Overcoming cravings can be the most challenging aspect of overcoming addiction to opiates, but it is possible to do so, and many resources can help the cravings subside.
Opiates chemically block the brain from perceiving pain, which reduces the amount of endorphins it needs to release to combat pain naturally. Over time, the brain can believe it doesn’t need to produce endorphins at all. When it gets too out of practice, it might not release endorphins when pain is present and opiates are not.
How to deal with opiate cravings
When rehabilitation brings opiate use to a halt, the cravings for painkillers can increase dramatically, sending signals to the user to get more opiates quickly. To avoid cravings and relapse, recovering addicts can set up healthy environmental factors to reduce the overall likelihood of relapse and, if necessary, take medications that reduce the cravings for opiates.
What helps with opiate cravings in the natural environment?
Activity, health, and focus can all keep you focused on a picture that doesn’t include or doesn’t have room for opiate use. By staying active and in stride toward goals, the want for opiates can dissolve.
Try incorporating the following activities into your life to reduce your craving for opioids naturally:
Getting support
Talking about addiction and cravings can be a first step in overcoming the craving. During sober living, it’s necessary to surround yourself with people who understand your story. This involves going to a sober group that can relate to your opiate addiction, as well as creating a support group amongst friends and family. Both groups are here to listen, to provide encouragement, and to remind you of the healthy, sober life you want to live.
Staying active
Remember when you loved hiking, biking, running, or swimming? Incorporate your active hobbies back into your life. Moving produces natural euphoria in the body, and getting excited about your active performances gives you the motivation to stay sober so you can keep working toward physical goals.
Taking on a manageable lifestyle
Start simple. You can keep busy by designing a daily routine that neither stresses you beyond your limits nor affords you too much downtime. A routine helps regulate your body’s sleep patterns, metabolism, and agility to respond to change, allowing you to stay sober.
Opioid craving
How to stop opiate cravings with a shot or pill.
Addiction is a physical disease, and once a craving exists, it can be excruciating to temper. Today, several options exist that can block the craving for opiates. Some recovering addicts opt for an opiate vaccine, others prefer a monthly shot, and some do well with a daily pill.
Taking a shot or pill to reduce or block opiate cravings can make a big difference in recovery success. Utilizing supplementary measures like these is best in the context of ongoing recovery treatment. No matter how far along you are in recovery, sticking to a plan for overcoming addiction and cravings is essential for staying sober. An overarching recovery process can provide constant tools for you to use and propel you through each day.
Get Started Today
United Recovery Project offers a wide range of drug rehab programs, including medical detox, inpatient programs, outpatient programs, intensive outpatient programs, and Partial Hospitalization Programs. We also offer aftercare services through our sober living and alumni programs. Research shows that patients who visit inpatient rehab centers away from their cities report higher rates of long-term recovery. Our drug and alcohol rehab is located in Hollywood, Florida. We admit patients struggling with drug and alcohol addiction from across the United States. Contact us and start your recovery journey, or get your free insurance quote today.
