The overwhelming urge to drink can be a major obstacle in alcohol addiction recovery. Many people struggle to resist these intense cravings, so different strategies must be used to overcome them.
The right combination of medication, behavioural interventions, and lifestyle changes can make it easier to handle cravings, which can eventually lead to a substance-free life.
Medication for Alcohol Cravings
When a person receives professional treatment for alcohol dependence, they can be prescribed medication to reduce cravings. It’s important to remember that medications are used as a complementary tool to therapy and other behavioural interventions.
Since these medications can still cause a few side effects, they should be seen as the last resort for managing cravings. Medications should be taken with caution and under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone is a drug that makes drinking feel less rewarding. It lowers the good feeling that comes with drinking alcohol by binding to the endorphin receptors in the body. This medication is recommended for those who are done with alcohol detox and are looking to quit alcohol for good. Treatment with naltrexone typically lasts around three to four months, and it can come as a daily pill or a monthly injection.
Acamprosate
Acamprosate is a medication that works similarly to a natural brain chemical called GABA. It targets the same brain receptors affected by long-term alcohol use, as well as balances certain brain chemicals impacted by alcohol.
This drug is well-tolerated and safe, even for people with liver problems. Unlike other medications for alcohol addiction, acamprosate can be taken even if someone continues to drink alcohol. Many studies have shown the effectiveness of acamprosate in reducing alcohol cravings and increasing the length of sobriety.
Disulfiram
Disulfiram causes unpleasant physical reactions when a person drinks alcohol. So, if a person drinks, they will experience side effects like nausea and headaches. This effect can make it less likely for a person to stop drinking.
Disulfiram is used for people who are committed to staying completely alcohol-free. Studies have shown that this drug can help people stay sober in the short term.
Behavioural Interventions to Stop Alcohol Cravings
People who struggle with alcohol cravings will also receive different behavioural interventions. These interventions aim to get to the root of the addiction so that they can live an alcohol-free life.
One of the main therapies used to reduce alcohol cravings is Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT). CBT focuses on restructuring irrational beliefs about alcohol and replacing them with healthier thoughts. During CBT, clients also learn how to manage their triggers and cravings so that they can achieve sobriety.
In addition to CBT, many treatment facilities utilise approaches like Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET). MET is a structured approach that helps increase clients’ motivation for change. Therapists help clients believe in their ability to change their drinking habits and make healthier choices.
Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Alcohol Cravings
Several lifestyle changes help curb cravings for alcohol. These include:
Hydration
Dehydration can sometimes mimic alcohol cravings and make a person feel more fatigued. Drinking enough water can make it easier to stay away from drinking. Hydrating can make a person feel better overall and reduce the intensity of cravings.
For best practice, try to drink at least eight glasses of water a day and reduce the consumption of dehydrating beverages like soda and coffee. Infusing water with some fruit can also help people who find it difficult to drink plain water. It’s also a good way to add some nutrients to the water.
Foods to Reduce Cravings
The nutritional content of certain foods can play a factor in reducing cravings for alcohol. For example, high-protein foods can help stabilize blood sugar levels. Stable blood sugar levels can prevent energy crashes that can tempt people to drink alcohol.
Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables also support brain health and regulate mood. When a person is struggling with mood swings and cravings, these foods can help alleviate those symptoms.
Exercise
Exercising and staying active releases endorphins, which are natural chemicals that enhance a person’s mood. They also increase dopamine levels so that one feels more motivated and focused.
Exercise can also decrease the idle time that one may spend indulging in negative behaviours. With a consistent exercise routine, a person not only curbs alcohol cravings but also experiences improvements in their overall physical health.
Stress Management Techniques
In some cases, people who struggle with alcohol may turn to drinking in times of stress. Drinking can make them feel more relieved, but it only provides a temporary solution. As such, practising stress management techniques like deep breathing exercises and mindfulness can help build resilience.
One of the popular stress management techniques is called guided imagery. In this technique, people are encouraged to imagine themselves in a peaceful setting. This may be the beach, the mountains, or any location they can call their “happy place.” Guided imagery helps people reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and a sense of calm.
Building Routines
People with alcohol use disorder may find it helpful to establish a routine. Routines provide a sense of stability throughout the day and reduce the idle time that can tempt one to drink. It’s best to stick to a schedule that works for increased success.
Incorporating self-care practices like journaling and meditation can also help set a positive tone that shifts focus away from drinking. With a good routine, people can set the foundation for healthier habits and long-term recovery.
Avoiding Triggers
After a person goes through treatment, the transition to daily life can be difficult because of the presence of different triggers. Actively avoiding triggers can make it easier to prevent drinking.
It’s recommended to have alternative coping strategies that help divert the focus away from alcohol. For example, engaging in new hobbies and activities that don’t involve drinking can help manage cravings. Having a friend or loved one who works as an accountability partner can also provide support and encouragement during difficult times.
If living at home, it’s also best practice to remove anything that can tempt a person to drink. Bottles of alcohol should be removed from these spaces so that they become safe and sober-friendly environments.
What Triggers Alcohol Cravings?
Some factors that trigger alcohol cravings include:
- Emotional Triggers: Strong emotions like stress and anxiety can make a person want to drink more. Many people see alcohol as an escape from these unpleasant emotions. Positive emotions can also be linked to alcohol cravings. When a person wants to celebrate something, they may feel like they need to “drink for the occasion.”
- Physical Triggers: Physical triggers often include fatigue, hunger, or dehydration. When these physical triggers happen, they may be inclined to drink as it may look like a quick fix for relaxation.
- Environments and People: For many people, their first drink may have been because they were pressured to do so. This shows that social settings and certain people can encourage drinking and make it difficult to manage cravings. Specific places or memories may also drive someone to drink, so avoiding these high-risk environments can help reduce the likelihood of using alcohol again.
- Habits: If a person is used to drinking at a certain time (e.g., after work or during weekends), they may crave alcohol just because the habit was so ingrained. It’s important to find a new routine or outlet to disassociate these specific times from alcohol.
Proper management techniques are essential to manage these triggers. These triggers are present in everyday life, and it’s almost impossible to escape them. With the proper techniques and support, it will be easier to manage cravings and live a sober life.
How Long Do Alcohol Cravings Last?
When it comes to alcohol cravings, the first few weeks are when people will experience the most intense cravings.
However, it’s important to remember that alcohol addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease. People who have received treatment, no matter how long or thorough, will always be at risk of going back into old habits again. When people face triggers like the ones mentioned above, the likelihood of drinking also increases.
Even if a person is years into recovery, relapse can happen. While disappointing, relapse doesn’t mean a person has failed. Taking a step back, reassessing management techniques, and seeking continued support from professionals can help them get back on track.
Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms happen when a person dependent on alcohol tries to quit drinking. Some of these symptoms include:
- Tremors
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Sweating
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
Withdrawal from alcohol can be dangerous and life-threatening. It’s not recommended to try and quit alcohol without professional help.
Get Professional Help for Alcohol Addiction
People who suffer from alcohol abuse disorder must seek professional help if they want to stop drinking. Professionals will have the right knowledge and can provide suitable treatment for their condition.
At Orchid, we offer professional treatment for people struggling with alcohol addiction. Our team can teach you the right techniques to manage alcohol cravings and stay sober long-term. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
