The Fastest and Most Effective Ways to Curb Alcohol Cravings

But if a craving strikes and you need a quick tool at your disposal, you can turn your brain from an enemy into an ally. Watch a movie in your mind, and remember that the first drink isn’t ever the last one. 5 When a person is blocked from indulging in the automatic habit of drinking, the desire for alcohol increases. For example, a person’s cravings may intensify after learning that the liquor store is closed.

Of course it’s unexpected, uncomfortable and even confusing when we crave a drink or drug after years without. Our neurological pathways and memories are conditioned to respond with cravings, but our brains will continue to rewire themselves with a little planning, patience and time. A supportive friend or family member can help you in many ways during withdrawal.

Foods That Curb Alcohol Cravings

Our inpatient and outpatient treatment services teach coping skills to help participants manage alcohol cravings. To help reduce your alcohol cravings, consider adding protein-rich foods to your diet. Lean proteins like chicken, turkey breast, and fish are fantastic options that offer plenty of versatility in cooking. In addition to protein, fishes like tuna, salmon, and mackerel are optimal ‘brain food’ and contain omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and polyunsaturated fats. Together, these elements allow your brain to function properly and stay alert throughout the day. Other excellent sources of protein include chickpeas, black beans, and tofu.

In addition, some new, non-addictive medications can reduce the desire to drink or lessen the rewarding effect of drinking so it is easier to stop. Your thoughts and emotions, your environment, and your physical responses to alcohol combine to form triggers that can lead you to want to drink. There are several ways you can help control alcohol cravings and better manage your urge to drink. If certain people, places, or activities trigger a craving for alcohol, try to avoid them. This may mean making major changes to your social life, such as finding new things to do with your old drinking buddies—or even giving up those friends and finding new ones.

Remember how you drink, consequences you’ve experienced.

https://ecosoberhouse.com/ often spur an internal debate with oneself over whether one should just give in to them this one time or continue to remain abstinent. During and after your alcohol rehab program, you’ll inevitably experience mood changes, accompanied by physical changes.

As you can see, if alcohol cravings strike, they will be short-lived even if they are intense. Prescription medications to help someone stop drinking are Topiramate, Naltrexone, Acamprosate and Antabuse. Protein is a vital part of maintaining your muscular health.

Best Way to Stop Alcohol Cravings

Everything from stress, mood, depression, cravings and sleep are regulated by physical exercise, which is why getting outside for a brisk walk, bike ride, or a swim is crucial to your recovery. Also, many people swear by other home remedies to stop drinking alcohol. It includes laxative herbs, which help detoxify the body which also offsets cravings for sugar and alcohol. Cayenne regulates your appetite, balances out your digestion and smoothens anxiety. Cayenne provides an added “kick” to relieve the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Consumed raw, celery has a sobering effect and ends alcohol and sugar cravings on its own. Finally, Vitamin B is widely regarded as a substitute for alcohol, as it does everything from improve the quality of sleep to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

• Cravings can pass on their own and typically last for 10 to 15 minutes if you tweak your diet right and maintain your strength.
• However, foods with complex carbohydrates help to slowly metabolize those sugars and, ultimately, kill sugar cravings for longer periods of time.
• At times, it’s easy to forget why you entered recovery in the first place.
• Reducing the amount of alcohol you drink can improve your short- and long-term health.
• People going through alcohol rehab Los Angeles often experience a deficiency in certain vitamins, minerals, and nutrients.
• As you stop drinking, the resulting lack of sugar will convince your body that you need something sweet.

Experiencing how to reduce alcohol cravings naturally cravings may not automatically mean you have an AUD. All the same, it could be worth talking to a mental health professional — more on that below. You will be surprised to know that on a number of occasions, your thirst for alcohol is actually a thirst for water and can curb the craving to consume any alcohol at all. Water is the most important ingredient your body needs to survive and drinking a couple of glasses of water when you crave alcohol can help say no to alcoholic beverages.