After treatment for alcohol addiction, you need to develop strategies to cope with cravings for alcohol. Now that you started recovery, you are at risk of relapse at any time. The possibility of relapse increases when you are around people, places, and things that remind you of drinking alcohol. The cravings for alcohol can be very uncomfortable and can occur often during the first several months of sobriety. Set a plan to avoid these situations when cravings are strong.
Any strong reminders can encourage you to remember of the pleasurable effects of drinking alcohol. When these memories are invoked, you will seem to forget the horrible destructive behavior caused by drinking alcohol. There are some ways to cope with alcohol cravings and avoid the things that contribute to them:
- Remove yourself from the situation. If you are in a place or with a person who is a strong reminder of your drinking alcohol, leave. Go to the bathroom, go outside, or just leave and go somewhere else.
- Call someone. This can be anyone, as long as your mind is distracted from the intense cravings you have for alcohol.
- Think of something different. Think of anything that preoccupies your brain so you can suppress the cravings.
- Self-talk. Remind yourself that you cannot have a drink because you are staying sober. Repeat to yourself and remember why you are staying sober.
- Eat something sweet. Alcohol contains a lot of sugar so your body could be craving sugar instead of alcohol.
- Drink a lot of water. When you drink a lot of water throughout the day, the cravings for alcohol will lessen.
Avoid people who are associated with your drinking alcohol and friends who would drink with you. Sometimes you can unintentionally be encouraged to have just one drink. Distract yourself with music, a walk outside, exercise, or yoga. Discover your interests or hobbies. Join a book club, kickboxing class, or do some gardening. If you are creative, participate in an art class, write articles for your blog, or join a sport.
Many healthy activities can divert your attention away from your cravings for alcohol. The cravings are temporary. The strong urge you feel to have a drink will go away. The cravings can be much easier to cope with when you know what to avoid and have a plan to distract yourself.
Recovery is possible and healing will take place in mind, body, and spirit. Enlightened Recovery Solutions offers a holistic based, 12-step inspired, clinically proven program for alcoholism and co-occurring disorders. Call (844) 234-LIVE today for information on our partial care programs.