Cravings
Cravings
Alcohol or drug craving is the intense urge and desire to use alcohol or drugs. Individuals who experience cravings can lead to problems in focusing on other things besides the substance. Moreover, cravings are a common symptom of substance use disorders and often occur during the process of recovery.
Cravings can be challenging for those with addiction because of how addictive substances affect the brain. Repeated use of alcohol or drugs can cause structural and functional changes to the brain which is why recovery and neuroplasticity is important.
Cravings can be triggered by people, places, or things that remind an individual of using the substance. It is helpful to be familiar with cravings and triggers in order to prevent relapse.
Alcohol and drug cravings can include:
- Intrusive thoughts and physical urges to use the substance
- Inability to think about anything else because of great desire to use the substance
- Discomfort and distress thinking about the substance
