If you have other health concerns, including liver damage or cirrhosis, consult with your primary physician before taking any supplements to help with alcoholism. Having a structured routine, (i.e. getting enough sleep, which is ideally, 7 or more hours) and eating three balanced meals a day, can also help combat cravings, says Dr. Weiss. Fueling up with balanced meals that include complex carbohydrates, protein https://ecosoberhouse.com/ and fat, can help regulate your blood sugar so you don’t experience as many spikes and dips—which can lead to sugar cravings, she adds. Dr. Weiss encourages people to engage in as many healthy, mood-boosting activities as they can to avoid reaching for candy (or back to alcohol) for a quick dopamine fix. You can reap the benefits of many different feel-good hormones without the use of substances or sugar.
- Indian Ginseng is an ancient ayurvedic herb that uses its antioxidant powers to cleanse the body of toxins and improve your overall health.
- Milk thistle can be used to eliminate the toxins accumulated in the body due to excessive alcohol intake.
- Internal triggers are thoughts, feelings, sensations, and beliefs inside you that feed your cravings for alcohol.
Attending support groups and communicating positively helps to maintain sobriety. These are some of the best ways on how to help someone with a drinking problem. Common side effects of Disulfiram include drowsiness, tiredness, headache, skin rash, swollen tongue, metallic taste, numbness of limbs, extreme mood swings, seizures. Alcohol metabolism generates free radicals, which are volatile compounds that may contribute to liver damage by causing oxidative damage to cellular organelles, including mitochondria, DNA, and proteins.
Vitamin C
Some supplements and nutrition strategies may assist in reducing alcohol cravings and withdrawal symptoms. Prolonged alcohol consumption can actually deplete the body of essential vitamins and minerals, causing nutritional deficiencies that may intensify cravings. Restoring these nutrients can help manage these cravings and support recovery. Kudzu is an ancient Chinese herbal supplement that is said to reduce alcohol cravings. It is the only natural supplement that is recognized by the National Institute for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
- Basil is a potent antiviral, antibacterial, and antioxidant herb that efficiently manages alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
- Early detection increases the chances of reversing liver damage, and it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider if you suspect liver issues or have developed symptoms of liver damage.
- In the moment, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and unsure about how to handle them.
- Even when you’ve resolved not to drink or to drink less, temptations to have a drink are normal, and the interaction of alcohol with the body’s own biochemistry makes the desire to keep drinking very predictable.
- Craving may be related to rapid decline in brain levels of dopamine and other neurotransmitters resulting in increased drug-seeking behavior.
- Making the decision to quit drinking can help alleviate these symptoms by improving mood and lessening the physical side effects.
Restoring your body’s nutrient levels after quitting alcohol can benefit both your physical and mental well-being. This contributes to greater stability in recovery, making it easier to stick with sobriety. True to the adage “prevention is better than a cure”, the same holds true for alcohol addiction. Never start this habit and maintain a healthy lifestyle with adequate exercise, well-complemented by a balanced diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables.
How medication can help
The good news is that there are some natural remedies that can help you reduce alcohol cravings without causing adverse side effects. There are some foods that can help reduce cravings, and several herbs that are extremely beneficial for fighting the urges to drink. Consuming nutrient-rich foods is necessary for recovering herbs to curb alcohol cravings from addiction. Along with good nutrition and eating a well-balanced diet, getting adequate sleep and being active physically are helpful for reducing cravings. There are also plenty of ways to use herbal remedies for alcohol cravings. Acupuncture is another natural remedy to help reduce alcohol cravings.
