Hi everyone,

I'm having a problem that is probably somewhat related to a past history of eating disorder.

The problem is that I'm having trouble discerning the difference between a craving for pills from legitimate hunger! I spent the morning thinking I was having intense drug cravings and then I had lunch and felt better. On the other hand, I have had the experience of trying to "feed" my cravings with food and that can be just as big a problem as the drugs. Binging on food has led me down some very dark paths.

I feel like I have completely lost the ability to read my body and discern its signals. How do I know when I'm hungry, when I'm craving? I feel like an alien in my own skin.

Right now your body needs as much NUTRITION as it can get....eat good things like fruit vegies, pasta, rice.....
always remember for cravings....H.A.L.T
if you are........H-ungry
A-ngry
L-onely
T-ired
All of these things will lead to drug cravings. So it is very possible that you are genuinely hungry and it is helping to ward off the cravings when you eat.
Eating healthy is a MUST while early in recovery. I hope you are hanging in there.
luv,
LISA

Try drinking more water. The body does not have a good thirst indicator, by the time you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated. And many people feel the sensation of hunger when they are actually thirsty. Water will help cleanse the body if you are detoxing/tapering. You need at least 64 oz of water a day. Do not count caffeinated beverages. Cut down or eliminate caffeine.

Eat three meals, or six small meals a day. DO NOT skip breakfast.

If you are feeling a craving, try drinking about 16 oz of water first. Then if the craving is still there, try a small snack. A protein/carb snack will help stabilize blood sugar, especially if you are prone to low blood sugar. Crackers and cheese or small peanut butter sandwich. Remember its a snack, not a meal (unless its mealtime). If you are still craving, write in a journal about it, come here and write about it, or tell someone you trust. It's just a feeling, you don't have to use over it, and it WILL pass.