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Beach House Recovery Center » Blog » How to Stop Cravings for Alcohol
Alcohol is prevalent throughout our society. While socially drinking may be common, it can quickly spiral into a full-blown addiction once cravings have developed. If you are currently experiencing alcohol cravings, the time to react is now. Any craving for a substance can easily turn into an addiction, which is why it is imperative to stop using or consuming before it’s too late.
Luckily, there are many ways to curb the cravings of alcohol to maintain a sober life. By understanding why alcohol cravings occur and learning healthier alternatives to your excessive alcohol intake, you can change your life for the better. This article will discuss the causes of alcohol cravings and strategies on how to stop drinking before it turns into an addiction.
Heavy drinkers are especially susceptible to developing alcohol cravings or even a dependency. Continued alcohol consumption alters the brain, which can lead to a variety of symptoms, long-term health effects, or even addiction. Once alcohol has been ingested, it changes the levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. A change in neurotransmitters can have a major effect on the communication between neurons throughout the body.
When an individual has been a heavy drinker, they are more likely to experience alterations in their levels of neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). When an alcohol problem develops, the body adjusts to the increases in dopamine and sets its new standard at this increased level. Similarly, elevated levels of GABA make it more difficult for neurons to communicate with one another, effectively slowing down neuron-to-neuron communication in the brain.
Cravings for alcohol occurs when the body does not have enough alcohol in its system to support the adjusted levels of neurotransmitters. Cravings can be uncomfortable and can increase the temptation to drink.
Below is a list of strategies on how to curb alcohol cravings. These tips can help you reduce cravings, lessen withdrawal symptoms, and prevent relapse in the future.
If you find yourself craving alcoholic beverages, it’s critical that you seek help from a treatment center as soon as possible. Learning how to stop your drinking problem to make a positive change can be difficult, especially if cravings and other withdrawal symptoms are present, however it is not impossible. Having a drink can feel like it will solve your problems and alleviate anxiety without jeopardizing your future, but for someone struggling with alcoholism, one drink can spiral into a full relapse.
Below are a number of strategies to help curb cravings for alcohol.
If you have a friend that needs help with alcohol addiction, get them help as soon as possible. If you are the one who has an alcohol dependence, please know that you are not alone and sobriety is achievable. Call our Florida drug rehab center to discuss the next steps in recovery.
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Whether you’re researching for yourself or a loved one, Beach House can help. We understand that this is a serious time in your life and that the treatment center you choose matters. We want you to feel comfortable and empowered to make the right decision for yourself, a friend, or a family member. This is why a counselor is waiting and available to answer your questions and help put your mind at ease regarding the next steps. Many of the staff at Beach House have walked in your shoes. If you feel you’re ready or want more information about how to help a loved one, we can help today. You can also learn why we are voted the #1 rehab for addiction treatment in Florida.
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