According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, about 20% of people who suffer with social anxiety disorders also suffer from alcohol dependence or abuse. While you can recover and quit your problematic drinking, your brain’s functioning will always be hardwired as an alcoholic. The key to a successful life in recovery is learning how to effectively manage the two conflicting sides of your brain- the recovered brain and the alcoholic brain. In order to do this, you will need to learn more about what triggers your cravings and how best to curb those alcohol cravings and urges that can arise from time to time. Angelica Atropurpurea or Angelica is an extremely effective herbal remedy for alcoholism and curbing cravings in recovering alcoholics or those who wish to quit liquor. During the phase of alcohol withdrawal, the person experiences a urge to drink again.

herbs to curb alcohol cravings

We have expert addiction specialists standing by ready to speak confidentially with you. Understanding the three distinct components of your habit loop can help you come up with more specific strategies to overcome cravings when they pop up. Of course, addressing your triggers at the source can also go a long way toward helping you make lasting changes. Other helpful distractions might include meditation, calling a sober buddy, or taking a shower, Hank suggests.

How to Curb Alcohol Cravings: Medical and Natural Remedies

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. Absolute abstinence from alcohol is advised while on this medication. Jukić, Tomislav; Rojc, Bojan; Boben-Bardutzky, Darja; et al. “The use of a food supplementation with D[…] withdrawal symptoms.” Collegium Antropologicum, December 2011.

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This herbal remedy is very useful in limiting alcohol cravings and eliminating them altogether. The reason for this is that kava leaves and root contains antioxidants which refresh and soothe the mind. To curb this desire, you need to make yourself resist the influence of alcohol.

Medication to Help with Alcohol Cravings

Kudzu is an ancient Chinese herb that has a history of helping control alcohol withdrawals and cravings. The effect comes from the roots of the plant https://ecosoberhouse.com/ which can be eaten, or used to make an herbal tea. One study suggests that just a single dose of kudzu is effective for curbing alcohol consumption.

St. John’s Wort has been found effective in cutting down on people’s urges to drink. During an alcohol rehab program, you will learn methods for emotional regulation and relapse prevention. These methods are often focused on your ability to self-identify your feelings https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/how-to-naturally-reduce-alcohol-cravings/ at the moment and learn how to effectively process the emotions that will keep you on the right track towards sobriety. During these moments, it is important to recognize the behaviors you are exhibiting and if they are conducive to your recovery goals.

Dr. Weil on Healthy Aging for Addiction

You can take this herbal remedy regularly to ward off alcohol cravings and ensure that you do not suffer any ill effects during the stage of alcohol withdrawal. EAT A BALANCED DIET
There is indisputable evidence that alcohol cravings can be curtailed with the right diet and nutrients. Acamprosate is prescribed to people after they’ve quit drinking alcohol to help them maintain abstinence. The drug helps ease alcohol withdrawal symptoms like insomnia, anxiety, and depression. It has long been used as a traditional remedy for a variety of illnesses, including liver damage.

  • However, because it supports the immune system and alcohol suppresses it, some people may take supplements with selenium for its immune-boosting properties.
  • If you are an alcoholic, quitting is a serious undertaking, and professional assistance is advisable.
  • This is because it destroys bacteria in the intestine which cause the alcohol cravings.
  • Most commonly used to treat depression, St. John’s wort may also help curb the urge to drink.
  • Focusing on your physical well-being through proper diet and exercise will not only maintain your physical health but will support healthy emotional health too.

That said, little information is available about its use during alcohol withdrawal. Naturopathic physician Maura Henninger notes in an article on Huffington Post that B vitamins are essential in breaking addictions to both alcohol and drugs. According to Henninger, thaimine — vitamin B-1 — is particularly important to supplement, as it helps reduce fatigue and brain fog. A 2007 paper published in “Prescrire International” noted that thiamine deficiency is frequent in alcoholics and can lead to serious complications. Therefore, high doses of thiamine can be supplemented to compensate for poor absorption. Niacin (vitamin B-3) and pantothenic acid (vitamin B-5) can also help the body detox from alcohol, Henninger says.