How To Stop Alcohol Cravings: Remedies, Medication & More

Cravings can make alcohol addiction recovery challenging, but some remedies and medications can help stop alcohol cravings.

If you’re trying to stop drinking or recovering from alcohol addiction, cravings can make it difficult to avoid relapse. While you should seek medical treatment if you’re experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms, there are remedies to manage your alcohol cravings at home. 

What Are Alcohol Cravings and What Do They Feel Like?

Researchers have identified cravings as being a key component of addiction. In fact, alcohol cravings are part of the diagnostic criteria for an alcohol use disorder, which is the clinical diagnosis given when someone struggles with symptoms related to alcohol misuse and addiction. Put simply, cravings can be defined as a strong desire or compulsive drive to use alcohol. 

Cravings can cause stress and discomfort for someone trying not to drink alcohol. When people crave alcohol, they may fantasize about the benefits they think they’ll receive from a drink based on past experiences. Ultimately, if cravings are intense, they may lead to a relapse. 

Reasons for Alcohol Cravings

When you have alcohol cravings, there is usually some form of trigger. In some cases, it may be because you believe alcohol will bring you some relief.

Withdrawal

Alcohol cravings can occur when a person is undergoing alcohol withdrawal. Cravings tend to be worse when a person has tried to detox from alcohol several times in the past. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms, such as sweating, nausea, tremor, anxiety and insomnia, can increase the drive to drink because a person may feel that drinking will alleviate their discomfort. 

External Triggers

External factors can trigger cravings for alcohol. For example, being around others drinking or being in a bar or pub is associated with alcohol cravings. For those who use drinking as a coping mechanism for stress, conflict within relationships, problems at work or financial difficulties can trigger cravings. 

Internal Triggers

Internal triggers, such as negative emotions, can also trigger alcohol cravings. Research has shown that anxiety, frustration, sadness, tension and irritability can trigger a person to drink. Cravings may occur because a person expects to feel relief from drinking. 

Natural Home Remedies To Reduce Alcohol Cravings

When cravings occur during severe alcohol withdrawal, seeking medical treatment is important. However, if you’re just struggling with urges to drink, you may be able to use home remedies to reduce your alcohol cravings.

Foods That Help Alcohol Cravings

A nutritious diet that provides the body with the nutrients it needs to function optimally may help with alcohol cravings. Alcohol misuse is linked to a lack of protein, calories and numerous vitamins and minerals in the diet. Heavy alcohol consumption is linked to thiamine, vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies. Eating foods that are rich in these B vitamins can be beneficial for reducing the negative side effects of alcohol misuse, which can make it easier to manage cravings. 

Foods rich in these vitamins include:

• Fish
• Chicken
• Eggs 
• Dairy products

Herbs, Vitamins & Supplements for Alcohol Cravings

While you should always consult with a medical professional before using a new supplement, if you’re medically cleared, supplements and vitamins can help reduce alcohol cravings. Researchers recommend taking a complete multivitamin and mineral supplement when in recovery from alcohol misuse. 

Other supplements that can be beneficial for alcohol cravings include:

• Milk thistle: This supplement can relieve some of the discomforts of alcohol withdrawal, as it is known to have anti-inflammatory effects. It can also prevent liver disease from alcohol addiction.
• Chamomile: Chamomile has sedative and relaxing properties and can help manage alcohol cravings, especially if they arise from stress, tension or anxiety. 
• Ginkgo: Ginkgo supplements are used in depression treatment and may be beneficial for reducing alcohol cravings in people who live with symptoms of depression.
• St. John’s Wort: Animal studies have shown that St. John’s Wort lowers alcohol consumption, possibly reducing cravings. 

Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness-based interventions, such as yoga and meditation, can reduce alcohol cravings by helping you attune to the present moment. Studies have shown that mindfulness is beneficial for reducing cravings. This practice lets you become aware of bodily sensations and accept uncomfortable emotions. 

Distraction

When you experience an alcohol craving, it can be helpful to distract yourself until it passes. You might achieve this by walking, calling a friend or enjoying relaxing activities like reading. 

Knowing Your Triggers

Cravings will be lower when you learn to manage your triggers. For instance, if you know being at bars or parties will trigger you to drink, you may need to avoid these locations. 

Stress Management

Since stress can trigger cravings, finding healthy ways to cope is important. This can include finding time to engage in your hobbies, following a regular exercise routine and taking time for self-care. 

Medication-assisted Treatment for Curbing Alcohol Cravings

While home remedies can be helpful when you’re struggling with alcohol cravings, some people may benefit from taking medications to help reduce their cravings. Medications can treat chemical imbalances and make it easier to abstain from drinking.

Some medications commonly used in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for alcohol addiction include:

• Acamprosate: This medication reduces urges to use alcohol.
• Disulfiram: This medication discourages drinking by leading to unpleasant symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and breathing problems, if consumed with alcohol. It is intended to be taken by people who have already stopped drinking, and you must wait at least 12 hours to take it after consuming alcohol.
• Naltrexone: Naltrexone is often used in the treatment of alcohol addiction because it can help people to stay committed to recovery. It reduces the urge to drink by blocking the euphoric effects of alcohol.

• Baclofen: Some physicians will use baclofen in the long-term treatment of alcohol addiction. Research has found that baclofen significantly reduces severe alcohol cravings.
• Topiramate: There is some evidence that topiramate can help those struggling with alcohol cravings, especially when they include obsessive thoughts around drinking.

If you’re looking for alcohol addiction treatment, The Recovery Village Ridgefield is here to help. We offer inpatient rehab and partial hospitalization programming, all in a serene mountain setting. With the help of our physician-led team, we can equip you with the tools for overcoming alcohol cravings. Contact a Recovery Advocate today to get started; we’re located in Washington State, easily accessible from the Portland, Oregon, area.