How To Stop Craving Alcohol?

1: Distraction – the goal of these methods is to move a person’s attention away from negative internal thoughts or uncomfortable feelings.concentrate on your surroundings and describe them to yourself in detail, this can be quite ‘grounding’ when you feel like you’re losing it. Talk to someone, anyone. A trusted friend, relative, your counsellor or even a total stranger if need be. It can help you get away from that loop running in your head. Change the scenery – go for a walk, a drive, a bike ride, just get away from wherever you are right now. Cleaning or other household chores can be perfectly distracting if you’re craving, and you might feel some sense of achievement too. Video games can require enough concentration and challenge to take your mind off it, and of course, you can play them alone.

2: Coping Flashcards – when you’re in the grip of a strong craving, it’s hard to think rationally and remember all the things you’re supposed to. So writing yourself some instructions on a small index card can be useful. For ex: this craving will pass if I just give it time. I’m not helpless here, what action can I take? What are the pros and cons right now?

3: Imagery: command your craving to STOP (see a big stop sign), then refocus on a relaxing location of your choice – a favourite peaceful spot. If you start remembering good times when you were drinking, then replace that image with the bad times. If it’s negative, depressing images that are giving you cravings, then imagine an optimistic view of your near future, with friends or family, having fun without a drink (or any other positive image).

4: Rationalize your thoughts: whenever you feel a craving, ask yourself “what thoughts are going through my head right now”. Many of the thoughts you are having will themselves be responsible for your craving. It becomes a matter of responding to those thoughts in a more rational way.

5: Hobbies: Find out your hobbies and indulge yourself in those activities that you like to do.

6: Relaxation: Do deep breathing exercises and meditation or yoga which will help in relaxing and in peace of mind.

Get rid of all the alcohol and those beer bottles from your house first. Replace them with fresh fruit juices energy drinks if you want. Out of sight-Out of mind. Trust me it works!!