Craving, or the urge to consume a drug and its causes
Frequent consumption of psychoactive substances eventually causes the body to develop tolerance to that substance. If the body stops consuming or maintains a dose that does not create an effect, some type of withdrawal syndrome tends to appear. This causes a variable level of discomfort and suffering, with an intense desire to consume the substance in question appearing. This is craving.
This psychological phenomenon occurs in individuals who have or have had dependence on a particular substance. It forms an important part in maintaining the addictive process. It can be actively present for up to two years afterward. Although it is usually much more intense in the period between one month and the first year after cessation of consumption.
Causes and contexts of occurrence
The urge to consume a drug is usually associated with the need caused by withdrawal from it, but there are other reasons. The main moments when craving appears are the following:
- Withdrawal syndrome: withdrawal from a substance to which the body and mind have become accustomed can be difficult. It causes frustration, discomfort, anxiety, and aggression.
- Seeking pleasure: there is no physiological need as in the case of withdrawal. A strong desire to consume may appear in situations of vital suffering, dejection, or simple boredom.
- Stimulus conditioning: drug consumption usually occurs in a specific context (places, activities, people…). Over time, coming into contact with certain types of stimuli can trigger the consumption response, with craving appearing in the presence of such stimuli, people, or situations.
There is always a way out
Throughout our years of experience recovering individuals and families, at CCAdicciones we have managed to merge various types of treatment, creating a specific model. The CCAdicciones model maintains a high recovery rate well above the average of other treatments, with 86% of patients recovered. Request information by calling 902 400 426.
