Many individuals who use drugs are able to successfully stop using substances in rehab, only to relapse once the leave treatment and re-enter the real world. While many factors are involved in relapse, one of the biggest factors is cravings. Cravings occur when the brain forms strong memories that are linked to drug or alcohol use. Memories are the brain re-experiencing an event. Sights, smells, sounds, and other external cues can trigger these memories – which then triggers a craving. Understanding how drug and alcohol cravings are generated is important to managing these cravings and supporting an individual’s long-term sobriety.
The Science behind Drug Cravings
Individuals in recovery can find it difficult to stay sober because of the powerful cravings they continue to experience. Researchers at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, found that even thinking about a drug can cause the release of dopamine, the same brain chemical that caused the person who is addicted to become high in the first place. Dopamine is closely associated with pleasure. Whether it’s a favorite chocolate snack, a kiss from a loved one, or a line of cocaine, dopamine plays a major role in creating the feelings of satisfaction and happiness associated with this experience.
The UNC research team, led by psychologist Dr. Regina Carelli found that visual reminders of drugs, such as drug-taking paraphernalia, can trigger this memory and the corresponding release of dopamine, which then leads to cravings. (Science NetLinks) Once environmental cues become associated with drug or alcohol use, simply being in a room at a certain time of day or near familiar objects can stimulate an individual’s dopamine levels and cause the individual to crave his or her drug of choice. This powerful connection is what causes drug cravings. It’s not just access to a specific drug that must be avoided, but also the sights, sounds, and smells associated with substance use that may trigger cravings.
Cravings and Recovery: What to Expect
If you or a loved one is currently receiving treatment for drug or alcohol use, it is important to recognize that experiencing cravings is completely normal and common. Understanding what may trigger a craving – and learning how to manage these cravings – is an important part of the recovery process.
For example, cocaine cravings can be triggered by everything from being paid (i.e., having money to spend on cocaine) to feeling certain emotional states like anxiety, joy, or depression. Triggers for cocaine use are highly idiosyncratic, which means that these triggers are very specific to the individual, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Different patients can also experience cravings differently. For some individuals, their heart may race, they may start smelling the drug, or get a certain feeling in their stomach. For others, the craving may be more emotional; they start feeling nervous, anxious, or bored. Finally, others may be unable to “get it out of their heads” or feel like the drug is calling to them.
During treatment, addiction specialists work with patients to understand the individual’s experience when a craving occurs and then identifying triggers. Once triggers are identified, the National Institute on Drug Abuse recommends putting a strategy of “recognize, avoid, and cope” into place. Strategies to specifically cope with cravings include distraction, talking about the craving with a sponsor or supportive loved one, and recalling negative consequences associated with the craving. For many people in recovery, a variety of automatic thoughts and responses accompany cravings. These responses may be so interconnected that individuals are not even aware of them. An important part of coping with cravings is learning how to recognize these thoughts and counter them effectively.
Even after months or years of sobriety, it is still normal to experience cravings. Understanding the triggers for these cravings, avoiding these triggers when possible, and learning how to cope with cravings will help individuals recovering remain focused on long-term sobriety.
Source
http://archives.drugabuse.gov/TXManuals/CBT/CBT8.html
http://sciencenetlinks.com/science-news/science-updates/drug-cravings/; http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/all-about-addiction/201002/craving-when-the-brain-remembers-drug-use
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