Loading. Please Wait....
Do you get the overwhelming urge to drink when you stop drinking alcohol? If so, you are experiencing alcohol cravings. These sensations are felt by people who have been drinking alcohol over a period of time and have become dependent on it.
In this blog, we will look at what causes cravings for alcohol and will help you to understand how to stop craving alcohol so that you can live life without it. For more information on reducing alcohol cravings, contact Samarpan Recovery.
When you use alcohol to reward yourself or relax, your brain forms connections that then associate drinking alcohol with reward and relaxation. Over time, as you drink more, this connection is strengthened.
If you continue to drink, even thinking about drinking alcohol can cause dopamine levels to increase. When you drink, even greater levels of dopamine are released.
Changes in the brain occur, and you begin anticipating alcohol to the extent that your brain craves it. Eventually, you experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking, as your brain effectively needs alcohol to function “normally”. At this point, the effects of drinking alcohol are diminished, and you need more alcohol to get the same effect.
Once these brain changes have occurred, it can take an extended period of time for the brain to return to its previous state.
Now you know what causes alcohol cravings, let's take a look at what can help you take the edge off your cravings.
When you experience cravings for alcohol, one of the best things that you can do is go for a run or lift some weights (or whichever your preferred style of exercise is). Exercise helps to flood your brain with endorphins, which significantly reduces cravings.
Exercise also involves movement, which can be really helpful. The old idiom “move a muscle, change a thought” applies here.
Alcohol craving is worse when you are hungry. Getting a bite to eat is likely to reduce your alcohol cravings.
You can also consider drinking a sugary drink. While doctors would not usually recommend you eat or drink anything that will spike your sugar levels, you can make an exception here. The reason why this can be so effective to reduce cravings is that sugar acts on the same brain circuitry as alcohol does.
When you have cravings, consider using a method that can help you feel calmer. Meditation, yoga, and qigong can all regulate your nervous system, which in turn reduces cravings.
Deep breathing is also effective and requires less effort than all of the above. Try breathing in for 4 seconds, holding the breath for 7 seconds, and then exhaling for 8 seconds. A simple technique that can prove very effective when cravings crop up.
When your stress levels are high and you feel like drinking, the best thing you can do is talk to someone who you are close with. Just sharing your problems can reduce cravings massively.
It is even better to talk with a person who has been through alcohol cravings themselves. Someone who can tell you what they did when they were going through it.
Cravings for alcohol get worse when you are tired. Make sure that you get a decent amount of good quality sleep each night. To do this, go to bed at a reasonable time, turn electronics off an hour before you want to sleep, and make sure you are in a dark room where you won’t be disturbed by any noise.
In the early days of stopping alcohol, you may find that you get tired quite often. If this happens during the day, it can be useful to take a nap to refresh yourself and allow your body and mind time to rejuvenate.
You may find that certain people, places, and activities make you want to drink alcohol. If this is the case, try avoiding these, at least for a while. If you have only recently stopped drinking, cravings may cause you to start drinking again.
If you are unable to avoid these people, places, and activities, make sure that you are prepared. If you know that a member of your family makes you want to drink, talk through beforehand what you will do if you experience triggers before you see this person.
Keeping a journal can help you release some of the thoughts and emotions that may be causing cravings. It can also let you see patterns in your behavior that might be leading to more cravings.
All the above tips are fantastic ways that you can reduce alcohol cravings. But if you have stopped drinking for a long time and cravings crop up frequently, or you find you just cannot stay quit whatever you do, it may be time to look at addressing the underlying issues of your alcohol addiction.
Mental health problems and trauma are both reasons that cravings for alcohol can occur. Often, someone who experiences cravings for alcohol is not even aware of this. But when this person works with an addiction professional, it becomes clear that one or both of these issues were the main cause of their cravings.
Once this is discovered, it is a great opportunity for this person to work closely with this mental health professional to heal their ailments. Professional guidance can play a massive role in helping this person achieve long-term recovery, even if they struggled with frequent relapses in the past.
If you have tried all the tips in this blog and still experience cravings that cause you to drink, you should consider going to rehab. At Samarpan Recovery, we can help you get to the underlying problems that are causing you to drink and will support you every step of the way.
Our team has a wealth of experience in helping people with alcohol problems deal with how to stop craving alcohol, quit drinking, and stay quit for good. If you’d like to know more about how we do this, contact us today.
Why Marijuana Addiction is Often Overlooked
Alcohol Addiction vs. Social Drinking: Where to Draw the Line
What to Say (and Not Say) to Someone in Rehab
What to Expect on Your First Day at a Rehabilitation Center
Hash Addiction's Impact: Anxiety, Depression, and Lung Health
Benzodiazepines: What They Are, Side Effects & Risks
Mandrax: A Drug of Abuse - Side Effects, Medications, and More
What to Avoid during Early Drug Recovery New Year 2025
Break Free from Chemsex and Drug Addiction : Samarpan Guide
The Intersection of Drug Use and Sexual Health: Chemsex Explained
8 Recovery Mistakes to Avoid This New Year | Samarpan
How to support your loved ones for Addiction Recovery during Christmas
New Year Resolutions to Help Your Addiction Recovery in 2025
Understanding the Link Between Trauma and Addiction: Why Treatment Matters
The Dangers of Self-Medication: When Recreational Drugs Turn into Dependency
How Stress and Anxiety Can Lead to Substance Abuse: Recognizing Early Signs
The Essentials of Detox Treatment for Lasting Recovery
Looking for the Best Addiction Rehab Center in India?
How the Right Environment Can Boost Addiction Recovery Success
Risk Factors for Substance Use Disorder: Who is Most Vulnerable
Personalized Care at Ladies Nasha Mukti Kendra: A Safe Space for Healing
Family History of Addiction: Is Alcohol Addiction Hereditary?
Looking For The Best Alcohol Rehabilitation Center in Mumbai?
Luxury vs. Affordable Rehabilitation Centers_ Finding the Right Fit for Addiction Treatment
Schizophrenia and the Importance of Therapy_ A Holistic Approach to Treatment
Exploring India's Luxury Rehab Centers_ Merging Comfort with Effective Treatment
Is Addiction a Single Incident or a Gradual Process?
Superannuation Early Release_ Supporting Australians in Drug and Alcohol Recovery Programs
9 Warning Signs Someone Is A High-Functioning Alcoholic
What is a lapse and what is a relapse
Exploring Holistic Therapies in Addiction Recovery in Rehab_ Beyond Traditional Methods
How Can Bipolar Disorder Therapy Treatment Help
The Shocking Facts of Detoxification
Holistic Therapy and Its Healing Benefits
Best Luxury Rehabilitation with Drug Treatment Facilities
Cocaine Addiction: Causes & Treatment Approaches
The Risks of Charas Addiction: What Should You Know?
Myths & Facts About ‘Meth Eyes’ and Methamphetamine Use
Surprising Methods Addicts Use to Manipulate Others
Navigating India's Rehab Scene for The Ideal Treatment Centre
Understanding Lyrica Addiction: Risks, Withdrawal, and Treatment
Factors Causing Meth Addiction In Australians & Treatments
The Importance of Continuing Care Programs in Rehab Centers
The Role of Self-Care in Substance Use Prevention
How to Beat Addiction to Benzodiazepines and its Withdrawal Symptoms?
How to Convince a Loved One to Enter Addiction Treatment Rehab
The Role of Nutrition in Drug Abuse Treatment
The Importance of Working Out In Treating Addiction
The Harsh Realities of Drug Addiction
Understanding Codependency in Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions
Addiction: A Family Disease
The Importance of Seeking Help for Drug Abuse Treatment
Adderall Addiction Symptoms and Treatment
Devils Breath: The Scariest Drug In The World
What Is Narcotics Anonymous?
How Do I Stop Gambling?
What Is Chemsex? Dangerous Sexual Practices On The Gay Scene
Best Rehabilitation Centre In Chennai
Crystal Meth In India
A Closer Look At The Stages Of Recovery From Addiction
7 relapse prevention tips
Heroine Drugs Treatment: India
The Scariest Drug In The World
Not All Treatment Is Equal
What Is The Shame Cycle In Addiction?
What Is In Lean?
What Is Angel Dust? Unveiling the Reality Behind Phencyclidine (PCP)
What Do Meth Eyes Look Like?
Rising Trends Of Substance Abuse In India
Social Media Addiction Symptoms
Signs Of Heroin Use
How To Stop A Porn Addiction
Breaking The Habit
How Long Does Cocaine Stay In Your System?
7 Signs Of A Functioning Addict
International Rehab in India
The Power of Family Support in Addiction Recovery
Anxiety and Substance Use Disorder: What Works?
Stress , Addiction and Samarpan
Managing Addiction Triggers in Recovery
The Role of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in Substance Abuse Treatment
How Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Helps You Take Control in Substance Use Recovery
Silent Struggles
Healing Beyond Hurt
Embracing Liberation
Under Pressure
Sexual Orientation
Embracing Self
Suffering in Silence
Love Lost, Sobriety Found
Coping in Chaos
Fury and Freedom
Revitalizing Passion
Beyond Borders
Transformative Recovery
Understanding Addiction and ADHD
Addiction, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, and Holistic Treatment
Comprehensive Recovery Plan: Navigating Life After Rehab with Terry Gorski's Relapse Prevention
Navigating the Relapse Process: Understanding Terry Gorski's Relapse Prevention Model
The IT Conundrum: Substance Use Disorder in the Tech World
HIV Prevalence in the Population with Substance Use Disorder:
Awakening from the Shadows: Samarpan Recovery's Holistic Approach to De-Addiction from Insomnia and Sleep Medication
Five Reasons To Go To Rehab At Christmas
A Lesson in Recovery: Samarpan Recovery's Compassionate Approach to De-Addiction for Teachers and Educational Professionals
Navigating the Festive Season: Staying Sober with Samarpan Recovery
A Comprehensive Approach to De-Addiction with Samarpan Recovery in Pune
Silent Struggles: Unveiling Substance Use Disorder Among Nurses
Silent Struggles: Unveiling Substance Use Disorder Among Lawyers
Impact on Individuals, Families, and Behaviors
Behind the Glamour: Unraveling Substance Use Disorder in the Film Industry
Navigating Substance Use Disorder Among Doctors: A Deep Dive into Causes, Demographics, and Healing
Navigating the Intersection of Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Substance Use Disorder
Samarpan Recovery's Tailored Approach to De-Addiction for Finance Industry
A Spotlight on Rehabilitation Program in India
Family Dynamics and Substance Use in India
The Complexities of Involuntary Admissions for Substance Use Disorders in India
The Crucial Role of Family and Community in De-Addiction Treatment in India
The Significance of Length of Stay in Residential Treatment for Successful outcomes
Finding An Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre In Mumbai
How To Choose The Best Rehabilitation Centre In India
Healing The Mind And Body: Yoga At A Deaddiction Centre In Pune
Supporting Mental Health: Dual Diagnosis Rehabs In Pune
The Gorski CENAPS Relapse Prevention Model
Aftercare: Staying Clean After Rehab In Pune
Do I Need Detox Medication At A Rehab Center In Mumbai?
Rehab Options for Non-Resident Indians in Kenya
Rehab Options for Bangladeshis: A Journey to Healing and Recovery at Samarpan Recovery in India
Why Non-Resident Indians in Singapore Choose Samarpan Recovery Centre in India for Rehab
Rehab Options for Non-Resident Indians in the United Kingdom
Exploring Rehab Options for Indians
What Does A Psychiatric Rehabilitation Centre Do?
Benefits of Treatment at a Depression Rehabilitation Centre
Deaddiction Meaning - Understanding Deaddiction
How Do I Choose A De Addiction Centre Near Me?
How to Navigate the 7 Stages of Addiction Recovery
The First Stage of Addiction
Why is Samarpan the Best De Addiction Center in India?
How to Prepare for a Rehab Centre in Mumbai
What Should I Expect From A Rehabilitation Centre in Pune?
Unlocking Recovery: Must-Read Books On Addiction
7 Benefits of Art Therapy for Addiction Recovery
What is the Most Addictive Drug?
Charas Addiction: Understanding The Dangers and Seeking Help
Mandrax - History, Dangers and More
How to Start Porn Addiction Recovery
Overcoming Addiction With A Relapse Prevention Model
How to Choose the Best Rehabilitation Centre in Mumbai
Art Therapy For Mental Health: How Rehabs Promote Healing With Creative Therapy
What Rehab Activities Are Included In Addiction Treatment?
What to Expect From Rehabilitation Centres for Mental Health
The Link Between Trauma, Eating Disorders And Substance Abuse
3 Ways To Cope With Symptoms Of Drug And Alcohol Withdrawal
What to Expect From Voluntary Admission to Treatment
The Benefits Of Interventions For Drug And Alcohol Abuse
What Causes Addictive Personality And Behaviours?
What Happens If Someone Has A Bad Rehab Experience?
Samarpan Recovery Provides Destination Therapy For Addiction
Why You Need Professional Help In Interventions For Drugs And Alcohol
Samarpan Implementing the Gorski-CENAPS Model of Relapse Prevention
Client Directed Care At Samarpan Recovery
Autonomy And Ethics In Addiction Treatment
Interplay Between Culture And Substance Abuse
The Benefits Of 12 Steps For Recovery
Treatment For Addictive Behaviors Should Not Punish
Recovery From Addiction And Emotions: Guilt, Shame And Regret
Family Engagement During Intensive Outpatient Treatment
Therapy And Medication For Substance Use Disorder
Transitioning From Psychiatric Treatment Into Therapy
What Are The Effects Of Drugs And Alcohol On The Brain?
Pressure From Family And Addiction Recovery
How To Support Someone In Rehab: A Guide For Families
Breaking Down Misinformation About Addiction Recovery Treatment
Collaborative Interventions For Addiction At Samarpan Recovery
How Does Therapy Work?
Nutrition For Addiction Recovery
Recovery success
Dealing With A Family Member With Addiction: The Importance Of Support
Setting Boundaries In Recovery
Family therapy and addiction
Supporting Recovery: Family Therapy For Addiction
Mindfulness And Recovery From Addiction
How Do Drugs Affect The Brain Of Teenagers?
The Effectiveness Of Rehab: Variations In Rehab Center Success
Why Therapy Is Important
Art Therapy in Addiction
7 Stages Of Addiction
+91 81809 19090admissions@samarpan.in