Moving beyond just supplementation, adopting a ketogenic diet could also play a crucial role in this battle. A keto diet helps stabilize blood sugar levels, which indirectly reduces the urge for an alcoholic drink. A regular intake of glutamine supplements has been shown to reduce the desire for alcohol by replenishing GABA levels in your brain that get depleted due to excessive drinking. However, excessive training without proper recovery can disrupt your body’s balance, https://ecosoberhouse.com/ including the levels of amino acids like glutamine. On the other hand, substitution techniques involve replacing the craving or addictive behavior with a healthier alternative.
Reasons Why People Take Naltrexone Long-term
It could take some time and effort to find a strategy that helps you navigate alcohol cravings and how to beat them effectively, but you do have plenty of options for support. Therapy, medication, and recovery programs can all have benefits for reducing and preventing these cravings. Substance use disorders of all varieties are common and treatable, and there is no shame in needing help with addiction. When you are attempting to make changes to your drinking habits or drug use, it can be frustrating trying to figure out how to control urges. You might be doing your best to avoid taking drugs or drinking, but you still find yourself having drug and alcohol urges or cravings.
- You’ll also learn to recognize triggers before they overwhelm you.
- In addition to vitamin B6, omega-3 fatty acids have also been found to play a role in reducing alcohol cravings.
- Zinc may also help reset some of the glutamate brain pathways that are overly active during alcohol withdrawal, thus possibly helping alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
- You might go for a walk, listen to music, or try a new sober hobby.
- Saving the money you would have spent on alcohol will provide you $300–$400 or more by this second week.
Avoid Tempting Situations
During and after your alcohol rehab program, mood and physical changes are common. These often occur together, sparking alcohol cravings, particularly in early recovery. However, incorporating foods that help with alcohol cravings can significantly reduce these urges. A diet rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients addresses deficiencies caused by long-term alcohol use. During your daily activities, keep a journal with you and take notes of when you notice any cravings, regardless of whether they are mild or strong. Try to figure out what it was (e.g. a place, a person, a situation and so on) that initiated this craving for alcohol.
Addiction Recovery Planning
Jukić, Tomislav; Rojc, Bojan; Boben-Bardutzky, Darja; et al. “The use of a food supplementation with D… withdrawal symptoms.” Collegium Antropologicum, December 2011. When recovering from alcohol addiction, fixing these nutrient deficiencies for your overall health is important. Westman, J.; Wahlbeck, K.; & et al. “Mortality and life expectancy of people with alcohol use disorder in Denmark, Finland and Sweden.” Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica. Even deciding to become sober and following through on it can be a powerful catalyst for repairing relationships, demonstrating how serious you are about focusing on others.
Supporting Loved Ones in Recovery
Many people in recovery find that connecting with others how to stop alcohol cravings who are on the same path can be incredibly helpful. One of the most effective ways to handle alcohol cravings is through distraction. When you feel a craving coming on, redirect your focus to a healthy activity.