How to handle a craving — in the moment
What to do when the urge to use or drink takes over.
The urge to use or drink is loud and it's all you can think about.
— Right now
- Ride it — cravings peak and pass, usually within 20 minutes, if you don't feed them.
- Change your surroundings now — leave, walk, ring someone. Urges weaken when you move.
- Play the tape forward: past the hit, to how you'll feel after. That's the real ending.
— Don't
- Don't argue with the craving in your head — distract and outlast it instead.
— Later
- Free, 24/7: National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline 1800 250 015.
The urge to use or drink is loud and it's all you can think about.
— Right now
- Ride it — cravings peak and pass, usually within 20 minutes, if you don't feed them.
- Change your surroundings now — leave, walk, ring someone. Urges weaken when you move.
- Play the tape forward: past the hit, to how you'll feel after. That's the real ending.
— Don't
- Don't argue with the craving in your head — distract and outlast it instead.
— Later
- Free, 24/7: National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline 1800 250 015.
Cravings: the short version
- 1.Cravings peak and pass — outlast 20 minutes.
- 2.Move, change your surroundings, ring someone.
- 3.Play the tape forward, past the hit.
- 4.A slip isn't the end — start again today.
- 5.Free 24/7: 1800 250 015. Dark? 13 11 14.
Doing it tough?Call Lifeline 13 11 14