In the Sherlock Holmes story “The Adventure of Silver Blaze,” the great detective solves a case by realizing that an intruder must have been known to a particular dog because that dog did not bark when the crime was taking place. The moment Holmes comes to this realization is a memorable one, but some readers might take issue with his reasoning.
After all, you probably know (or even live with) a dog that barks at people, whether they are perfectly familiar or perfect strangers. We are talking about the kind of dog that barks at the mailman each and every day or who barks at anyone who happens to be coming or going. They might be the kind of dog that barks when they need to go out, barks when they want to come back in, barks for snacks, barks when they think their human has been asleep too long, and so on.
A dog who never seems to stop barking can be a real annoyance for everyone in the creature’s immediate vicinity—and sometimes it can just seem easiest to do whatever the dog wants in an effort to get them to quiet down. Another snack might buy five minutes of peace? That might be a really appealing tradeoff—even if the dog has had more snacks than they probably should.
Sometimes, a person in recovery from a substance use disorder might experience cravings for drugs or alcohol that seem as persistent and unendurable as a dog that just won’t stop barking. In those situations, it can be mighty tempting to give in just to get the craving to abate.
But that, of course, is a terrible idea. Just like providing endless snacks will not actually solve the barking issue, giving in to temptation when it comes to drugs or alcohol will not keep your recovery efforts intact. You need a better strategy. And while we can’t really help when it comes to a constantly barking canine, we do have some thoughts on how you might keep cravings from upending your recovery.
But first, a quick disclaimer: We definitely believe pets—including dogs—can be helpful for people in recovery.
Ideas for Quieting Cravings Before They Arise
Just like it is a good idea to proactively train a dog not to bark incessantly before it becomes a problem, it is a good idea to put some strategies in place that can help keep cravings from arising in the first place. Good practices include:
- Attending recovery meetings regularly so that you receive ongoing support and encouragement.
- Practicing meditation, mindfulness, or yoga to ground yourself in the present moment so that regrets from your past or concerns about your future are less problematic.
- Concentrating on eating healthily, sleeping restfully, and exercising regularly—three key practices for maintaining good physical and mental health.
- Avoiding people and places that you suspect might trigger a craving due to their connection to your substance use.
- Maintaining a spirit of gratitude and a growth mindset so that you are focused on what is good and what is possible in your life.
Ideas for Quieting Cravings When They Arise
Even the best-trained pooches might bark from time to time. It is, after all, in a dog’s nature to bark. In the same way, cravings might pop up even when you are diligently doing what you can to keep them few and far between. Those situations require strategies that can be acted upon right away. Those strategies could include:
- Reaching out to a supportive friend, family member, or your sponsor. Spending time with those who support you can help you weather a craving. You might go for a cup of coffee or a walk or simply chat until the craving subsides. The companionship can distract you from the craving and remind you why your recovery is important to you.
- Taking a few moments to “urge surf” (a kind of mindfulness practice) or to do some breathing exercises to help see you through a powerful craving. These practices can help you center yourself in the present moment to help you resist the craving.
- Doing something engaging that you truly enjoy. Reading a favorite book, watching a favorite show, working a puzzle, playing a musical instrument, gardening, and more are all activities that can help shift your focus from the craving that is barking at you.
Start Your Recovery Journey With Us
Located in Henryville, Indiana, Wooded Glen Recovery Center offers personalized treatment plans to help those we serve overcome substance use disorders and reclaim their lives. Our program includes medically supervised detoxification and a rehabilitation program built around group and individual therapy. You can also count on us to provide ongoing support and resources after your time in residential treatment comes to an end.
We also offer an intensive outpatient program (IOP) that serves those who cannot commit to full residential treatment or those who need ongoing support at the end of their residential program. The goal of the IOP is the same as the goal of our inpatient program: to help you acquire the strategies and resources you need to start your recovery journey with confidence.
When you are ready to start living again, we are here to help you learn how.