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Most effective ways to Stop alcohol addiction

Last updated on : 14 Mar, 2024

Read time : 7 min

Are you trying to stop alcohol cravings?

Drinking is widely acknowledged as a social activity, a stress-relieving method. It is even a treatment for sleep disorders including insomnia. Even yet, it’s unlikely that alcohol will provide long-term relief from these anxieties. There are also some substantial drawbacks to it. A hangover or drowsiness can result even from a small amount of intoxication. Drinking more alcohol increases your risk of experiencing negative health impacts. A way to stop alcohol addiction can be difficult.

It may even seem impossible at times. It’s not, however. No matter how much you drink or how helpless you feel, you can beat alcoholism and alcohol misuse if you’re ready to stop and prepared to get the help you need. It is not necessary to wait until you are at your lowest point to make a change. You may make a change anytime. Whether you’re looking to cut back on your drinking or quit completely, these pointers can get you started on the path to recovery right now.

But alcoholism is a complex and long-lasting disease. In addition, it is still a relatively discovery for the medical community. While many people attempt to stop alcohol addiction using natural methods at home, therapy offers the best chance of long-term recovery. Many people who experience alcohol withdrawals at home end up going back to drinking because of severe cravings. There are a variety of natural approaches to getting rid of alcohol addiction, each tailored to the specific needs of the user. These recommendations will help you devise a strategy that works for you, whether you’re trying to avoid alcohol, cut back or take a break indefinitely.

What brings you alcohol cravings?

Dopamine, a “reward molecule,” is released in the brain when a person drinks. As a result, you’re more likely to repeat the activity. Alcohol changes the brain’s reward system over time, leading to obsessive drinking. You’re essentially training your brain to seek out booze by doing this. Even if drinking has had negative implications on your life, you’ll still have strong alcohol cravings. Substance abuse often manifests itself in this way.

Cravings might be triggered by the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. A wide range of unpleasant physical and psychological symptoms can occur as a result of alcohol withdrawal. You may begin to crave alcohol if you are aware that you may alleviate the symptoms of withdrawal by consuming alcoholic beverages. Acute withdrawal usually brings on the strongest cravings. Even after you’ve stopped alcohol addiction, you may still have these symptoms. Alcoholism may be indicated by an increase in cravings after abstaining from alcohol for an extended period.

Effectual ways to stop alcohol cravings

1) Recognize Your Triggers

Keep a journal with you at all times and write down any cravings you experience, no matter how weak or severe they may be. Find out what (a person, a place, a circumstance, etc.) triggered this need for alcoholic beverages. You’ll be able to foresee cravings and devise a strategy for dealing with them in advance to stop alcohol addiction. As an example, if you know you’ll be near individuals who are drinking, plan ahead of time what non-alcoholic beverage you’ll order, have a way out, and know who you can call for assistance.

2) Keep Yourself Busy

For other people, their hunger pangs are at their sharpest when they’re not overworked. Because you identify boredom with a desire to drink, you may be more likely to drink. Regardless of the reason, engaging in things that you enjoy can keep you from succumbing to the temptation to drink. Stop alcohol addiction by spending time with loved ones, pursuing interests outside of work, and engaging in hobbies. As a result, you’re spending your time engaging in activities that don’t necessitate booze.

3) Consider why you drink

Perhaps your issues are more about your reasons for drinking than the amount you consume. Many people use alcohol to numb emotional anguish or make it easier to deal with difficult situations. On a first date or before a difficult conversation, it’s usual to drink to de-stress.

However, if facing issues without alcohol is difficult, it’s worth evaluating whether drinking stops you from developing more effective coping mechanisms. Knowing why you drink is important because it can help you find more productive ways to stop alcohol addiction.

4) Consider the consequences

One effective technique to get rid of alcohol addiction is to remind yourself of the repercussions of giving in to them. You may experience exacerbated mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, as a result of your alcohol consumption, or a relapse into alcohol addiction. It’s not worth giving in to a craving, even if you tell yourself “just this once.” Alcoholism may be catastrophic to you and the people you care about.

5) Mindfulness and meditation are beneficial

It’s fine to have cravings as long as you don’t give in to them completely. The goal of mindfulness and meditation is to help you become more aware of undesirable urges, and avoid alcohol while also preventing you from acting on them. To keep people from relapsing, mindfulness therapies have been employed. After a time of rehabilitation, relapse occurs when a person begins drinking in unhealthy ways. Meditation is commonly included in these programmes. Instead of merely reacting to your thoughts, feelings, and cravings, they teach you to be aware of them to stop alcohol addiction.

6) Control alcohol Cravings by Eating Right

Eating a well-balanced diet is an excellent method to get rid of alcohol addiction naturally. An ideal diet should consist primarily of lean meats and seafood like chicken and eggs. Also included are plenty of whole grains, potatoes, and other fresh produce. Eating every three hours keeps you from being ravenous, which can lead to an increase in your use of alcoholic beverages. The need to drink grows stronger as the shakes take hold. Control alcohol cravings by avoiding sugary snacks.

7) Drink lots of water

We all know that drinking at least eight glasses of water a day is excellent for us. There are several natural strategies to get rid of alcohol addiction. Drinking plenty of water is the most effective way to stop alcohol addiction.

Dehydration and nausea are common side effects of quitting drinking. Drinking water not only keeps you hydrated but also removes toxins from your system, which reduces your need for alcohol and the accompanying shaking. Adding electrolyte-rich sports drinks is a good idea, but don’t go over 2 quarts of fluids an hour.

8) Support Groups

Attending a 12-step programme like alcoholics anonymous regularly can also help control alcohol cravings. Support groups can remind you of the hazards of drinking, as well as offer advice based on their own experiences in stopping their desires, from those who have been there. Encouragement and accountability can also be provided via support groups to stop alcohol addiction.

9) Counselling and therapy

You can figure out the fundamental reason to stop alcohol addiction and help heal any previous trauma or abuse that may be contributing to your current alcohol cravings by consulting with a qualified therapist. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and other therapies can help you develop healthy coping skills so you can deal with stress and underlying mental health issues without turning to alcohol or drugs.

10) Learn a new hobby or sport

You have a lot of free time now that you have stopped drinking alcohol. You might be astonished at how much time alcohol is consumed during the day. Taking up a new pastime, such as horseback riding or rock climbing, is a natural method to get rid of alcohol addiction. Finding healthy adrenaline-inducing hobbies can even help you break the alcohol habit. Taking up an old activity, on the other hand, can transport you to a simpler time.

11) Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a needle-based natural technique to stop alcohol cravings, according to traditional Chinese medicine. It can also help with withdrawal symptoms, as well as anxiety and despair. When you’re trying to kick your alcohol habit, placing needles in specific regions can help relieve specific symptoms.

12) Medication

Medication may be necessary to quit or at least stop alcohol addiction. There are three FDA-approved medicines to avoid alcohol currently on the market. Naltrexone (Revia or Vivitrol), acamprosate (Campral), and disulfiram are among them (Antabuse). Alcoholism and alcohol misuse can both be treated. You may live an alcohol-free and happy life in the long run if you have the necessary resources, including a helpful alcohol recovery team.

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Our healthcare experts have carefully reviewed and compiled the information presented here to ensure accuracy and trustworthiness. It is important to note that this information serves as a general overview of the topic and is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, prevent, or cure any health problem. This page does not establish a doctor-patient relationship, nor does it replace the advice or consultation of a registered medical practitioner. We recommend seeking guidance from your registered medical practitioner for any questions or concerns regarding your medical condition.

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