Urge surfing

Recovery language

Definition

A coping skill in which you notice an urge, describe what it feels like in the body, and wait it out without acting — riding it like a wave instead of fighting it. It works because urges are time-limited; the skill removes the need to win an argument with yourself.

Preferred phrasing

safe to use as written.

Source

https://www.samhsa.gov/

Cite this

Betttr. "Urge surfing." The Gambling Recovery Glossary. https://betttr.net/glossary/urge-surfing/ (accessed 2026-09-20).

Last updated: 2026-09-20.

Corrections: support@betttr.net