Doug Paul on the Changing Nature of Cravings in Recovery
When we talk about craving patterns, it's like watching a Scorsese movie or something, and you're looking at this character of cravings and watching the arc of the character develop over the period of time of early recovery.
Cravings don't just vanish overnight; they evolve and adapt, much like characters in a movie. In this episode of 'Recovery Unscripted', Doug Paul, the director of outpatient services at Foundations Atlanta, breaks down how cravings change throughout the recovery journey. Doug likens craving patterns to a Scorsese film, where the plot thickens and characters develop in unexpected ways. He introduces us to three distinct types of cravings: impulsive, compulsive, and covert.
The covert ones are particularly tricky, often flying under the radar but causing significant challenges. Doug emphasizes that cravings can persist long after the initial year of sobriety, making it crucial to address them with patients continually. He shares practical strategies like mindfulness and creativity to help manage these persistent urges. Ever wondered how societal messages from fast-food chains or tech companies affect your cravings? Doug dives into this too, explaining how external influences shape our internal battles.
Drawing from his own experiences, Doug discusses how he uses music as a therapeutic tool to help patients understand and manage their cravings. Whether you're in recovery or supporting someone who is, this episode offers valuable insights into the ever-changing nature of cravings and practical tips for managing them.