Cravings and triggers

The desire to take opiates can feel overwhelming especially if it takes you by surprise. If you want to overcome cravings it helps to be prepared: plan to do something active when you get a craving. They do pass, and can be controlled.

There will be all sorts of things that are linked with using in your mind.
These are known as triggers.

There is a list below of the more common ones. Cross out the ones you find don’t apply to you and add on any other things that you know will trigger thoughts about opiates. As time goes on, if you stay off you will probably find more and more. Knowing what they are is the first step to beating them, so it may help to keep adding to the list as you become aware of them.

Common triggers include:

• stress;
• arguments;
• money in your pocket;
• £10 notes;
• people;
• houses;
• streets;
• smells;
• silver foil;
• needles and syringes;
• anxiety;
• memories; and
• dreams.

Each time you cope with a triggered craving it may get a little easier next time, but don’t get complacent or test yourself by unnecessary exposure to high-risk situations or people.

You will change from day to day and a situation you coped with easily one day may cause a lapse another. In time you will find the triggers lose their strength, but it is best to allow this to happen naturally.

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