Alcoholism is one of the toughest addictions to overcome. One main reason is that withdrawal symptoms in early recovery from alcohol use disorder can be severe and dangerous. Once physical symptoms subside, psychological withdrawal symptoms often appear weeks later as part of a condition known as Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome, or PAWS. This condition can include mood irregularities, insomnia, and cravings.
At Lake Ave Recovery, we understand that cravings for alcohol may still surface even when an individual has been in recovery from chronic alcohol abuse and has completed alcohol detox. Cravings may arise at unexpected times, triggering you to reach for a drink and relapse.
How Lake Ave Recovery Prepares You to Handle Cravings
Our expert Master’s and doctorate level clinicians at Lake Ave Recovery are well versed in the stages of addiction and recovery. We believe that well-rounded treatment includes lessons in cravings management that focus on healthy and productive ways to curb cravings. We also wholeheartedly believe in the power of fellowship and the importance of building a network of social support to provide the emotional backing you need to obtain long-term recovery.
How Long Will Alcohol Cravings Last?
While detox, treatment, and recovery will help you get through initial withdrawal and stay sober, the craving for an alcoholic beverage may rear its head at any time. People not only crave the taste of alcohol but also crave being inebriated.
As more time passes in your recovery, the severity of your alcohol cravings will become less intense or even disappear. In some cases, it takes several years into long-term recovery for cravings to subside completely. In other cases, cravings for alcohol persist for the rest of a person’s life, which is why Lake Ave Recovery stresses the importance of learning relapse-prevention techniques.
The length of time that cravings last is unique to each individual as there is no fixed rule that applies to everyone. Many believe that the severity of a person’s addiction directly correlates to the severity and duration of their cravings. There are also a number of influences that contribute to how long alcohol cravings last, including a person’s family environment and social circle, as well as their living environment. If individuals regularly surround themselves with people who drink alcohol, they may experience more cravings more frequently.
Why Choose Lake Ave Recovery for Treatment?
When you choose Lake Avenue Recovery to treat your alcohol use disorder, you begin with a brief assessment to determine the appropriate level of care for your needs. If your course of treatment requires detox under medical supervision, you will be guided by a trained medical staff to ensure you are receiving adequate care for your stage of recovery.
At Lake Ave Recovery, clients can participate in a variety of experiential and mindfulness services, such as boat rides, nature walks, light strength and fitness training, yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong, massage, and reiki. Our on-site therapy dogs assist our clinical professional team in providing the comforting and uplifting atmosphere we pride ourselves on.
If you or a loved one is suffering from alcohol use disorder or addiction of any kind, you are not alone. Call 508-794-4400 to learn how to break the cycle today.