Alcohol cravings can be dangerous to the recovery process to the point of discouraging and hindering progress. To combat this, you must take concerted efforts towards craving management.

However, before you can put effort into controlling cravings, it is essential to understand why cravings occur and the source of the addiction in the first place. 

Alcohol cravings are your response patterns that get programmed and amplified as a result of surrounding environmental conditions, such as mood swings, mental distress, and anxiety.

We can further segregate these triggers into two main categories:

•  Psychological: Stimulations of the central and peripheral nervous system can trigger alcohol cravings. These sensations can be excitement, anxiety, sadness, painful or traumatic memories, and loneliness.
• Physical: These triggers include bodily changes, such as sudden rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, alterations in sweat glands functioning, etc. In recovery, effective management of alcohol cravings is critical to avoid relapse. Utilizing new coping methods and therapy modalities learned in treatment can make relapse prevention more manageable.

Here is a list of 10 tips to follow to best combat alcohol cravings in recovery:

#1. Focus On Your Hobbies and Activities of Interest

Before jumping into hobbies, take an inventory of past activities that once excited or inspired you. Indulge in favorite pastime activities such as gardening, listening to music, singing, dancing, drawing, painting, or anything that interests you. This will encourage you to spend your free time productively while avoiding cravings. 

#2. Eat Right to Satiate Your Cravings

Cook for yourself and prepare exquisite dishes that satisfy your cravings. Or perhaps you could always ask your loved ones to help. However, make sure you do not substitute your alcohol cravings for sugar or caffeine as a way to distract or satisfy other parts of the brain. These can curb your cravings over short periods but have adverse impacts on your overall health. It is always best to consult your healthcare provider for a healthy, balanced diet.

#3. Yoga Is Key

Often ignored as a slow or gradual process of recovery, yoga is known to work wonders on the body and mind. This mindful activity is a great way to keep cravings at bay while effectively relaxing the brain and keeping you present in the moment. It also opens up the senses, encouraging a reevaluation of life, recovery, and social connections. 

#4. Identify Your Triggers Over Time and Maintain a Diary

Identifying and assessing your cravings—including triggers, moods, behaviors, and mindsets—will help you understand and combat cravings over time. By doing so, you will expose the roots of your alcohol addiction and overcome them in recovery. 

#5. Stress Management Techniques

Various stress management techniques are effective therapies for curbing alcohol cravings. For instance, if you are struggling with an alcohol addiction you may find relaxation and diaphragmatic breathwork beneficial to your recovery journey.

#6. Avoid Social Activities That Involve Drinking

Outings with old friends at places known for alcohol consumption or other substance use—like bars, clubs, or concerts—should be avoided in order to avoid temptation and prevent relapse.

#7. Make Weekly Remind of the Progress Made and Goals Ahead

Keeping a record, either digital or a written copy, of the breakthroughs made in your recovery journey so far, is key. It is easy to forget how far you have come when facing a long list of goals, activities, and therapy for maintaining sobriety. Remind yourself of your achievements each time you add something new to your checklist so your hard work is not forgotten or overlooked. 

#8. Interact With Nature

Taking a walk outdoors, spending time at the park, or taking a trip to nearby mountains with a serene landscape is a great way to escape the monotony of your everyday routine. It can even inspire, rejuvenate, and distract you from stress. 

#9. Act Fast and Act Smart

Whenever you feel the urge to drink alcohol, act quickly. Talk to a friend over the phone, call a trusted loved one, listen to music, watch a movie, or do any activity that distracts you. Relapse prevention is a powerful tool.

#10. Watch Out for Your “Over the Top” Feelings

These emotions can be over-excitement, over-sadness, or even overthinking. These are the situations when your cravings will be the strongest, so it is best to identify these as soon as they occur. 

Your Recovery Comes First

A healthy lifestyle in recovery has no place for alcohol cravings. Remember to practice your hobbies and engage in yoga groups, meditation, art therapy, and any activities that rehabilitate the mind and body. Follow these tips by heart and see the wonders they can have for managing cravings. 

Cravings are common among those in recovery; however, there are easy-to-follow steps that can help you curb and manage them better each day. Whenever you feel anxious or depressed, cravings can arise. If you effectively tackle the struggles of your body and mind, your journey to recovery will get stronger.  The Kimberly Center is well-known for its individualized treatment plans, around-the-clock care, and approach to relapse prevention. Those struggling with alcohol addiction require the highest quality care from medical professionals. Our trained staff at the center deliver a smooth, lasting, and effective recovery to a wide range of people battling various mental health and substance use disorders. If you or your loved ones suffer from addiction or alcoholism, seeking expert assistance is critical to recovery. The better you manage your alcohol cravings, the better your recovery journey. Get in touch with trained experts at the Kimberly Center now at (855) 452-3683.