People who are quitting alcohol can experience alcohol cravings for the addictive substance. It is common for alcoholics who are trying to get rid of their addiction to feel the urge of drinking again. Due to the addictive substances (physical aspects) and the habitual characteristic of drinking (psychological aspects) a person will automatically “think” of alcohol in one way nor another. And relapse will surely be on its way. Well, this is normal to all addictions, right? But if you don’t try to learn how to deal with cravings when quitting alcohol, you may find yourself back to the terrible habit.
Here are some techniques on how I dealt with my alcohol cravings when I quit alcohol. You may want to consider these activities to help you forget drinking and live a normal life.
Walking a mile or two – When I feel the urge, I immediately leave the house and walk. Walking is a great way to deal with alcohol cravings. If you are trying to quit drinking, you can walk down the road which will help you forget the “thoughts”. The idea is to make your thoughts redirected to other things. By walking a mile or two, you will allow yourself to see other things on the way, making you forget your habit in the process. Walking can also be a physical fitness activity that will help you stay fit and develop your tolerance with alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Jogging is also an option for those people who need or want some intense workout activity.
Listening to Music – It is a good idea to change the mood when you feel the desire to drink again. Listening to your favorite music can transform the atmosphere into a positive one. Your mood plays a big role in your behavior. Alcohol cravings can make you feel depressed and irritable, triggering your mind to find comfort. And the thought that alcohol is a comforting thing, it can trigger you to get back into the habit. By listening to your preferred type of music, you can encourage your mood to think of other things. You can also combine jogging and listening to music if you like.
Talking to Others – When dealing with alcohol cravings, it is always a good idea to feel that someone is beside you and is willing to lend a hand. You can try talking with others about good things and your plans. People whom you trust can help in diverting your attention to new thoughts. It can also provide comforts and encouragement to pursue your plans in the future. It is a kind of motivation that will inspire you to continue fighting your alcohol addiction.
Doing Physical Activities – Sports like basketball or tennis are valuable activities not only on the physical side but also on the psychological part. Physical activities play a big role in getting rid of negative feelings. The urge to drink is a type of negative emotion due to the fact that your mind tells you that you have to do something but is not allowed to do so. Thus, making you feel depressed and desperate. Activities that involve team work can make you feel you belong to a group. In addition, you will feel the satisfaction which can help you to deal with your cravings when quitting alcohol.
Reading Books – A good way to prevent the urge to drink again is to read books. Fiction books can provide us entertainment and joyful activity that we need in order to enjoy our free time. Non-fiction books can provide us the knowledge we need in our everyday living. Both categories will widen our horizon and broaden our minds in all aspects of life. Just settle down on a comfortable place and start feeding your hungry mind.
There are other things that you can do in order to deal with the desire to drink. It is not easy to overcome cravings but if you put your mind to it, you can easily divert your feelings and your thoughts into other useful and productive activities besides drinking. It is recommended to do the things you enjoy and find alternative things that can help you to lessen or stop the cravings for alcohol.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Share your Thoughts!