2 - Coping with Cravings and Triggers

Summary

It is often stated that cravings are a formidable adversary to those on a recovery pathway and that cravings are one of the major factors related to relapse. Individuals who lack effective coping responses and/or the confidence (self-efficacy) to deal with cravings and the situations that trigger them are at high risk for relapse. In this chapter the authors assist the reader to enhance their ability to manage cravings and highlight that it is a pivotal coping skill needed for their sustained recovery from addiction. In this chapter it is highlighted that a Recovery Resilience Practice supports regulation of both mental and physical health, preserving the inherent resilience of our true self. The theoretical underpinning of the practices is based on the notion that the true self, or our genuine essence, can be reclaimed or further nurtured once deeply entrenched defensive patterns, developed to offset feelings of shame and inadequacy, are consciously recognized, understood, and neutralized. It highlights how these patterns are malleable and can be effectively deconstructed through various means to encourage authentic functioning, characterized by creativity, optimism, spontaneity, and resilience.