When you are experiencing feelings of being overtaken by a desire or a compelling need to consume, it is helpful to locate a distraction to take your mind off of what you are going through. Indulging in a different beverage, such as an iced coffee, a sports drink, or tea; going for a walk; or getting in touch with a friend are all examples of the types of simple distractions that can help you stop thinking about cravings and concentrate on other things. Accepting that cravings are a normal and unavoidable aspect of living a sober life is the first and most important step toward overcoming them. People who have developed an addiction to a substance have a specific chemical make-up in their brains, and this makes them more likely to experience cravings for the substance that they were addicted to in the first place.
Because there is nothing you can do to avoid desires from occurring, you shouldn't be too hard on yourself when they do; the sheer fact that you are feeling a craving does not signal that there is an issue with you as an individual. Realize that just because you have wants does not mean that you are a weak person or that you are not putting in enough effort to achieve your goals. Abusing substances like alcohol or narcotics isn't always a question of wanting to feel joyful all the time, contrary to what some individuals may assume. Fighting off feelings of sickness while at the same time satisfying one's desires may be necessary for certain people.
A person may still display symptoms of depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder even when they are not under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These symptoms may be exacerbated by traumatic experiences.
