How Long Do Drug Cravings Last?

By Carmen Cook, LMFT | September 24th, 2025

Recovery from addiction is a lifelong journey, and one of the most challenging parts of that journey is managing cravings. Cravings are intense urges to use drugs or alcohol again, even after someone has stopped using. For many, cravings feel overwhelming, unpredictable, and discouraging. A common question for people in recovery—and their families—is: how long do drug cravings last?

The answer depends on many factors, including the substance used, how long and heavily it was used, and a person’s physical and mental health. Understanding cravings, why they happen, and how to manage them can make a big difference in the recovery process.

At Mana Recovery, our Hawaii addiction treatment center helps individuals across Maui and Hawaiʻi navigate cravings with compassion, evidence-based care, and community support.

Why Do Drug Cravings Happen?

Drug cravings are rooted in the brain’s reward system. When someone uses substances, their brain releases large amounts of dopamine—the chemical responsible for feelings of pleasure, motivation, and reward. Over time, the brain adapts by producing less dopamine naturally and becoming dependent on the substance to feel “normal.”

When a person stops using, the brain struggles to balance itself, creating powerful urges to use again. Triggers such as stress, certain environments, or reminders of past substance use can reignite these cravings even after months of sobriety.

In short, cravings are the brain’s way of demanding what it has grown used to—but with time, healing, and the right support, they become easier to manage.

Factors That Influence How Long Cravings Last

Cravings don’t have a one-size-fits-all timeline. Several factors influence their intensity and duration:

• The type of substance used – Stimulants like cocaine, opioids like fentanyl, alcohol, and nicotine all affect the brain differently. Some cause shorter, more intense cravings, while others linger for weeks or months.
• Length and severity of use – The longer someone has used, the more deeply ingrained cravings may be.
• Mental health – Conditions such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD can amplify cravings.
• Environment and triggers – Being in places or around people associated with past use can bring cravings back, even years later.
• Support system – Having community, therapy, and coping tools can shorten the lifespan of cravings and reduce relapse risk.

The Difference Between Physical and Psychological Cravings

Cravings can be divided into two main categories:

• Physical cravings – These are bodily responses such as sweating, shaking, or stomach discomfort when the body misses the drug. They are most common in early detox and withdrawal.
• Psychological cravings – These involve mental urges and obsessive thoughts about using. They can last much longer and often reappear during stressful times or when exposed to triggers.

Understanding the difference helps people recognize that cravings are not a sign of weakness—they are natural biological and psychological processes that need specific tools to manage.

Typical Timeline of Drug Cravings by Substance

Each substance has a unique withdrawal and craving timeline:

• Alcohol – Cravings for alcohol may peak within the first week but can persist for several months, especially in stressful situations.
• Opioids (heroin, prescription painkillers, fentanyl) – Cravings are strongest in the first 7–14 days, but psychological cravings may linger for years without proper support.
• Stimulants (cocaine, methamphetamine) – Intense cravings often appear during the first week of withdrawal but can continue intermittently for weeks or months.
• Benzodiazepines – Cravings may last longer because tapering is often required, and the brain’s GABA system takes time to heal.
• Nicotine – Cravings tend to be shorter in duration but can be triggered by routines and habits for years.

How Long Do Cravings Last in Early Recovery?

The first 90 days of sobriety are often called the most vulnerable period. During this time, cravings may feel constant and overwhelming. This is because the brain and body are adjusting to life without the substance.

In early recovery, cravings might last only a few minutes at a time, but their frequency can make them feel relentless. With therapy, coping tools, and support programs, many people find that cravings gradually reduce in intensity by the three- to six-month mark.

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) and Cravings

For some individuals, cravings return unexpectedly months after detox. This is known as Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS). Symptoms can include:

• Sudden drug or alcohol cravings
• Irritability or mood swings
• Sleep disturbances
• Difficulty concentrating

PAWS can last for several months—or even up to two years in some cases. While frustrating, PAWS does not mean recovery isn’t working. With professional treatment and long-term coping strategies, these symptoms usually decrease in frequency and intensity.

Coping Strategies for Managing Drug Cravings

The good news is that cravings do not last forever. Most fade within 15–30 minutes, even at their strongest. Strategies that can help manage them include:

• Urge surfing – A mindfulness technique that helps ride out cravings like a wave.
• Distraction techniques – Calling a friend, exercising, or engaging in hobbies.
• Grounding exercises – Breathing exercises, meditation, or journaling.
• Avoiding triggers – Steering clear of people, places, and routines linked to substance use.
• Community support – Attending group meetings or connecting with recovery peers.

The Role of Therapy in Overcoming Cravings

Therapy plays a vital role in helping individuals overcome cravings and maintain long-term recovery. Cravings are not just a physical response; they are deeply tied to thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Professional therapy provides the tools to recognize these patterns, challenge them, and replace them with healthier coping strategies.

At Mana Recovery, we use a variety of evidence-based approaches that empower individuals to better manage cravings and reduce their risk of relapse:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Helps clients identify negative thought patterns that trigger cravings and replace them with healthier, more constructive thinking.
• Family Therapy – Addiction affects more than just the individual. Family therapy helps loved ones understand cravings, rebuild trust, and strengthen the home environment as a source of support.
• Group Therapy – Offers peer accountability and connection, allowing individuals to see they are not alone in facing cravings. Group discussions provide practical strategies and encouragement from others who understand the struggle.
• Individual Therapy – Provides a safe, one-on-one space for clients to explore personal triggers, past trauma, and underlying mental health conditions that may drive cravings. This tailored approach ensures that each person’s unique needs are addressed.
• Motivational Interviewing (MI) – A client-centered method that helps individuals explore their own reasons for change. Instead of focusing on external pressures, MI builds internal motivation and confidence to resist cravings and commit to recovery.

By combining these therapeutic approaches, Mana Recovery helps individuals not only manage cravings in the moment but also understand their root causes. Over time, therapy equips people with lifelong skills to anticipate triggers, cope with stress, and build resilience.

Our Maui-based programs ensure that therapy is accessible, compassionate, and personalized to each person’s needs—supporting them in staying committed to long-term sobriety.

Medications That Can Help Reduce Cravings

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can make cravings more manageable, especially for opioid and alcohol use disorders. Common medications include:

• Naltrexone – Blocks the pleasurable effects of alcohol and opioids.
• Buprenorphine (Suboxone®) – Reduces opioid cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
• Methadone – Long-acting medication that helps stabilize opioid dependency.
• Acamprosate (Campral®) – Supports alcohol recovery by balancing brain chemistry.

When combined with therapy and community support, medications provide a powerful tool for lasting recovery.

Healthy Lifestyle Habits to Minimize Cravings

Lifestyle plays a major role in reducing cravings. Building healthy routines can help the brain and body heal faster. Recommended habits include:

• Regular exercise – Boosts endorphins and improves mood. Mana Recovery’s unique Recover Strong program uses exercise and neuroscience-based techniques to help clients rebuild resilience.
• Balanced nutrition – Fuels brain recovery and stabilizes energy.
• Quality sleep – Restores the body and reduces stress.
• Mindfulness practices – Meditation, yoga, and deep breathing reduce anxiety and cravings.
• Positive social connections – Supportive friendships help protect against relapse.

When to Seek Professional Help for Cravings

Occasional cravings are a natural part of the recovery process. For many people, they fade with time and can often be managed with healthy coping strategies. However, when cravings become constant, overwhelming, or start interfering with daily life, it may be a sign that additional support is needed.

Some warning signs that it’s time to seek professional help include:

• Thinking about substances every day – If thoughts of using drugs or alcohol dominate your mind and distract you from work, relationships, or personal goals, it may be a sign that your recovery needs more structured support.
• Being unable to resist urges despite trying – Willpower alone is often not enough to overcome addiction. Repeatedly giving in to cravings can lead to relapse and feelings of guilt or hopelessness.
• Returning to old environments or people linked to substance use – Surrounding yourself with triggers can make cravings stronger and harder to resist. Professional programs provide safe spaces and new routines to replace these risky situations.
• Relapsing after a period of sobriety – Relapse does not mean failure, but it is a signal that your treatment plan may need adjustment. A professional team can help identify what triggered the relapse and build stronger strategies for the future.

Seeking help early can prevent cravings from escalating into relapse. Professional care provides structured therapy, medical support when needed, and accountability—tools that are often difficult to sustain alone.

At Mana Recovery, we help people recognize these warning signs before they become overwhelming. Our Partial Hospitalization, Intensive Outpatient, and Outpatient programs in Maui are designed to meet individuals where they are and provide the right level of care. Whether cravings are new, persistent, or tied to relapse, our compassionate team offers guidance, therapy, and community support so individuals can regain control and continue moving forward in their recovery journey.

Long-Term Outlook: Do Cravings Ever Fully Go Away?

For many people, cravings decrease significantly over time. While some individuals may experience occasional triggers years into recovery, others report that cravings fade almost entirely.

Recovery is less about eliminating cravings completely and more about learning to manage them effectively. With the right tools, support, and lifestyle, cravings lose their power and become just another challenge to overcome.

Finding Support for Lasting Recovery

No one should face cravings alone. At Mana Recovery, we meet people where they are—whether justice-involved, houseless, or seeking help directly. Our Maui-based programs combine therapy, medication, community housing, and holistic care in a serene environment that fosters healing.

If you or a loved one is struggling with cravings, know that support is available. Contact Mana Recovery today to learn more about our evidence-based programs and take the first step toward long-term recovery.