Three Colorful Steps to Stop Cravings
Created for anyone in recovery, this Anti-Cravings Card belongs in your wallet. Next time you want to use drugs or alcohol, pull the card out and follow the directions:
- RUN! Maybe not literally “run,” but the trick is to take note of all triggers and get away from them. However, if the trigger is enormous and dangerous, it does help to run.
- STOP! Once you’ve stopped running, focus on stopping the thought. Rather than thinking about the craving, imagine a stop sign — over and over and over.
- COLOR! This is of course optional, but coloring is a great way to keep yourself going while you count stop signs. It’s also a form of mindfulness, which helps you relax and gets you closer to self-actualization.*
If you still have cravings after following all three steps, repeat the process. We’ve included two cards/page.
* Mentioned in the section above, self-actualization is about reaching your full potential. It’s who you’re meant to be. As to how to get there, recovery is a big part of the answer.

You're still here? Yay!
Consider checking out our OTB Recovery Workbooks available on Amazon. Each is a journey into the world of sobriety, where evidence-based medicine meets inspiration and fun. There’s CBT, relapse prevention, narrative therapy, and coping skills training. There’s also art therapy, creative writing, mindful coloring, puzzles, and more!
Click on each image below to get more information about each book. (These links take you to Amazon.)
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