If you’re doing an online search for “how to stop alcohol cravings,” you or someone you love is struggling to control their drinking and at risk of harming themselves. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a common problem for millions of people. It creates cravings and withdrawals that can make quitting nearly impossible, despite any personal or medical desire to quit and get healthy.
The Ranch PA is a full-service addiction treatment center that welcomes anyone struggling with AUD, opioid use disorders, and other treatable addictions. Our alcohol rehab in Wrightsville includes alcohol detox, residential treatment, and an aftercare program to see you through every step of your recovery journey. You’ll participate in group and private therapy sessions to learn how to stop alcohol cravings from causing relapse and ruining all of your hard work.
Recognizing Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Drinking alcohol is legal around the world, and millions of people drink every day. While a glass or two a night is fine, one glass turns into many if you’re not careful. If this happens, you may experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms that’ll continue for several days or until you consume more alcohol.
Alcohol withdrawal is a frequent symptom of alcohol use disorder, characterized by intense cravings and various physical complications. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Mood changes
- Feeling irritable and on edge
- Anxiety
- Nausea and vomiting
- Insomnia
- Rapid heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Delirium trees
Delirium tremens (DTs) is common for those with severe AUD. Heavy drinking can lead to DTs, which include severe withdrawal symptoms. These may include trouble concentrating and focusing, difficulty speaking or understanding others, and confusion about the date or location. Other symptoms can involve reduced facial expressions, apathy, and an increased tendency toward anger or violence.
DTs can be fatal if left untreated. If you’re struggling with alcohol cravings and want to quit, the best option is to enroll in an alcohol rehab program where they can help reduce withdrawals and cravings.
How To Stop Alcohol Cravings
Alcohol cravings are a common symptom of withdrawal, and when you stop drinking, they’ll intensify over the next few days or weeks. If you struggle with alcohol cravings, you know how difficult it can be to overcome them, but it’s possible.
Identify Your Triggers
One of the first steps in learning to control your cravings and temptations is to recognize your triggers. These can be anything, from a stressful day at work to a first date, fighting with your spouse, hanging out with friends who drink, and other common triggers.
Working with a therapist in an alcohol rehab program is the best way to learn what triggers your cravings.
Manage Stress Levels
If you feel stressed at work or home, try a few strategies to lower your stress levels and calm angry emotions. You can do deep breathing exercises, walk around the office, or have a quick five-minute meditation break. After work, join an exercise program, go for a hike, or run to burn off pent-up negative energy.
Eat a Healthy Diet
Changing your diet is an easy way to reduce cravings and get healthy. Eat a healthy diet of dark leafy greens, protein, fiber, and healthy fats to stabilize blood sugar levels. You can use spices and different seasonings to cut down on adding salt and sugar to your meals. Other foods that can help reduce alcohol cravings include:
- Dark chocolate
- Fruits and vegetables
- Whole grains
- Len protein
- Nuts and seeds
- Spices and seasonings
- Fermented foods
Some alcohol rehab programs include nutrition education to give clients the best chances of maintaining a healthy and sober lifestyle.
Start an Exercise Program
Enrolling in a gym or exercise program is a good way to release endorphins, which can reduce stress levels, burn off negative energy, and help ease cravings. If you prefer the great outdoors, walk or run before or after work. Get some friends together to go with you on a hike at a local trail. If you belong to a local gym, many have personal trainers that can build an exercise program for you to keep you healthy and sober.
Practice Distraction Techniques
Alcohol cravings can return at any time, even years after your last drink. A common distraction technique includes going for a walk, texting, or calling someone when your cravings begin to spike. Other standard methods include reciting a personal mantra, being mindful, deep breathing exercises, and writing in a journal.
Enroll in an Alcohol Rehab Program
If you’re struggling to control your alcohol cravings and want help, enroll in an alcohol rehab program. They can build a program that includes medication to ease withdrawals and cravings and behavioral and holistic therapies to focus on the real reason behind the illness.
Get Started on Alcohol Rehab in Wrightsville at The Ranch PA Today
If you’re struggling with an alcohol use disorder and want help with withdrawals and cravings, Recovery Ranch PA is the right call to make. Our addiction treatment center in Wrightsville can create a tailored treatment program based on your symptoms. We use medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to reduce common withdrawals and cravings along with any depressive or anxiety symptoms that may be causing the addiction, along with behavioral and holistic therapies.
If you’d like to know more about our alcohol rehab and what it can do for you, call 717.969.9126 or schedule a tour through our online form today.