This can be a key to breaking the hold that your triggers to drink have on you. In addition to Drug rehabilitation reducing daily drinking, naltrexone has been shown to reduce alcohol cravings as a measurable symptom (3). More options are necessary because the reasons that trap people in the vicious cycle of SUDs are varied.
Crafting a List of Healthy Diversions
This, in turn, helps =https://ecosoberhouse.com/ you change your behavior and cope better with difficult situations. For example, if you often feel stressed and turn to alcohol as a way to cope, CBT can help you find healthier ways to manage that stress. Consider letting your friend group know if you’ve decided to scale back on unhealthy drinking habits. According to research, being peer-pressured into drinking happens to adults across different age groups 5.
How addictive substances hijack the dopamine system
Having a daily routine can reduce the likelihood of encountering triggers. Keep yourself busy with meaningful activities to minimize idle moments when cravings might hit. Distraction techniques focus on shifting one’s attention away from cravings.
Incorporating daily mindfulness habits
- Rather, they are a result of complex biological processes within the brain.
- These carbohydrates are broken down slowly in the body, providing sustained energy and reducing the chance of experiencing alcohol cravings.
- Healthy diversions and positive substitutions play a crucial role in this regard, offering healthy alternatives to the cycle of craving and consumption.
- She is currently the National Lead Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at Eleanor Health and her clinical interests include therapeutic communication, evidence-based treatment and nonjudgmental care.
- Remember, while these foods can aid in relieving alcohol cravings, it’s important to seek professional help if you’re struggling with alcohol addiction.
Medication may help the person initially break the desire to drink but isn’t a long-term solution. The person needs to learn how to deal with certain situations and avoid them completely to get the results they want. Joining a support group like AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) or SMART Recovery can provide a sense of community and accountability, which can be incredibly valuable in managing cravings. Sharing experiences and strategies with others who understand the challenges of recovery can offer both how to reduce alcohol cravings support and practical advice for dealing with cravings. So, as you gain confidence in not drinking or overdrinking, there’s another step you can take.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, commonly known by its acronym, CBT, is a psycho-social intervention that helps individuals manage their problems by altering their cognitive processes and behavior. CBT hinges on the premise that thoughts and perceptions influence behavior. By understanding and modifying dysfunctional thinking, behaviors and emotional responses can be altered. Dark chocolate is rich in antioxidants and can satisfy sweet cravings, which often arise when a person stops drinking alcohol. Moreover, it’s believed that chocolate’s magnesium content may also help reduce alcohol cravings.
Greek yogurt is another food that can be beneficial for those seeking relief from alcohol cravings. It is a rich source of protein, which can help to promote satiety and reduce cravings. Greek yogurt also contains probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that support gut health. Additionally, it provides essential nutrients such as calcium, vitamin B12, and iodine. Berries, such as blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries, are not only delicious but also packed with nutrients.
- Other examples include spending time with people you love or taking a walk in nature to cool off.
- Pick just one area — like eating meals at regular intervals, grabbing a balanced afternoon snack, or meal prepping on the weekends — and see how that feels.
- This guide provides actionable tips and insights to help you control alcohol cravings and support your recovery journey.
