What to do for random cravings?

[jaztulip]

I have been off all opiates for some time now but every once in awhile I get this random but strong cravings. I have been successful at fighting them off just by remembering that I don't want to withdrawal again but do you guys have any suggestions? Is it normal to get these cravings even after feeling normal for awhile? Will it happen on and off forever? Any info is appreciated.

[VICourageous]

Hi & Welcome.
I have to agree with all the above. I have done it all from meetings to church to meditation and so forth. Support is a big thing.

The craving things is a strange one. For over 3yrs I would only get them if I needed to get all my work done and I wanted it all done like now and not yesterday. That was one of the hardest changes I had to make. One of the things I have studied, is Addiction and the Brain. We have a Mid-Brain called the Survival part. This is the part that gives us the instinct to drink water, breath, eat and produce young ones. It will remember any pleasurable thing too. So in the long run it can be triggered by something. Maybe being around a friend who uses or a old place you used to get high at. Anything can trigger this up and play the tape back.

Last night, after 3 yrs I had a drug dream out of know where. I had put 2 and 2 together why I had this dream. SO these cravings can pop up at any given moment. Just do not cave in. Go to a meeting or call a friend. It takes one second to think of a pill and one second to re-direct your thinking. Take a walk next time or do something fun.
Bless
I do wish you the best and Congrats on your time in so far!!

[againnot]

I've only been clean for 4 months.  I'm a strong believer in meditation.
If you've never meditated before, maybe try some CD's to listen to . (Oh...how my kids would laugh about me buying CD's).  You can find them on Amazon.  There is one on substance abuse...it's really good.

[gnarly_1]

Hi....well here is the deal....just because you stop the pills does not = recovery....recovery takes work....I always recamend the N/A progam  it treats the addict alive and well in your head...it is free the meetings are only a hour long and will give you some place to share where the people will understand...we see so many people come threw the forum that resist aftercare and usually see them back within a year  this is a progressive disease that will not go away on it own....N/A has worked for me and for the most part I have lost the desire to use  please check it out b/4 this disease destroys you............Gnarly

[Merri123]

That is so true. I haven't smoked a cigarette in 13 years and sometimes the thought of getting one is strong. Just pops in my head out of the blue.  But like you say I am in control of that and any other craving or thought for something bad.  I just say NO!!  And keep going. That is the time to do something to keep your mind on something else.

Meditation is not crazy. Keep it up. A sound mind gives you a sound body.

[jaztulip]

Sorry I've been away for awhile but I started counseling as well and that has helped. Just talking about it helps me feel better. They also recommended meditation which I know sounds crazy but it actually made me feel a lot better, even for a few moments at a time. It helps me realize I can control this and it is my decision.

[Krissy_123]

Eventually remembering what w/d's feel like isn't going to keep working for you. I'm at 8 months clean and have a sponser and go to meetings,when I have a really bad craving or a really bad day  I have them to turn to. I can't answer if they last forever because there are days I still think of them after all this time. I think w/o my program I would have failed by now though.  If you're not in any counsling or meetings I'd suggest maybe checking it out.

[TikkiTT]

It is perfectly normal.   I am six months out this time and every morning when I wake up, I wish I had a pill....or, more precisely, I think..."I am going to take a pill."   But, I'm not.   I don't have any...don't plan on getting any.    So then I remember that and I go on with my day.    It took awhile for me to get back to feeling decent...not so tired all the time, and to have the will to do something besides lay around, but  it does come back and I can almost not even believe it because I feel so good.    That and remembering how awful withdrawal is....keeps me from ever wanting to go down that path again.