Thursday, November 12, 2020

Ask a Therapist: How Can I Deal With Alcohol Cravings?

I'm craving alcohol all the time, but want to stop drinking. How can I deal with my cravings?
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Healthy Mind
Verywell Mind Editor-in-Chief, Amy Morin, LCSW, answered:
If you're trying to cut down on drinking or stop drinking altogether, you might experience cravings, especially if you've been drinking often or drinking heavily.

Fortunately, there are some things you can do to manage the cravings. First, you might remind yourself that cravings don't last forever. They come and go. So if you can distract yourself when you're experiencing a craving, you might be able to ride the wave and get through it. A physical activity, like organizing the garage, or an activity that requires a lot of brainpower, like a tough puzzle, might distract you for a minute until you feel better.

You might also benefit from learning to recognize your triggers. Anxiety-provoking social situations, for example, might lead to cravings. Knowing your triggers can help you manage them better.

A therapist can help you discover more strategies for managing cravings. Medication can also be an option for people who are having trouble managing cravings. If you think you might benefit from medication, talk to your doctor.

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