E291: Why You May Still Crave Alcohol Long Term, and Why No Cravings Doesn’t Mean You’re “Cured”

We tend to think of cravings as the enemy in sobriety. If you still want to drink, it must mean you’re doing something wrong. And on the other side, if the cravings go away, it’s tempting to think you’re finally “cured.” Cravings are not a sign of weakness, and the absence of cravings doesn’t mean you’re going to be a special occasion drinker. They’re both just snapshots of what’s happening in your brain at a particular moment in time, not the whole story.

In today’s episode, we’re going to look at why alcohol cravings can stick around for months or even years after you quit, what’s actually happening in your brain when you don’t feel a craving, and why both states carry their own risks. We’ll dig into long-term vulnerability, even when you feel “over it,” and how you can use that knowledge to stay steady in your recovery.

What to listen to next:

E241: 6 Theories of Alcohol Cravings

E283: Alcohol Shortens Your Perception of Time (Instant Gratification)

E284: Reward Substitution: Healthy vs. Harmful Replacements for Alcohol

E278: Intrusive Thoughts About Drinking When You’re Already Sober & 3 Ways to Deal 

E270: Cravings Increase After Quitting Drinking and Peak Around 60 Days Sober and 6 Months Sober

E266: Can You Drink Again After a Break?

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Sources are posted on my website

Disclaimer: all of the information described in this podcast is my interpretation of the research combined with my opinion. This is not medical advice. 

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