Tips to Reduce and Beat Alcohol Cravings
How can a person reduce and beat alcohol cravings?
One of the biggest hurdles in recovery a person with alcohol use disorder can face is the cravings. Typically cravings are a programed response and can be triggered by many things; environmental factors, emotions or a memory. In addition, these alcohol cravings can seem uncontrollable and difficult to manage.
What causes alcohol cravings?
When a person drinks it releases a chemical in the brain called dopamine which feeds the reward system. Over time the more the individual drinks, the more alcohol it takes to feel the dopamine release which is the root of how alcohol cravings work.
Tips to reduce alcohol cravings
Whether a person is ready to quit drinking altogether or simply cut back, these tips to reduce alcohol cravings will help.
Understand the triggers
During the day take notice of what is caused the thought to turn to alcohol. Was it the thought of the end of the work day? Or did you drive by a place you like to enjoy happy hour? It could even be a friend that seems to only spend time when alcohol is present.
Find healthy activities to occupy the time
If a person finds that boredom is a trigger cravings, it is a good idea to plan out additional activities in the day. For example, when they get home they can plan to work on a household project for a couple of hours, read a book or plan an evening walk. Fresh air and exercise will always help to reduce cravings because it releases “feel-good” chemicals into the brain naturally.
How to get help
Everyone’s recovery journey is unique. Once out of treatment it’s important to work with your counselor on next steps because it allows the individual to stay on target with their recovery goals.
Here at Lifeline Connections, we offer all of these things with our substance use treatment services and recovery community. Additionally our compassionate counselors are a phone call away to help you start your recovery journey. Call (360) 397-8246 ext. 30500 to schedule an admit appointment.
