How to Fight Alcohol Cravings

Alcoholism is a serious condition that ruins lives and breaks up families. Having the ability to efficiently cope and fight off cravings to consume alcohol can mean the difference between relapse and recovery. Following a few guidelines will help most people combat their need for alcohol and stay sober.

Instructions

• 1

  Call a designated counselor, friend or family member when you are feeling the urge to drink. Find someone whom you trust, someone who can help you avoid rationalizations when you are facing temptation. Simply talking about it is often the best way to cope with an alcohol craving.

• 2

  Write down a list of activities that you can do once you are fighting a craving, and engage in one of those activities. This could be something like taking a walk, exercising or playing video games. Anything that can break your impulse and manifest your energy into something positive will work.

• 3

  Envision the hangover the next day or the money you will waste on alcohol. Thinking about all of the negative consequences that alcohol will bring about can help you avoid temptation.

• 4

  Put your time into new hobbies. If you have been consuming large quantities of alcohol for an extended period of time, you will probably have a lot of unfilled time in your life after you stop drinking. It is important that you fill that time with positive activities, so find something that interests you and pursue it. Play a new sport, starting a collection or do other outdoor activities.

• 5

  Avoid people and places that tempt you to drink. This can be difficult sometimes, but is essential in moving forward and escaping the vicious cycle of alcoholism.