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When studies have
examined craving, it has been found to be related to a desire to recreate the pleasant
experience of the drug’s “high”, rather than a need to maintain normal levels of
activity. So, drug use tries to achieve an unusual level of pleasant arousal. It is the
memory of this pleasant arousal that many “addicts” cannot forgo. They are unwilling
to accept they can never again recreate that “wonderful” experience. When people try
to discontinue their drug use, it is easier to do this in a setting very different from
their normal environment. However, on return to their normal environment, cues for drug
use will still be present and relapse is therefore more likely. |