Treatment for alcohol addiction teaches you to develop strategies to cope with cravings for alcohol. In recovery, you can be at risk of relapse any time. The cravings for alcohol can be very strong during the first several months of sobriety. Set a plan to cope with alcohol cravings when faced with challenges.
There are some ways to cope with alcohol cravings and avoid the things that contribute to them:
- Remove yourself from the situation. If you are in a place or with a person who is a strong reminder of your drinking alcohol, leave. Go to the bathroom, go outside, or just leave and go somewhere else.
- Call someone. This can be anyone, as long as your mind is distracted from the cravings for alcohol.
- Think of something different. Think of anything that preoccupies your brain so you can suppress the cravings.
- Self-talk. Remind yourself that you cannot have a drink because you are staying sober. Repeat to yourself and remember why you are staying sober.
- Eat something sweet. Alcohol contains a lot of sugar so your body could be craving sugar.
- Drink a lot of water. When you drink a lot of water throughout the day, cravings for alcohol will lessen.
Avoid people who are associated with your drinking alcohol and friends who would drink with you. Sometimes you can unintentionally be encouraged to have just one drink. Distract yourself with music, a walk outside, exercise, or yoga. Discover and explore your interests or hobbies. Join a gym, kickboxing class, or do some gardening. If you are creative, participate in an art class, write articles for your blog, or join a book club.
Many activities can divert your attention away from your cravings for alcohol. The cravings are temporary. The strong urge you feel to have a drink will go away. The cravings can be much easier to cope with when you know what to avoid and have a plan to distract yourself.
If you or a loved one struggle with addiction, get help now. Nexus Recovery Services specializes in addiction treatment and encompasses holistic therapy for the mind, body, and soul with a focus on staying active and connected to nature. Our mission is to provide tools and support for every client’s seamless transition into a meaningful and fulfilling life of sobriety. We offer a free and confidential consultation. Call us to get started: 310-881-9151