It is easy to minimize the dangers of daily alcohol consumption. After all, alcohol is legal; can it really be that bad for you? The answer is yes. Just because a substance is legal does not mean that it’s healthy and without risk. Everyone’s body is different and each person handles alcohol in their unique way. If you’re in recovery, trying to minimize alcohol cravings can be difficult – especially if you are around people who consume alcohol. What’s more, these people may not be as supportive of your recovery as you would prefer.
This blog post will delve into healthy strategies to minimize the craving for alcohol and discuss how just one sip can impact recovery. Finally, this article will discuss the endless opportunities at The Guest House and how these opportunities can be beneficial no matter what stage of recovery you are in.
What Are Alcohol Cravings?
It may sound silly to ask what alcohol cravings are. However, most people do not realize that they are having a craving until after they take their first sip. An alcohol craving is the urge or desire to have a drink. The cravings can be more noticeable and frustrating when trying to cut back or eliminate alcohol. Learning how to minimize alcohol cravings is important for a successful recovery. Having trouble dealing with cravings is not a sign of weakness but is completely normal in recovery.
Alcohol is one of the most commonly used addictive substances in the United States. It is also one of the most dangerous substances used, not just for the individual but for others (such as with drunk driving). There are also short and long-term health risks associated with alcohol use. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these health risks can include but are not limited to:
- Liver problems
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Mental health problems
If you are struggling to understand whether your alcohol consumption is a problem, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) provides a screening tool to assess problematic behaviors associated with alcohol consumption. Alcohol tends to be overlooked as an addiction until something not-so-pleasant happens in life. Learning how to minimize alcohol cravings is key to living your best life and protecting those around you.
How Can I Minimize My Alcohol Cravings?
Alcohol cravings are deeply rooted in people’s psychology and emotions. When you’re trying to minimize alcohol cravings, it is important to be mindful of people, places, and things that you associate alcohol with. Sometimes the hardest part is making choices to participate in activities even when you know alcohol will be present. The three types of triggers of alcohol use are:
- Your thoughts and emotions
- The environment
- Your physiological responses to alcohol
Paying attention to these factors can help to minimize alcohol cravings. For example, if you have a Labor Day party to go to and have been emotional, that may be an indicator that you need extra support when going or to decline the invitation. Only you know your body well enough to make decisions that will best serve you. Reach out to healthy support people and practice your coping skills so you can avoid succumbing to alcohol cravings.
4 Strategies to Minimize Alcohol Cravings
Numerous strategies can help you minimize alcohol cravings. You have to find what works for you. Exploring several strategies and seeing how you feel about them may give you a sense of which coping skills will work for you. Determining your best path forward takes time so be easy on yourself. If something does not work well for you, then try another strategy.
#1. Be Mindful of Your Thoughts and Emotions
When alcohol is present, take time to notice your thoughts and feelings about what is happening around you. For example, are you upset? Sad? Mad? Anxious? When a craving presents itself, a good strategy is to acknowledge the craving and allow it to be. Just because you have a feeling does not mean you have to give it power and act on it. Allow it to be just that, a feeling. A typical craving lasts three to five minutes. If you can busy yourself for that time, the craving will dissolve.
#2. Find Positive Distractions to Minimize Alcohol Cravings
Being bored seems to be one of the most triggering mind states during recovery. To cope with boredom, find healthy coping skills that will provide a distraction from your thought processes. Several positive distractions could be:
- Listening to music
- Spending time in nature
- Dancing like no one is watching
- Meditating or doing yoga
- Watching something funny
- Reading a book
#3. Reach Out to a Healthy Support Person
Many times it is hard to ask for help when you are struggling to find ways to minimize alcohol. Perhaps you can let your friends know ahead of time what you’re struggling with. Connecting to a healthy support person is beneficial not just for your recovery but for you as a person. The opposite of addiction is isolation and the first step in connection is being open and honest with others about what you need.
#4. Connect With a Therapist
Sometimes when you’re struggling to minimize alcohol cravings, you may feel out of control. A therapist will provide an objective point of view and meet you right where you are at. You do not have to worry about being judged or scrutinized for feeling and acting how you do.
Minimize Alcohol Cravings at The Guest House
Sometimes you may need an extra hand to minimize alcohol cravings. That is perfectly fine. Our dynamic professionals would be happy to help you, and our alumni program is available as well. With every addiction, connection is the key to stabilization and long-term recovery. Let us help you during this uncertain time in your recovery. We have the tools; all you need is an open heart and the willingness to learn.
Alcohol cravings are no joke, and at times they can feel paralyzing. Understanding your triggers and the factors that play a role in your cravings can be life-changing. Alcohol is everywhere and is hard to minimize your cravings when society has normalized them. Understanding yourself and valuing how far you have come in recovery is admirable. You have learned that minimizing your cravings will bring out the best in you. If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol use and wants to minimize consumption, please do not hesitate to give us a call today at (855) 483-7800. We are waiting to hear from you and will answer any questions you have.