However, chronic alcohol abuse will cause serious imbalance and dopamine levels to drop. Foods like bananas and sunflower seeds help naturally set off the brain’s reward chemicals. Along with medication and other treatment support, a range of alternative therapies may be effective in lessening alcohol cravings and other withdrawal symptoms.

Vivitrol is a once-monthly injection that works by blocking the high in the brain that people experience when they drink alcohol. Naltrexone is also available as a tablet in the generic form. By blocking the pleasure the person receives from alcohol and the reward feedback loop in the brain, naltrexone eventually reduces cravings.

Expert Tips For Reducing Your Alcohol Consumption

Try to remain neutral and don’t argue, lecture, accuse, or threaten. Find new hobbies, volunteer activities, or work that gives you a sense of meaning and purpose. When you’re doing things you find fulfilling, you’ll feel better about yourself and drinking will hold less appeal. Surround yourself with positive influences and people who make you feel good about yourself.

If your goal is to reduce your drinking, decide which days you will drink alcohol and how many drinks you will allow yourself per day. Try to commit to at least two days each week when you won’t drink at all. Most people with alcohol problems do not decide to make a big change out https://ecosoberhouse.com/ of the blue or transform their drinking habits overnight. In the early stages of change, denial is a huge obstacle. Even after admitting you have a drinking problem, you may make excuses and drag your feet. It’s important to acknowledge your ambivalence about stopping drinking.

Foods That Reduce Alcohol Cravings

Maybe you’re used to drinking when you’re alone, at parties, or on Sunday mornings. Those situations are now your triggers, and you need to recognize them. Tracking your substance-free days can be motivating because it’s a way to check on your progress.

• Individuals can then focus on the more complicated aspects of cravings, such as learning about cravings, using distraction techniques, understanding triggers, etc.
• Treatment may begin with a program of detoxification — withdrawal that’s medically managed.
• She lives in Washington with her son and a lovably recalcitrant cat.
• NYC-based content strategist with over 3 years editing and writing in the recovery space.
• Commit to the treatment plan and follow the medication’s instructions to ensure that you can maintain a healthy recovery.
• Psychological symptoms can include irritability, anxiety and restlessness.

Drink a cup of soothing tea or a tall glass of water before you imbibe—once your thirst is quenched, you may not feel the need for as much—or any—alcohol. If you identify with any of the scenarios above, try the expert tips below for reducing your alcohol consumption . Sunnyside uses a psychology-based approach to help you drink more mindfully, no matter what your goal is.

Alcohol Post-Acute Withdrawal (PAWS)

Naltrexone – By blocking the pleasurable effects of alcohol, naltrexone reduces a person’s motivation to drink. Eventually, many people report a loss of alcohol cravings. What can make this especially difficult is that cravings tend to be psychological in nature, and not necessarily tied to physical how to reduce alcohol cravings addiction. This means that if a person quits drinking, and is no longer chemically dependent on alcohol, any of these triggers may still inspire a strong urge to drink. This can be particularly hard for trauma survivors, whose drinking triggers may be connected to severe psychological distress.

• Spending time with people who understand exactly what you’re going through can be very healing.
• Find out how you can help and be a positive influence in their journey to be alcohol-free.
• Let friends, family members, and co-workers know that you’re trying to stop or cut back on drinking.
• Verywell Mind’s content is for informational and educational purposes only.
• A 2017 research review found that acupuncture helped with alcohol cravings and withdrawal.
• But even when you don’t know anyone else trying to make a similar change, friends and loved ones can still offer emotional support.

When selecting whole-grain foods, be sure to keep your eye on their ingredients list. Some foods will contain extra sugar that is unnecessary — try to avoid those options. Fruits like apples, bananas, oranges, figs, and strawberries, and veggies like Brussel sprouts, broccoli, and carrots are high in fiber and provide countless health benefits. Alcohol cravings can present themselves for countless reasons. Mental health and wellness tips, our latest articles, resources and more.