How to Stop Alcohol Cravings Drink Less or Quit

Similar to ashwagandha, holy basil may help curb alcohol cravings alleviate anxiety from alcohol withdrawal. Omega-3-rich fish like salmon and mackerel may also help improve focus and overall brain health. Both avoiding and distraction can work well, but if that’s all you do, they can leave you tired and fearful of urges. To overcome urges and not be fearful of them, you’ll need more advanced methods.

• If the alcohol is withdrawn suddenly, the brain is like an accelerating vehicle that has lost its brakes.
• If you have withdrawal symptoms from drinking, then you have consumed enough alcohol to damage other organs.
• 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.
• A healthcare provider aims to collect only the essential information they need to begin the admissions process.

What Your Kids Really Think About Your Drinking (And Why It Matters)

• Abruptly cutting back on alcohol (especially if we’ve been drinking heavily) can sometimes lead to withdrawal symptoms, which can be dangerous without medical supervision.
• If you have an alcohol dependency problem and have decided to stop drinking, call your doctor for help.
• Eggs, protein smoothies, oatmeal with a little nut butter mixed in — all of these are excellent options for a breakfast that properly fuels us.
• Even a little self-indulgence, like a massage or quiet time, can work wonders.

Some foods that are high in those helpful omega-3s that reduce inflammation are walnuts, salmon, and flaxseed. Recovery.com uses a standard procedure to make sure Twelve-step program treatment provider profiles on our site are current and complete. Click to get the process started right now by filling out our insurance verification form. Of course, addressing your triggers at the source can also go a long way toward helping you make lasting changes. Nipping temptation in the bud is easier than stopping it when it’s got a full head of steam. You might decide to meet friends at a quieter venue or practice relaxation techniques before heading to a social event.

How long do alcohol cravings last during recovery?

When you drink alcohol, it causes a big release of the neurotransmitter dopamine in your brain. Dopamine coordinates your brain’s reward system, which is why drinking can feel like it lifts your mood at first. Withdrawal symptoms play a role and can make cravings worse at the beginning of addiction treatment. The Reframe app equips you with the knowledge and skills you need to not only survive drinking less, but to thrive while you navigate the journey. Our daily research-backed readings teach you the neuroscience of alcohol, and our in-app Toolkit provides the resources and activities you need to navigate each challenge.

Distract yourself when the urge hits

Enjoy the music, laughter, food, company, and conversations, and learn how to have fun without alcohol in the mix. Plus, we’re always introducing new features to optimize your in-app experience. We recently launched our in-app chatbot, Melody, powered by the world’s most powerful AI technology.

One of the active ingredients in milk thistle extract is silymarin, which may improve liver function in people with alcohol use disorder. Dairy products in general are good sources of calcium, vitamin D, and other vitamins and minerals that you’ll need to replenish to stay healthy and fight cravings. Disulfiram is a pill that causes unpleasant side effects when combined with alcohol. This causes you to feel hangover symptoms shortly after drinking. As with external triggers, you may or may not be aware that an internal trigger is what’s behind your urge to drink.

Tips for success in alcohol recovery

Instead of trying to resist the craving, take a moment to observe it with curiosity and without judgment. This allows us to detach from the urge and ultimately reduce its intensity. As you continue to heal, these new habits can become part of your daily practice. And data shows that strong routines support addiction recovery.14 You can develop a schedule that includes activities you love, and then stick to it—even when you’re craving alcohol. By the time you leave rehab, you’ll have plenty of practice responding to triggers.

How can you best communicate your struggle with cravings to your loved ones? Begin by expressing the importance of their support in your journey. Overcome fear of judgment and ensure transparency in your communication. Help them understand your triggers and ask for the needed support during challenging times. An urge to drink can be set off by external triggers in the environment and internal ones within yourself.