Tag Archives: Substance Use Disorder

What Triggers Alcohol Cravings and How to Beat Them

Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism, is a disease that affects people from all walks of life. Experts have tried to pinpoint factors like genetics, sex, race, or socioeconomics that may predispose someone to alcohol addiction. But it has no single cause. Psychological, genetic, and behavioral factors can all contribute to having the disease. One of the major obstacles to recovery from alcohol use disorder is having to deal with cravings for alcohol. Cravings are response patterns that are programmed in people and appear as a result of environmental conditions, changes in mood, stress, or other types of triggers that prime these response patterns. Although sometimes cravings may appear to simply come out of nowhere, they are most often triggered by some environmental situation, feeling, or memory that one has about former alcohol abuse.

From sugar to caffeine to opioids, anyone who has quit an addictive substance understands how tough it is to get through cravings. Knowledge is power, so here’s some basic information on cravings to help you understand what’s happening in your body and mind when the urge to drink, use, smoke, or grab a brownie hits.

Can you see the signs of alcoholism?

Alcohol addiction can be difficult to recognize. Unlike cocaine or heroin, alcohol is widely available and accepted in many cultures. It’s often at the center of social situations and closely linked to celebrations and enjoyment. Drinking is a part of life for many people. When is it common in society, it can be hard to tell the difference between someone who likes to have a few drinks now and then and someone with a real problem.

Some symptoms of alcohol addiction are:

increased quantity or frequency of use
high tolerance for alcohol, or lack of “hangover” symptoms
drinking at inappropriate times, such as first thing in the morning, or in places like church or work
wanting to be where alcohol is present and avoiding situations where there is none
changes in friendships; someone with an alcohol addiction may choose friends who also drink heavily
avoiding contact with loved ones
hiding alcohol, or hiding while drinking
dependence on alcohol to function in everyday life
increased lethargy, depression, or other emotional issues
legal or professional problems such as an arrest or loss of a job

As an addiction tends to get worse over time, it’s important to look for early warning signs. If identified and treated early, someone with an alcohol addiction may be able to avoid major consequences of the disease.

How addictive is alcohol?

Alcohol can be a highly addictive substance, especially when consumed in large amounts within a short period of time. Alcohol addiction develops in several stages. The process of addiction may begin with the first drink, with physical and mental factors that can escalate quickly. Like any other addictive drug, alcohol affects the brain’s chemistry. When a person drinks alcohol, the drug causes their brain to release the neurotransmitters, which are chemicals responsible for signaling (among other things) pleasure and reward. In the brain, alcohol increases the effects of neurotransmitters that slow the body down while also decreasing the effects of neurotransmitters that speed the body up. The combined effect results in many of the intoxicating effects of alcohol.

What are triggers for alcohol cravings?

Triggers and cues are different names for the same type of situation that leads to a priming or activation of a craving in an individual. They can be very personal and subjective in nature, or they can be quite generalized and occur over many individuals. The effects of cues and triggers produce both physical and mental changes that eventually are interpreted as a craving.External triggers are more obvious to recognize and control than internal ones. Alcohol abuse treatment strives to help patients understand the initial warning signs of relapse and acquire healthy coping skills to prevent a possible relapse.

External Triggers

External triggers are objects, places, people, and activities that evoke cravings linked with alcohol use. Patients in recovery can be sheltered from the risks of external triggers by producing strategies to avoid triggers that prompt their prior alcohol use. Patients should also be able to fight their alcohol cravings when they’re in triggering circumstances.

People

People who are closest to the alcoholic could be a cause of cravings that ultimately lead to relapse. It is unsafe for patients in recovery to be around friends and family who are consuming alcohol.

Even peers who refrain from alcohol can be hazardous. Offering alcohol to a former addict could trigger emotions that urge an alcoholic to use again.

Places

High-risk places remind former alcohol abusers of the times they engaged in drinking to get drunk. Driving or walking through areas where alcoholics used to drink may spark a recollection related to alcohol use.

Situations

Those who are at risk of relapse should avoid stressful circumstances that could urge them to start consuming alcohol again. Individuals can find different ways to avoid high-risk situations such as happy hours or events where they previously would hang out and binge drink.

A person can identify the feelings that could trigger a relapse by questioning themselves:

How do I feel before consuming alcohol?
How do I want to think before drinking alcohol?
Within the last week, how did I feel when craving alcohol?

Patients in recovery must be conscious of the internal triggers they struggle with most and have a method ready to seek support.

Dealing With Triggers

Once you are aware of your triggers, you can decide how you want to deal with them. For some triggers the best plan is to avoid them, especially in the beginning. For example, some people find that they need to avoid social gatherings with alcohol.

Other triggers, like stressful life events, cannot be avoided. However, you can take control over unavoidable triggers by anticipating ways to handle them. If you are faced with a trigger that causes a craving you can:

Reach out to a sponsor or other sober support.
Attend a 12-step or other recovery meeting such as Alcoholics Anonymous.
Use distraction by changing the scenery or engaging in a hobby.
Avoid stressful situations during an intense craving.

MAT (Medically Assisted Treatments) for Alcohol Cravings

Medication-assisted treatment programs exist to help individuals remain substance-free when entering and throughout recovery. For severe addictions, detoxification is often the first stage of recovery. During a medically supervised detox program, individuals rid their body of substances and prepare for inpatient treatment. This process may involve the use of medications to ease symptoms or help taper off the use of substances. Medically assisted treatments (medications) attempt to address cravings by affecting the actual physical process associated with the craving and then eliminating the strength of the craving in the person. There are numerous medications that have been used to address cravings for alcohol.

Alcohol is one of the most commonly abused substances in the nation, and many people are high-functioning alcoholics or people who live with heavy alcohol use disorders every day. These people may have been abusing alcohol for years, which makes treatment for alcohol dependence more complicated. Medications can help alleviate withdrawal symptoms and ease cravings so a person can remain fully focused on healing and committed to recovery.

What is the outlook for alcoholism and alcohol cravings?

Early treatment of alcoholism is most effective. Addictions that have gone on longer are harder to break. However, long-term addictions can be successfully treated. Friends and family members of people who have an alcohol addiction can benefit from professional support or by joining programs like Al-Anon. Someone with an alcohol addiction who has remained sober for months or years may find themselves drinking again. They may binge drink once or drink for a period of time before getting sober again. But a relapse doesn’t indicate failure. It’s important that the person get back on track and resume treatment. Ultimately, sobriety is the responsibility of the person who has the alcohol addiction. It’s important to not enable destructive behaviors and to maintain appropriate boundaries if the person with the alcohol addiction is still drinking. This can mean cutting off financial assistance or making it difficult for them to fulfill the addiction.

Managing Alcohol Cravings and Addiction with Harmony Ridge Recovery Center

You don’t have to go through recovery alone. Many people who struggle with alcohol addiction find it difficult or impossible to quit without the help or support of others. There are many professionals and support groups designed to get you the help you need. Increase your chance of a full recovery with the help of a dedicated treatment center. Contact our team today to learn more!

Signs You’re Enabling a Loved One’s Addiction

Having a loved one who is struggling with addiction can be a challenging and painful experience. It is normal to want to help them in any way possible, but sometimes, our actions can unintentionally contribute to their addiction. Enabling is a common phenomenon that occurs when we unknowingly or knowingly support and aid a loved one’s addiction. Unfortunately, enabling a loved one’s addiction can lead to further harm and even fatal outcomes. That being said, it’s your responsibility to recognize and unlearn the patterns of enabling and turn to addiction treatment centers in West Virginia for help. Continue reading →

How to Overcome the Fear of Going to Rehab in Parkersburg

To many out there struggling with addiction, rehab sounds like anything but a solution. Due to a lack of education and available resources, people are unable to recognize the benefits that come with a structured recovery process at a West Virginia treatment center. Hence why the fear of going to rehab in Parkersburg is more than common. However, modern rehab takes on a personalized, and often holistic approach. It also focuses on all aspects of addiction, in addition to physiological consequences. One of the goals is also to mitigate the fear of the recovery process and provide a supportive environment at every step of the patient’s journey. Continue reading →

Life Skills You Learn After Recovery Near Point Pleasant

Achieving sobriety after struggling with addiction is a significant accomplishment. It is a challenging journey that requires immense courage, determination, and persistence. However, the rewards are enormous. Besides getting your life back on track, the life skills you acquire after recovery near Point Pleasant help you navigate through different aspects of your life successfully. As you make your way through addiction recovery, you’ll start to notice that you’re not only regaining control of your life but also learning valuable life skills that will help you thrive in the years ahead. Addiction recovery is a journey that can be challenging at times, but the lessons you learn will stay with you for a lifetime. Continue reading →

Dating in Early Recovery – Red Flags To Avoid

Dating can be challenging, especially when you are in early recovery from addiction. Early recovery is a time of intense emotional upheaval, and adding a new romantic relationship to the mix can be dangerous. For that reason, dating in early recovery can be a minefield, which is why you should avoid red flags that could lead to a relapse. As one of the most prominent detox centers in WV, we provide medical and psychological support during challenging emotional times that come with the rehab journey Don’t hesitate to contact us for more details, and our team will answer all your question. Continue reading →

The Biggest Obstacles to Making Positive Changes in Life

Recovering from addiction is an incredibly challenging journey. It takes immense strength, determination, and perseverance to make positive changes during addiction recovery. However, despite the best intentions and efforts, many people face significant obstacles that hinder their progress and make the journey toward sobriety more difficult. By recognizing the common obstacles to making positive changes in life during addiction recovery, the journey becomes a lot smoother and likely to have a desirable outcome. Continue reading →

Tips for Traveling While in Recovery

Traveling can be an exciting and rejuvenating experience, but it can also pose unique challenges for those in recovery from addiction or mental health issues. Whether it’s a vacation or a work trip, traveling can disrupt routines, expose you to new triggers, and tempt you to let your guard down. However, with the right planning and mindset, traveling while in recovery can also be an opportunity to strengthen your recovery and gain new perspectives. In addition, it’s important to find proper drug and alcohol rehab in WV that will support your recovery journey and aftercare. Continue reading →

Is Forced Rehab Effective for Addiction Recovery?

Also known as an involuntary commitment or mandatory treatment, forced rehab is a contentious approach to addiction recovery that involves compelling individuals to undergo treatment against their will. The practice has been implemented by governments, families, and healthcare professionals with the aim of helping individuals overcome addiction and preventing harm to themselves or others. While the intentions of forced rehab may seem admirable, with the aim of helping individuals overcome addiction and preventing harm to themselves or others, the question remains whether it is a practical approach. Continue reading →

How To Connect With Your Teenager to Prevent Drug Use

Harmonious life as a teenager and with one can be particularly challenging in this day and age. The swirling hurricanes of hormones are difficult to be at peace. However, it’s important to maintain and strengthen a relationship with your little hurricane because these are the years they are especially sensitive to the world around them and can easily get into trouble. Our experts at drug and alcohol rehab in West Virginia are here to suggest how to connect with your teenager to prevent drug use and all its consequences. Continue reading →

Tips for Family Members During Addiction Recovery

When family members or loved ones abuse drugs, it affects everyone they know. Their addiction can have emotional, psychological, financial, and environmental effects on the people who care about them most. The challenge with addiction is that the addict is not the only one impacted by this disease. Friends and family members of addicts can have difficulty with the addict’s behavior, financial problems, legal problems and the daily struggle of supporting a loved one.

When considering how to deal with an addict and how to deal with addiction, it’s important to consider the nature of addiction. When addictions strike, those family members and friends need to take steps to get the person they love into treatment programs that can help. These family members and friends also need to take care of their own health, so they can provide the love and support that addicted people need in order to heal. Today we take a look at tips that family and friends can reference to support an addicted family member or friend.

Educate yourself about addiction.

We all know knowledge is power, therefore the more you learn, the calmer your state of mind will be. Family members of addicts should investigate and learn about the substance that you believe your loved one is using or may be addicted to. Opinions and facts are different. Stick to the facts and not the opinions of well-meaning friends who could cloud your head with misinformation. The more you know about your loved one’s addiction, its characteristics and traits, the more confident you can be in a conversation regarding their specific situation. You won’t be caught off guard or caught up with another’s opinion if you’ve already done your own research.

Consider Attending an Open Alcoholics Anonymous Meeting

This can be a profound and eye-opening experience, as these meetings are usually “speaker meetings” where one individual talks for the bulk of the meeting and traces their life from dysfunction and destruction to recovery. You can hear firsthand the same plight that your loved one may be experiencing from someone else, affording you some distance and objectivity.Education can also help family members of addicts to escape the blame game. Rather than believing that the person’s addiction stems from weakness, willfulness, or stubbornness, they might learn how addictions stem from changes in brain chemistry and electrical impulse alterations. That data might help families to let go of their anger, so they can focus on healing.

There are many resources for finding this information: SAMHSA.gov (Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration) has all types of educational and informational resources. The public library and the internet have an enormous amount of information for education, groups, support, treatment, etc.

Understand the Difference Between Support and Enabling

We all want to help the people we care about. When you see a friend or loved one struggling with addiction, you don’t see an addict; you see someone who needs help. You want to be there, to help her through a hard time. Unfortunately, the wrong kind of help can make the situation worse. How do you know whether you are supporting someone or just enabling the addiction? Enabling a family member’s addiction comes in many forms – some of which you may not think are enabling, but are. It is important to recognize the behaviors and actions you and your family are carrying out that allow your drug-addicted loved one to remain in this destructive state.

An enabler takes away any motivation for the addict to take responsibility for his or her actions. Without that motivation, there is little reason for the addict to want to change. In essence, enablers are helping addicts dig themselves deeper into trouble.

If you’re wondering whether or not you might be an enabler, here are some questions to ponder:

Do you ever lie to cover for someone else’s mistakes?
Do you consistently assign blame for problems to other people rather than the one who is really responsible?
Do you continue to offer help when it is never appreciated or acknowledged?
Do you ignore unacceptable behavior or fear that not doing something will lead to violence or the person leaving you?

Establishing Boundaries for Family Members of Addicts

Boundaries are key to creating healthy relationships; even when your loved one isn’t healthy. When your boundaries are weak – or don’t exist at all – you compromise what makes you, you. Weak boundaries allow you to lose yourself, your freedom, your personal space. Weak boundaries when a loved one is addicted, mean you will likely be lied to, cheated on, and stolen from. When you set boundaries with an addicted loved one, you increase the chances that he or she will seek help.

How does someone define their own boundaries? Think about what you will allow in your life and what you won’t put up with. Figuring out the types of behavior from others that are negatively impacting you is a good place to start.
How do I establish boundaries? Setting up boundaries may require some uncomfortable conversations but being upfront and honest is key. Let the person know that for the sake of your own mental health and emotional health, there are certain things you cannot continue to allow. Do this in a way that is as polite and concise as possible.
How do I enforce my boundaries? After a boundary has been established it is important that it is maintained, otherwise, it will become meaningless. For example, if you establish a rule that you don’t want a loved one to get high around you, but later allow them to do so, then what you say will not be taken seriously.

Family Members of Addicts – Care for Yourself Too

Acknowledge you are in your own recovery process and deserve support too. Addiction often takes a heavy financial, emotional and physical toll on families and their relationships. Self care and recognizing all family members’ needs should be an important part of any family recovery plan. Maintaining a balanced focus helps model this same healthy outlook for all family members.

Focusing on your own life is the most important thing you can do to assist the addict. If you are stressed out due to their issues, in addition to your own, it creates resentment and strain. It makes it difficult to want to help someone who has created so much difficulty in your life. By taking care of yourself through exercising, getting plenty of sleep, socializing and getting support, you may be better able to help your loved one when they are ready to accept the help.

Things to Avoid

Dont: Assume that your family member going to rehab means that everything has been resolved. He or she will need your love, guidance, and support during rehab and afterward as he establishes a new, sober life for himself. Help him or her move back into life in a step-by-step manner, maintaining your support.

Dont: Expect that the person will immediately take off for rehab when you first approach him. You may have to intervene. Either find a professional interventionist who has successfully gotten many people to rehab or get together with all your family and the addict’s close friends and cut off all means of escape. If some have been providing money or shelter, they must agree that rehab is the only option. There must be no way out other than going to rehab.

Tag Archives: Substance Use Disorder

What Triggers Alcohol Cravings and How to Beat Them

Can you see the signs of alcoholism?

How addictive is alcohol?