What Drugs Stop Alcohol Cravings?
Dry January can be a great place to start if you want to quit alcohol. That means looking at your relationship with alcohol so you can understand why you drink, when you drink and how much you drink. By following even just a few of these simple steps, you can set yourself up for a successful Dry January or complete elimination of alcohol from your lifestyle, if that’s your goal.
A poor diet can lead to irritability, fatigue, and worsened cravings. One of the most effective ways to stop alcohol cravings is by knowing what triggers them in the first place. Gillian Tietz is the host of the Sober Powered podcast and recently left her career as a biochemist to create Sober Powered Media, LLC. When she quit drinking in 2019, she dedicated herself to learning about alcohol’s influence on the brain and how it can cause addiction.
- The treatment involves a mix of medications alongside therapy and support groups to help you fight off the cravings.
- Making the decision to quit drinking naturally is a brave and life-changing choice.
- For activities and situations a person cannot or does not want to avoid, they can use strategies to overcome the cravings that occur.
Recognize and Avoid Internal and External Triggers
Alcohol misuse can alter the balance of certain chemicals in the brain, such as dopamine, which regulates pleasure and reward. Some common ingredients to look for include milk thistle, dandelion root, and ginger root. These ingredients are known to support liver function and aid in detoxification. If you’re looking for a natural way to supplement your alcohol detox journey, Wild & Organic Alcohol Detox Supplement is worth considering. Overall, we recommend VITINITY Anti Alcohol Drink Support Supplement to anyone looking for a supplement to support their alcohol-free goals.
Additionally, maintaining a strong network of support after treatment can be useful in the event that you do relapse, as they can help encourage you to get back on track. Rajnandini is a psychologist (M.Sc. Psychology) and writer dedicated to making mental health knowledge accessible. Addiction impacts both individuals and families — but help is available. Reach out now and let our specialists provide the support, care, and guidance you need to move forward with confidence.

Coping With Alcohol Cravings
Involvement in support groups for alcohol addiction also provides community and accountability, which significantly lowers the risk of relapse. Eat balanced meals and drink plenty of water to avoid added stress on your body. Triggers like stress, certain people or environments, and even strong emotions can intensify the urge to drink. Cravings are often strongest in early recovery but can show up months or even years after quitting — especially during times of stress or pain. Alcohol cravings are common, especially when Alcohol Use Disorder you first try to change your drinking habits. It could take some time and effort to find a strategy that helps you navigate them effectively, but you do have plenty of options for support.
Create a support system
Plus, they are loaded with essential nutrients like magnesium, which https://aussie-420kush.com/tired-after-quitting-drinking-heres-how-to-boost/ may alleviate alcohol cravings. 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. Considering the link between diet and alcohol cravings, a list of seven foods reputed for their ability to help curb alcohol cravings is provided.
Recognising signs of cravings
Some evidence suggests chromium may also help with mild mood imbalances, which can how to fight alcohol cravings reduce the desire to self-medicate with alcohol. Kudzu (Pueraria montana var. lobata) is a vine that has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine, partly to reduce alcohol consumption. I was not sure about it first but I went ahead and started the treatment from them anyways and so far it’s been a dream. Other FDA-approved medications to help with alcohol include Acamprosate and Disulfiram.
- NAC’s ability to replenish glutathione may support better overall health, which can, in turn, stabilize mood and reduce the tendency to crave alcohol.
- Discover how Medicare supports inpatient rehab, covering up to 90 days based on medical needs, progress, and post-rehab care options to ensure recovery success.
- Alcohol cravings are strong urges or desires to drink alcohol, often paired with emotional or physical discomfort.
Carefully expose yourself to common triggers while you’re with someone who’s supportive of you. This can help you feel confident that you won’t act on an urge you might experience. Naltrexone is a prescription medication that can reduce your urge to drink or to drink heavily.
Each client receives focused care aimed at rebuilding stability and confidence. Cravings may still arise—but with the right tools, they don’t have to control your life. Disulfiram discourages drinking by causing severe physical reactions—like nausea, vomiting, and rapid heartbeat—if alcohol is consumed. Practical advice for better mental health, direct to your inbox each month.

Experiencing physical withdrawal symptoms like shaking, severe anxiety, or nausea when attempting to stop is a clear indication of physical dependence that requires medically supervised care. Alcohol cravings can feel like a strong wave pulling you toward a drink — especially when you’re trying to quit or cut back. For many people in recovery, managing these intense urges is one of the biggest challenges to staying sober.
For the trial, researchers recruited 48 adults with alcohol use disorder who weren’t actively seeking treatment. Alcohol use disorder is defined by a range of possible symptoms, including the inability to stop or control one’s drinking despite negative consequences. Positive lifestyle changes can set you up for long-term sobriety.10 It’s important to create a daily routine that includes both self-care and fun activities.