Alcohol Use Disorder: What It Is, Risks & Treatment

Our programs consist of several phases to help you approach recovery with a positive attitude. So in order to keep yourself healthy and happy, you’ll need to create a new lifestyle and eating habits to reset your metabolism and nervous system. Nuts contain a high amount of healthy fat, but don’t let this stop you from enjoying a handful, because it’ll convert into quality energy. But because alcohol is made up of sugars, your body may be craving carbs in an attempt to overcompensate.

Whole-grain foods play an important role in subduing alcohol and hunger cravings. Alcohol is typically converted to sugar once the body starts breaking it down, which causes these intense cravings. However, foods with complex carbohydrates help to slowly metabolize those sugars and, how to reduce alcohol cravings ultimately, kill sugar cravings for longer periods of time. Healthy and balanced blood sugar levels are critical in both the goal to reduce alcohol cravings and the recovery process overall. To help reduce your alcohol cravings, consider adding protein-rich foods to your diet.

Avoid tempting situations

Trying to quit alcohol when you have alegitimate addictionwill bring on one of the most difficult forms of withdrawal that you could experience when quitting any substance. And even when you make it a few months into alcohol detox and recovery, alcohol is hard to put completely out of sight and out of mind. The cravings will reprise periodically, and alcohol is virtually everywhere once you step outside of your house. During mental relapse, a person starts thinking about drinking. Fantasies involving alcohol may start taking place, and someone may start planning where and how they might start drinking.

When a person who has taken Antabuse drinks alcohol, they become violently ill. This reaction may reduce the experience of further cravings in some individuals. A drug called disulfiram may help prevent you from drinking, although it won’t cure alcohol use disorder or remove the urge to drink. If you drink alcohol while taking disulfiram, the drug produces a physical reaction that may include flushing, nausea, vomiting and headaches.

How to Stop Alcohol Cravings Naturally

Acamprosate, previously marketed as Campral in the United States, reduces the physical distress and emotional discomfort people usually experience when they quit drinking. Aftercare programs and support groups help people recovering from alcohol use disorder to stop drinking, manage relapses and cope with necessary lifestyle changes.

Others need medical supervision in order to withdraw from alcohol safely and comfortably. Which option is best for you depends on how much you’ve been drinking, how long you’ve had a problem, the stability of your living situation, and other health issues you may have. Make a note about how you feel physically and mentally on these days—recognizing the benefits may help you to cut down for good. Do you want to stop drinking altogether or just cut back? If your goal is to reduce your drinking, decide which days you will drink alcohol and how many drinks you will allow yourself per day. Try to commit to at least two days each week when you won’t drink at all. While undergoing withdrawal, it is important to stay hydrated, as dehydration can make withdrawal symptoms worse.

Plan ahead to stay in control

Try taking a class, joining a church or a civic group, volunteering, or attending events in your community. Treatment doesn’t have to be limited to doctors and psychologists. Many clergy members, social workers, and counselors also offer addiction treatment services. Therapy can help you identify the root causes of your alcohol use, repair your relationships, and learn healthier coping skills and how to deal with triggers that could cause you to relapse. It’s much easier to avoid drinking if you don’t keep temptations around. Distance yourself from people who don’t support your efforts to stop drinking or respect the limits you’ve set.