what are cravings/triggers associated with chemical depency?

Answer 1

Generally cravings and triggers will vary with the individual.

For me personally, one of my biggest triggers is the metric system, so I have to be careful when I realize I'm checking the net weight of various products and starting to do any calculations, I can expect to begin craving my former drug of choice and possibly begin my "rituals."

I really think that if one is concerned about maintaining their recovery and sobriety, identifying and recognizing your personal triggers is a good way to "break the cycle" of addiction.

Cheers.

Answer 2

Here is an interesting tid bit, I was counseling a person with a meth dependency, that was not the only drug this person used. The drug had such a hold that more than a year after sobriety, the person had a hard time driving past the Electric Company markers in our area. They are white based, usually, with an orange cap. The client said that in the mind, the client was being told the markers were to keep the client addicted. This was a trick used by the government to trigger the client to want to use, thus keeping the client addicted.....What you have to understand, is that the client knew logically and rationally that this was not possible, but every time the client would pass these markers (which are at 1/4 to 1/2 mile intervals here, the client would rub the arm most used to administer the drug......that in turn would cause a craving for the drug. The client is still clean and sober after 5 years, but still questions why that belief is so ingrained. Thanks for asking, good question!!! Nana

Answer 3

Cravings are about a simple as the desire to use. When you first stop using, you go through withdrawls, but that's not the same a cravings. Withdrawls is you body telling you that it needs another dose of whatever you've been putting in it, and actually only last until the crap has worked it way out of your system. Triggers are unique to you. They're places and events that you associate with using, and, when you incounter one, will set off anything from a passing temptation to a genuine craving. They're more dangerous than cravings because they happen unexpectedly. Also, your triggers will probably be around longer than the cravings.

Answer 4

All cravings come from a depletion of something your body needs and that depends on the chemical you're using. Your body will send out signals for that. Some cravings are sweets, carbs, coffee (yes, you can crave it, especially a smoker), and tomato-based things such as pizza. Chemicals deplete antioxidants in the system (as well as other vital things we need), so the pizza craving gives that back to us in small doses. The cravings really do depend also on the lifestyle of the person--what they are used to eating versus what they have quit eating while being chemically dependent.

Answer 5

It's the body's way of keeping itself healthy. The depletion of certain vitamins and minerals, proteins, carbs, your brain sends signals to make you crave to eat certain things so that it can restore itself. Often ignored, can send a person to the doctors/hospital. These cravings act as a warning signal to you as well that you need what you are craving in a urgent way.

Answer 6

triggers can be people, places, words, anything that "triggers" your brain to remember the drug of choice, and of course it only remembers the good parts, not how you lost your job, house, cars, kids.