Because he is a member of a support group that stresses the importance of anonymity at the public level, he does not use his photograph or his real name on this website. Members who had a “spiritual awakening” and those who prayed after viewing craving-inducing images. However, a 2017 review suggests that A.A.’s benefits primarily come herbs to curb alcohol cravings from therapeutic factors that mirror those found in other treatments—such as those that are social, cognitive, and affective in nature. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) does not recommend using antidepressants, which includes SSRIs, in the treatment of AUD unless there is another disorder present that they can help treat.
As for the duration of a single craving episode, research indicates that most cravings usually peak and subside within 15 to 30 minutes. This might sound like a long time when you’re in the throes of a craving, but knowing that there’s an end in sight can be a powerful tool to help you resist. Self-talk can help in combating cravings by reminding you of your motivation for change.
Changes in brain chemistry
You might notice stressful or tense situations tend to fuel cravings more often than not. Even 10 minutes catching up on recent news and sharing stories from your daily life can offer enough of a distraction that the craving passes, almost before you know it. Other helpful distractions might include meditation, calling a sober buddy, or taking a shower, Hank suggests. When a craving for alcohol strikes, a good first step involves acknowledging the craving, according to Mehta. She goes on to explain that while the craving might be intense, it will lessen and pass in a few minutes. Acamprosate is believed to work by restoring balance to certain neurotransmitters in the brain that are disrupted by long-term alcohol overuse.
It’s important to note that withdrawing from alcohol can be particularly dangerous, especially if you’ve been drinking heavily for a long period of time. Research published in 2022 found that individuals who were alcohol dependent had significantly lower levels of both zinc and magnesium compared to the control group. One 2019 study found that a significant portion of individuals with AUD admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) had vitamin C deficiency, with 42% being severely deficient. The research suggests that vitamin C supplementation, in addition to thiamine, should be considered for these individuals.
Licorice Root
Taking supplements like vitamin C, NAC, and GABA may help replenish your nutrient stores, potentially reducing your cravings and easing your withdrawal symptoms. Ashwagandha is an adaptogen that is helpful for restoring thyroid and adrenal function. The herb helps restore chemical balances and often makes a person feel more energetic or very relaxed, depending on the imbalance. Ashwagandha contains natural compounds and antioxidants that help balance out hormone levels, which are typically very out of balance in chronic drinkers. The herb helps increase the feelings of being refreshed and relieves anxiety.
- That’s why building your own recovery toolkit can make a difference in your ability to weather the most intense cravings.
- Other limitations of the present study are the use of a rather narrow aged male population who drink only at moderate levels.
- Relay’s addiction recovery program provides a comprehensive, outpatient approach to behavioral change – at home, at your own pace.
- Mainstream approaches that are even less effective include aversion therapy, confrontation, educational films and general psychotherapy.