Last Updated: February 18, 2026 by Michael Kahn. Published: February 18, 2026.

Cravings and triggers are one of the hardest parts of recovery because they can turn up out of the blue and completely knock you off course. 

You can be doing okay, you can feel pretty good and as though you’re making progress, and then suddenly something hits you, like a smell, visiting a specific place, a stressful moment, or even just a particular time of day, and your brain will go right back to your old habits before you’ve even had time to think. That’s frustrating, and it can feel scary, but it’s also very normal, and the good news is, cravings do pass and triggers can be managed. Keep reading to find out more. 

Work Out What Sets You Off

Triggers aren’t always obvious – sometimes it’s people, sometimes it’s certain situations, sometimes it’s emotions like stress, boredom, loneliness, anger, and even excitement… 

What you need to do if you want to block these problems is to notice the patterns, and work out when the cravings hit, what’s usually going on around you at the time, and anything else that might help. Basically, the more you understand, the less it feels random, and the more in control you’ll be. 

Have A Plan For The Moment

Cravings are going to feel urgent, which is one of the main problems when you’ve got them, but they’re not going to last forever, so it’s wise to have a plan in place for when they hit to distract yourself for as long as you need to. 

The best thing you can do is be ready to take action, and that might be going for a walk, calling someone, changing rooms, watching TV, eating something, meditation, or anything else that works for you (it might take a little bit of experimenting to find out). This idea sounds so basic, but cravings peak and then fade, so if you can be busy at the worst times, things won’t seem so bad. 

Don’t Rely On Willpower Alone

People talk about willpower like it’s the only thing you need and it’ll fix everything, but the fact is that cravings aren’t just a mindset thing – they’re very real. 

The fact is, your brain and body are adjusting, and that takes time. You’re definitely not weak for finding it hard, you just need support and the right tools and not be under too much pressure. That might sound like a lot, but once you’ve got a system in place, it all gets easier. 

Replace Old Habits With New Ones

If substances were how you coped, you need other ways to cope now you’re no longer using them – you need to replace your old bad habits with new good ones, in other words. 

That might be therapy, routines, exercise, hobbies, support groups, or anything else that gives your brain something else to think about when things feel difficult (which they will – no one said recovery was easy, although it’s worth every second). 

Get Proper Support If You Need It

Sometimes cravings and triggers are too much to handle by yourself, especially early in the recovery process, and that’s why treatment is there. Being in a supportive environment like a luxury rehab can give you space to get away from everyday triggers while you learn how to manage them properly. 

That way, you can re-set your body and mind without the temptation, making it easier on yourself, and giving yourself the opportunities you need to get clean.