Meditation, practiced on your own or via guided meditation, can help you learn to react less to alcohol cravings (8). This can be a key to breaking how to stop alcohol cravings the hold that your triggers to drink have on you. Bananas are rich in vitamin B6, which the body needs to produce and use serotonin. This neurotransmitter is key to reducing depression and anxiety—common reasons people use alcohol and also common issues that arise when quitting alcohol (4). Naltrexone is a medication that belongs to a group of drugs known as opioid antagonists.
How to Stop Drinking for Good
However, many people experience them as intense stress or anxiety if they cannot drink. Cravings may also be accompanied by physical signs, such as sweating or changes in heart rate and blood pressure. There is some scientific evidence suggesting acupuncture provided by a qualified practitioner can help cut alcohol consumption and lessen alcohol withdrawal symptoms (11).
Fermented Foods: A Gut-Healthy Choice
The words “urge” and “craving” refer to a broad range of thoughts, physical sensations, or emotions that tempt you to drink, even though you have at least some desire not to. You may feel an uncomfortable pull in two directions or sense a loss of control. Talk with a healthcare professional if you’re concerned you may experience detox symptoms when quitting drinking or cutting back.
Withdrawal
- What matters most is your ability to maintain an open, curious outlook as you learn what does and doesn’t work for you.
- One of the active ingredients in milk thistle extract is silymarin, which may improve liver function in people with alcohol use disorder.
- Another clue that can be an indication of an unhealthy relationship with alcohol is if you make “rules” around drinking.
- Prepare yourself for those times when someone is going to offer you a drink.
- In this situation, the best thing you can do is seek professional support to help you withdraw safely and under medical supervision.
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. Positive lifestyle changes13 can set you up for long-term sobriety. It’s important to create a daily routine that includes both self-care and fun activities. You can take your mind off those memories by filling the same time slot with a new activity. Focus on what you are doing, like having coffee with a friend, instead of what you’re not doing, like going to a bar.
Plus, they are loaded with essential nutrients like magnesium, which may alleviate alcohol cravings. Staying hydrated is also crucial, as dehydration can lead to fatigue and mood imbalances, which may increase alcohol cravings. Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/benzodiazepine-withdrawal-symptoms-timeline-and-treatment/ day and limit the consumption of dehydrating beverages like alcohol and caffeine. Furthermore, eating regularly and maintaining a balanced diet can keep your blood sugar levels stable, which may lessen alcohol cravings.