You don’t have to leave the house to get support from other people who understand and respect what you’re trying to do. Remind yourself of why you want to cut back, talk to a friend about it and distract yourself with a hobby or exercise, the NIAAA suggests. “Try doing a ‘dry’ month like Dry January, Go Dry for July or Sober October,” says Moore. In January 2020, more than 6 million people reportedly participated in Dry January, a campaign to reduce alcohol consumption organized by Alcohol Change UK.

Mental Health Conditions We Treat

It can be used with counseling or therapy and is not meant as a substitute for professional help. If you choose to try it on your own and at any point feel you need more help, then seek support (see Help Links). Cravings vary based on individual factors like length of alcohol use, physical health, and psychological triggers.

Feel like you should be drinking less? Start here

• They can provide education about addiction and recovery, as well as offer individualized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs.
• AUD is a condition that occurs when a person has a physical need or desire to consume alcohol that is difficult to control.
• It’s available as a pill (generic) and as a once-monthly injection (Vivitrol) given in a physician’s office.
• When we’re stressed, our bodies release cortisol, which can increase our desire for alcohol as a way to cope with these feelings.
• When people crave alcohol, they may fantasize about the benefits they think they’ll receive from a drink based on past experiences.

Quitting alcohol alone is harder for some than others, but there’s no need to go it alone. If you’re having difficulty sticking to your goal or just want some extra guidance, consider reaching out for professional support. You might run into obstacles along the way that tempt you to drink.

Medication-assisted Treatment for Curbing Alcohol Cravings

When a person who takes Naltrexone consumes alcohol, they will hardly feel any of its effects. Internal triggers are more challenging to handle, but you can learn to cope with them. When the “one drink couldn’t hurt” thought pops up, look back at all those back-to-back drinks you had that started with the same thought. You might decide to meet friends at a quieter venue or practice relaxation techniques before heading to a social event. Reaching out to a supportive friend or family member can make a significant difference.

But until it does, you’ll likely experience especially strong cravings. In addition to vitamin B6, omega-3 fatty acids have also been found to play a role in reducing alcohol cravings. Seeking help from a specialized addiction recovery support group is recommended for effective coping strategies.

What to Know About Alcohol Abuse in the Military and Treatment Needs

By learning how to cope and question the urge, you can stay on track with your recovery. If a person repeats drinking patterns, it can cause the brain how to reduce alcohol cravings to shift control over the actions involved with drinking. Crystal Raypole has previously worked as a writer and editor for GoodTherapy.

Make time for self-care

Individual responses to herbs can also vary based on genetics, overall health, and other factors. Always inform your healthcare provider about marijuana addiction any herbs or supplements you are taking or considering. If cravings feel unmanageable, you’re not alone – and you don’t have to face them without help. Alcohol depletes your body of key nutrients, especially vitamin B, magnesium, and amino acids—nutrients essential for brain function and emotional regulation. A poor diet can lead to irritability, fatigue, and worsened cravings.

Mental Health

• However, you  should speak to your healthcare provider about what dosage is right for you to take.
• Delaying can often lead to a decrease in the intensity of cravings.
• However, with frequent and excessive drinking, your brain gets used to alcohol triggering that big release of dopamine and it can slow down natural dopamine production.
• A naltrexone pill becomes active in your system approximately one hour after taking it.

Altruism Counseling Services offers personalized support to help you stay on track. Reach out today and take the next step toward lasting recovery. Naltrexone is a commonly prescribed medication for treating moderate to severe AUD. Whether you’re looking to drink less or trying to quit drinking entirely, naltrexone can help.

When you’re aware of what sets off a craving, you’re better equipped to interrupt the cycle and make healthier choices in the moment. Learn what triggers alcohol cravings and discover practical tools to manage, reduce, and overcome them on your path to recovery. As another commonly prescribed medication for treating moderate to severe AUD, acamprosate can help reduce cravings, prevent alcohol relapse, and support recovery. Acamprosate is often used in place of naltrexone in those with liver problems or for those who use opioids and can’t take naltrexone.

• By opening up about your relationship with alcohol, you might also encourage others to explore their own drinking habits.
• If you turn to alcohol to ease anxiety, try exercise as a healthy alternative.
• Combining these medications with behavioral therapies can enhance the effectiveness of craving management in your recovery journey.
• These cravings are often the strongest when your body is detoxing from alcohol, which is usually between 3-14 days after stopping alcohol use but can last up to a month or longer.

Other Potentially Supportive Herbs

Alcohol cravings can manifest in physical and mental symptoms and are a common struggle when trying to stop drinking. That’s especially true if you drink frequently or struggle with addiction. Alcohol cravings can also be influenced by a variety of mental and social social factors. Understanding the science behind these cravings can empower you to manage them effectively. Learn more about the psychological and physiological triggers and how naltrexone can help mitigate them. Antidepressants, mood stabilizers, anti-anxiety medications, and medications for substance withdrawal or cravings are often used as part of a broader treatment plan.