Many people try to cope with cravings by gritting their teeth and toughing it out. Some cravings, especially when you first return to where you may have frequently used in the past, are just too strong to ignore. When this happens, it can be useful to stay with your urge to use until it passes. This technique is called ‘urge surfing’.

There are 3 basic steps in urge surfing:

1. Notice where in your body you experience the craving and what the sensations are like.

2. Focus on the main area where you are experiencing the urge.

3. Move on to another part of your body that is experiencing the craving.

Continue to ‘Surf the Urge’ until it subsides.

If you practise urge surfing you will become familiar with your cravings and learn how to ride them out until they go away.

Have you tried Surfing the Urge before? What else works for you when attempting to cope with cravings?