Managing Cravings
Practical strategies for coping with urges, cravings, habits, and impulsive behaviour.
Cravings are a normal part of changing habits
They can feel strong, distracting, uncomfortable, or urgent — but they usually rise and fall over time. A craving does not mean you have failed, and it does not mean you have to act on it.
Learning ways to respond to cravings can make them easier to manage
What cravings can feel like
Cravings can involve:
strong urges
repetitive thoughts about using
emotional discomfort
wanting quick relief
What can help in the moment
Often the goal is not to “make the craving disappear”.
The goal is to:
slow things down
reduce impulsive reactions
create enough space to make a different choice
Even small delays can help.
Practical strategies
Change the situation
leave the environment if possible
avoid places linked to past use
contact someone supportive
go somewhere public or safer
remove reminders or triggers
Keep moving
go for a walk
shower
clean something small
make a drink
play music
do one practical task
Small actions can interrupt automatic patterns.
Delay the decision
Try saying:
“I’ll wait 20 minutes first.”
“I don’t need to decide right now.”
“This feeling will change.”
Cravings often peak and reduce over time.
Notice the urge without reacting
Some people find it helpful to:
observe the feeling
slow their breathing
notice physical sensations
let the urge pass without fighting it
You do not have to act on every thought or feeling.
Try this today
Choose one strategy now that you could realistically use during a difficult moment.
Keep it simple and practical.
Changing habits takes time. Setbacks can happen, but small actions still matter.
This resource provides practical wellbeing and self-help information. It is not an emergency or crisis service.
If difficulties continue, increase, or feel difficult to manage alone, additional support from a health professional, support service, or trusted person may help.
If there is immediate risk or a crisis situation, contact emergency or crisis support services.
Version 1.0 — 24/05/2026
