Tips for overcoming cocaine cravings?

[Not Today Satan]

Title is self-explanatory.

I started working in healthcare again fairly recently, in EMS. Drug tests are unlikely after I already secured the job, but still possible. Failing drug tests is not an option, hence why I've been sober.

I'm allergic to caffeine and it does nothing for me except make me more tired and feel sick. I had a coke habit for quite a long time because of that, but kicked it and don't plan to start again.

Any advice?

Please don't tell me "therapy." I've burned through basically every bridge there is, when it comes to finding therapists. I'm looking for actionable advice that I can do without having to go to a mental health professional.

 

[Kali_Yuga13]

This PDF is one of the best things I've read describing cocaine addiction. I believe it's an excerpt from "The Cocaine Recovery Workbook" by Paul Earley MD.

In terms of specific tactics to overcome cravings, exercise, avoid any media (movies, music, documentary vids) as visual queues are a big trigger. Also refrain from euphoric recall of past use.

The cocaine recovery book : Earley, Paul H : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive

Includes bibliographical references and index

archive.org

 

[Crematoryy]

I've been addicted to pornography for 8 years and there's nothing I can do to undo this neuroplastic cycle of brain addiction. If you can maintain abstinence, you've proven your strength is godlike. I'm a prisoner of this body that doesn't obey me and doesn't belong to me. In my case, there are two addictions: (1) The audio-visual stimulus of pornography; (2) The neurochemical substance of orgasm. I can even go months without consuming any videos or images, but my brain resorts to its memories to create erotic dreams that synthesize what I consumed. Regarding the neurochemical substance, I believe it's impossible to deal with. My cocaine is my own neurological hormones.

If I had a sexual partner, I would have a chance to overcome my pornography addiction. I could contain the impulse to search for nude scenes with my willpower, and obtain momentary relief at the peak of abstinence with my spouse. But that's not going to happen.

 

[Grog]

Title is self-explanatory.

I started working in healthcare again fairly recently, in EMS. Drug tests are unlikely after I already secured the job, but still possible. Failing drug tests is not an option, hence why I've been sober.

I'm allergic to caffeine and it does nothing for me except make me more tired and feel sick. I had a coke habit for quite a long time because of that, but kicked it and don't plan to start again.

Any advice?

Please don't tell me "therapy." I've burned through basically every bridge there is, when it comes to finding therapists. I'm looking for actionable advice that I can do without having to go to a mental health professional.

People can't kick these habits without help. Rehab is needed.

 

[Not Today Satan]

People can't kick these habits without help. Rehab is needed.

I'm already sober and I've been sober for a while but I still experience cravings (note the distinction between cravings and true physiological withdrawal). At this point I don't think rehab is the way to go anymore.

I probably should have been more clear in my initial post but I'm already sober and it's the cravings that are my main concern now.

If you can maintain abstinence, you've proven your strength is godlike.

That's debatable. If I wasn't scared of getting fired from my job after failing a drug test, I'd probably still be using.

 

[nocatwaslost]

In what situations do the cravings appear? Why did you start using cocaine?

 

[Not Today Satan]

In what situations do the cravings appear? Why did you start using cocaine?

I started when I was like 18. It was partly to lose weight (yes, I know, I'm fucking stupid) and partly because I needed it for the energy to get through work. I was in a really bad financial situation and was working long hours. I'm in my mid 20s now and been financially stable for years. However, I currently have a physically demanding job and caffeine doesn't work for me, so it's hard not to crave cocaine when I'm exhausted but have to be fully alert during my entire shift. I'm aware that if I actually do coke though, I risk getting fired.