Search results
- As you change your drinking, it’s normal and common to have urges or a craving for alcohol. The words “urge” and “craving” refer to a broad range of thoughts, physical sensations, or emotions that tempt you to drink, even though you have at least some desire not to. You may feel an uncomfortable pull in two directions or sense a loss of control.
rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/tools/worksheets-more/handling-urges-drinkHow to Stop Alcohol Cravings - Handling the Urges to Drink ...
People also ask
Do you have an urge to drink?
How do you know if you have an urge to drink?
How do you deal with urges to drink?
Can You Stop Your urges to drink?
What causes an urge to drink?
Dec 7, 2021 · When you stop drinking, you might find yourself dealing with cravings for alcohol. Learn why this common response happens and how to cope with it.
Alcohol cravings are the urge or desire to have a drink. These cravings can be frustrating if you’re trying to cut down on alcohol, drink less or stop drinking completely, but they are quite normal. They are not a personal weakness. Cravings are rooted in both psychological and physical factors.
Drinkline is the national alcohol helpline. If you're worried about your own or someone else's drinking, you can call this free helpline in complete confidence. Call 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am to 8pm, weekends 11am to 4pm). Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a free self-help group.
- Keeping Track. Here are some good reasons to keep track of your urges: Keeping track can help you identify your “triggers” to drinking. Keeping track can help you realize that they aren’t always there or getting worse.
- Avoid Triggers. This can be a helpful strategy early in your efforts to change your drinking and manage your urges. If, for example, you usually drink Friday afternoons or evenings after work with drinking buddies, make plans to do something else during that time with other friends or family members who aren’t into drinking or drinking heavily.
- Distract Yourself. Sometimes you can’t avoid triggers which may be feelings you have or a physical condition that comes on from time to time. Once you experience the urge, distract yourself with something that takes your attention.
- Question the Urge. Think of the urge as a cue, a signal. This signal is telling you to have a drink, but it’s not controlling you. While having an urge can be uncomfortable, it won’t hurt you.
As you change your drinking, it’s normal and common to have urges or a craving for alcohol. The words “urge” and “craving” refer to a broad range of thoughts, physical sensations, or emotions that tempt you to drink, even though you have at least some desire not to.
Alcohol cravings: what they are and how to beat them. Alcohol cravings can feel overwhelming, driven by withdrawal, habits or emotional facts. You can control alcohol cravings and urges by employing tactics like distaction, stress management and avoiding triggers.
Sit quietly and focus on how it feels, literally, in your body. What do you notice about the feeling? Keep bringing your awareness back to your senses – how each part of your body feels – and your breathing. Notice when the feelings increase and when they subside – and in a few minutes the urge should start to drain away. Make a switch.
