pain messages. Some people use Pregabalin to manage pain and others for pleasurable effects such as anxiety and mood management
Pregabalin is an anticonvulsant drug which works by slowing down brain impulses that cause seizures, and affects brain chemicals that send pain messages. Some people use Pregabalin to manage pain…
No matter your goals with your drug use, it’s important to know how long what you’re taking will stick around, so you don’t overdo it. Many drugs are still in your system awhile after you feel the effects wear off, so it’s essential you know a bit more about what’s…
No matter your goals with your drug use, it’s important to know how long what you’re taking will stick around, so you don’t overdo it. Many drugs are still in…
Read on to find out how to access residential and community based support options across Victoria once you turn 25 and need to access Adult Support Services. It’s not too hard but you need to do a bit more yourself.
Read on to find out how to access residential and community based support options across Victoria once you turn 25 and need to access Adult Support Services. It’s not too…
YoDAA can provide a neutral, confidential space led by professionals who understand the challenges families face. Their role is to support healthier communication—not to judge or take sides. Sometimes one good conversation is enough to shift things in a better direction.
YoDAA can provide a neutral, confidential space led by professionals who understand the challenges families face. Their role is to support healthier communication—not to judge or take sides. Sometimes one good conversation is…
We will always do our best to make sure you and others are safe, If we become concerned about your safety (or anyone else’s) during a chat or phone session or because of the contents of an email.
We will always do our best to make sure you and others are safe, If we become concerned about your safety (or anyone else’s) during a chat or phone session or…
Pregabalin is an anticonvulsant drug which works by slowing down brain impulses that cause seizures, and affects brain chemicals that send pain messages. Some people use Pregabalin to manage pain and others for pleasurable effects such as anxiety and mood management
Pregabalin is an anticonvulsant drug which works by slowing down brain impulses that cause seizures, and affects brain chemicals that send pain messages. Some people use Pregabalin to manage pain…
No matter your goals with your drug use, it’s important to know how long what you’re taking will stick around, so you don’t overdo it. Many drugs are still in your system awhile after you feel the effects wear off, so it’s essential you know a bit more about what’s…
No matter your goals with your drug use, it’s important to know how long what you’re taking will stick around, so you don’t overdo it. Many drugs are still in…
