How to fight alcohol cravings?

Alcohol cravings can be very difficult to deal with if you have been using alcohol in large amounts or over a long period of time. Any alcoholic knows that when you stop drinking the cravings start, and these alcohol cravings are the biggest reason that alcoholics fall off the wagon and start drinking again. Alcohol causes both mental and physical addiction, and to successfully beat the cravings you will need to address both aspects of alcohol abuse instead of just one or the other. The first step is proper nutrition, which is usually neglected when alcohol is being consumed. This means plenty of vitamins and minerals, so that your body can eliminate some of the toxins and garbage that alcohol abuse has built up. Proper nutrition is also important for your body to start healing the damage that alcohol has caused over time, and without enough of the right nutrients this healing can not happen. Eat three healthy meals and three snacks a day, and include a variety of foods and a rainbow of fruits and vegetables.

Water is also an important element if you want to stop alcohol cravings. Your body needs water, and most alcoholics stay in a state of constant dehydration. Drinking lots of water will not only help you feel healthy and hydrated but it will also help flush out the poisons and other substances which can trigger cravings for alcohol. Regular exercise can also be beneficial in a number of ways. First of all this activity will make you sweat out the toxins, but it will also flood your body with natural chemicals called endorphins which elevate your mood. This can help prevent cravings from even starting. The exercise also helps tire out your body and distract your mind from alcohol.

If you have quit drinking and you want to avoid the alcohol cravings it is a good idea to stay away from places and avoid activities that were common when you were drinking. Often certain friends become drinking buddies, and after you quit drinking then you may need to make new friends to stay sober and successful in this goal. Avoid bars and other places where alcohol is offered or served, and keep your home completely alcohol free. Choose restaurants that do not have alcoholic drinks on the menu when you go out to eat, and keep your refrigerator stocked with cold water and fruit juices instead of beer, wine, and liquor.

Stay busy, and you will have less time to think about alcohol cravings. Enlarge your social circle, and take up a hobby which keeps your hands busy. Once you have quit drinking for good then the craving for alcohol can cause your willpower to weaken and your resolve to waver. It is important not to give in, and to understand that eventually the feelings and strong desires will fade again. These cravings are the most common reason why alcohol use is started again, and if you can control the alcohol cravings without giving in and taking that first drink you can be successful at staying sober.

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.