The Body Loses the For Desire Drugs and Alcohol Over Time
When a person quits smoking, at first, it’s very difficult. At first, they dream of smoking. A person might fantasize about having a cigarette, and dream about the effects that the cigarette would bring. Little by little as the body gets used to life without nicotine and as the brain gets used to the psychological and physical dependence, the cravings and the desire for smoking go away.
And the same is true for alcohol and drugs. This is especially true for anyone who had a challenging life as an addict. A person may simply not want to return to that way of life. They might even associate drinking and drug use with hardship and pain.
They might want to turn away from their friends and family who are still using or drinking. Just like someone who used to smoke might want to avoid smokers, those who are sober will likely want to avoid someone who drinks or uses drugs.
Knowing This Will Help Those Early in Recovery
In fact, for someone who is in their early recovery, knowing that the desire for alcohol and drugs will eventually go away might actually be useful. For instance, if you’re still experiencing cravings and you still find yourself fantasizing about getting high or drunk, knowing that you’re one day not going to have to face those cravings might give you more power over them.
You might realize, well, since these cravings are going to eventually go away, I don’t have to pay attention to them now. They are only here because my body and mind are still trying to learn to live without them. Knowing that you’re one day going to be free of cravings can help to disempower those cravings now.
Another way to empower yourself during early recovery is to talk to someone who has two or three years of sobriety. You can learn what it’s like to go from early sobriety to long-term sobriety and the process that one has to go through.
Hearing Sober Stories Helps Recovery
By hearing what it’s like from someone who has been through the experience can help to strengthen the sobriety in someone who is just beginning. Of course, one way to hear these kinds of stories is to attend 12-step Alcoholic Anonymous (AA) meetings. They frequently include a speaker, someone sharing about their experiences of addiction and recovery.
In addition to attending meetings, you can hear about the typical experiences of someone who has managed to stay sober by finding a sponsor or a drug counselor. Sponsors are mentors within the AA community who have more experience and sobriety than their mentees.
He or she can provide details on their own experience of getting and staying sober. Frequently those who are facilitating drug counseling are those who have been through the experience themselves. Also, many therapists and counselors who specialize in addiction want to give back to their community by facilitating sobriety in others.
If you or someone you know is struggling with cravings and they are in danger of relapse, contact a mental health provider for assistance.
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