I do pretty well, and am avoiding high risk situations, but I still get cravings. Are there any medications that can help while I work the steps and find my sponsor?
2006-09-02 11:59:45 · 11 answers · asked by Alex G 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
Nobody just wakes up one morning and deceides its a good day to get sober. My guess is that you really struggeled with alcohol/and or drugs, otherwise you wouldn;t have ended up in a detox. People without addiction can just stop without a problem(although they usually have no reason to stop, cause there not an addict). So, assuming you realise you are an addict and powerless over it(step 1), you stop. But your body cries out in rebellion, and every time a feeling crops up or a uncomfortable situation arises, your mind goes to the one thing that has worked in the past. But you don't do that anymore, so why wouldn't you crave the buzz.? We all (us addicts, anyway), have been through it. Years of numbing out is not gonna leave us overnight. The way I would look at your cravings is that it is a CONSEQUENCE of your using. If there was no consequence or any struggle whatsoever with detoxing, you probably wouldn't stay sober, cause you would just say "that detox wasn't so bad, I can go through that again,no problem" I know the addict mind. Wouldn't it be better if you could say "Wow, that was a tough detox, and those cravings lasted a while, I sure as **** don't want to go through that again, I think I'll pass on that next buzz". Hate to say it, but it's something you need to go through, cause we tend to have "built in forgetters". And forget the meds until you have 6 months to a year sober, It will get better. Ah, the good news, If you walk through it without picking up, those cravings will go away, and then you can enjoy life sober. It gets better, I promise. Hang tough and don't forget to trust God. Rick
2006-09-02 14:04:23 · answer #1 · answered by erikwaterman 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Two weeks is not a long time. Your body may have detoxed physically but phsycologicly you have a lot more time ahead of you before you may not crave as often,even.
If you just detoxed then you know that drugs are out unless you are depressed or really sick!
Go to your meetings and if you need to go twice a day find a meeting and go. If you need to go three times a day do it. Those meetings will help you become strong so you can stay sober.
Find God and hold on tight -Hes real and he can be your stronghold 24/7-365.
2006-09-02 12:29:27 · answer #2 · answered by ~♥ L ♥~ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Having cravings after detoxing from alcohol and drugs is very common. I can tell you from my own experience that as time goes by, the cravings do get better and eventually they aren't very annoying anymore. I've been off everything for 5 years and have no cravings, but I do still dream about drugs many nights.
2006-09-02 12:06:40 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
You're facing a tough situation, and are going to experience the cravings for a while.
I can't recommend any medications, but try drinking tea, milk, or hot chocolate instead. Or do something else altogether until the craving goes away.
When I was in school, a recovering alchoholic came in and talked to us kids. One thing he told us was that sometimes he had to take things one minute at a time instead of one day.
Also, try seeing if your sponsor has any suggestions.
Congratulations on quitting, and good luck!
2006-09-02 12:06:37 · answer #4 · answered by Tigger 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You are doing great! The cravings are because it is an addiction. In time they will become less and less. Subsitute something healthy for the craving, like going for a walk, reading a book, calling a friend.
Keep up the good work!
2006-09-02 13:05:41 · answer #5 · answered by hello 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't seem fair but the reality is that some folks are vulnerable to drugs and alcohol and some folks aren't.
They say the cravings may diminish over time but they never go away entirely.
I believe there is or soon will be a new medication that will help. Check with your doctor. There are existing medications for alcohol and drug addiction withdrawal.
2006-09-02 12:12:06 · answer #6 · answered by jackbutler5555 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1 have 19 years clean and sober. it could take up to 18 months for every trace of alcohol to be purged from all your body fat and bone marrow and tissues. also, your liver has adjusted itself to process only alcohol, when there is no alcohol to process, the liver reacts by causing cravings. eating candy or sweets will ease the cravings. when the liver starts to adjust back to normal the cravings will go away. thats the physical part of the addiction. All the luck to you. one day at a time!!!
2006-09-02 12:11:24 · answer #7 · answered by oldguy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Naltrexone and Campral are both used to reduce cravings. The link below is for injectable Naltrexone, oral is available, injectable eliminates the possibility of wavering on your decision or forgetfulness.
Kudzu has been used in China for hundreds of years.
Any of these will help with cravings, but the #1 way is time. When you are presented with "triggers", your mind starts producing chemicals in anticipation of the drink or drug.
2006-09-03 04:52:19 · answer #8 · answered by raysny 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think thre are meds you can get that will help with your cravings. Ask your family doc, i you don't have jone, ask your sponser if they know a doctor you could see. (Maybe the one from your detox) I wish you great luck. Congrats On giving it up. Stay Strong!!!!!!!!!!
2006-09-02 12:07:41 · answer #9 · answered by teresa.hereford@sbcglobal.net 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you have a doctor you regularly see? Did you have a doctor while in detox? Talk to them about meds. Congrats on your progress! Great job!
2006-09-02 12:03:39 · answer #10 · answered by mollyneville 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋