Cravings may occur because a person expects to feel relief from drinking. Finding new hobbies or activities to do can be a great way to keep your mind off of drinking. When you’re trying to quit drinking naturally, it’s important to find healthy ways to occupy your time and distract yourself from cravings. Milk thistle is a flowering herb that’s commonly used to support liver health. When you quit drinking, your liver has to work hard to detoxify your body and repair any damage caused by alcohol.
- Research studies have also proved that ginseng can reduce the rate of alcohol absorption in your stomach.
- “Try doing a ‘dry’ month like Dry January, Go Dry for July or Sober October,” says Moore.
- Erythritol is often used in keto diet products and others seeking to limit calories and carbohydrates.
- It may also depend on any other physical and mental health issues an individual has.
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James Lake, M.D., a clinical assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, works to transform mental health care through the evidence-based uses of alternative therapies. For those who appreciate meaty dishes, beef, and chicken breast provide a great source of glutamine. But that’s not all – beef boasts high amounts of this essential amino acid. If you’re not consuming enough protein-rich foods—where glutamine is most abundant—you risk depleting your body’s stores. Regularly include sources such as beef, chicken, fish, dairy products, and certain vegetables like beans and spinach for optimal glutamine levels.
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While you should always consult with a medical professional before using a new supplement, if you’re medically cleared, supplements and vitamins can help reduce alcohol cravings. Researchers recommend taking a complete multivitamin and mineral supplement when in recovery from alcohol herbs to stop alcohol cravings misuse. If you’re trying to stop drinking or recovering from alcohol addiction, cravings can make it difficult to avoid relapse. While you should seek medical treatment if you’re experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms, there are remedies to manage your alcohol cravings at home.
Understand your triggers
While reducing cravings for alcohol, goldenseal can also desensitize your mouth with its bitter taste. At the same time, this herb can kill off the bacteria in your intestines that contribute to your alcohol cravings. Although small amounts of alcohol may not have a big impact on your nutritional health, many chronic, heavy drinkers struggle with significant nutrient deficiencies. Good nutrition in recovery can also boost your mental health—an important factor in maintaining your sobriety. Milk thistle is an herb related to daisies and ragweed that is sometimes used to treat liver damage, including alcoholic liver disease.
Herbal Remedies to Reduce Cravings for Alcohol
Overall, we recommend NoMoreDrinks Alcohol Cravings Reducer by Erectogen to anyone looking for an anti-alcohol supplement to support their journey towards a healthier lifestyle. However, it’s important to remember that this supplement is not a cure for alcoholism, and results may vary from person to person. Overall, we believe the Life Extension Anti-Alcohol Complex supplement is a great choice for anyone looking to support their liver health and reduce the negative effects of alcohol.
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That research linked increased erythritol blood levels to a higher risk of problems with the heart and blood vessels in a group of 4,000 people. Erythritol is often used in keto diet products and others seeking to limit calories and carbohydrates. It is considered a sugar alcohol that can be produced by fermenting corn. Intermittent fasting is an approach to eating that cycles between periods of eating and fasting (not eating). There are many different ways to do it, but some evidence suggests that it may help improve insulin resistance and be a useful nondrug treatment option for type 2 diabetes.
This drug does not target cravings but assists in alcohol recovery by causing a severe adverse reaction when someone taking the medication consumes alcohol. That said, If you’ve been drinking excessively, then stopping drinking cold turkey can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Within just a month of not drinking, your body can begin to reap the benefits. Your liver can start to heal, your risks of heart disease and cancer go down, and you may begin to sleep better. Exploring, in writing, what you find difficult and when you most want to drink can help you notice patterns that offer more insight into your alcohol use. Comparing the emotions that come up when you have a drink with the feelings you experience when abstaining also helps you recognize when drinking doesn’t fix the problems you’re trying to manage.
- Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a compound that naturally occurs in the cannabis plant.
- Magnesium (Mg) is another great and extremely affordable option for assisting with alcohol cravings, and you can practically get it anywhere.
- Sunnyside uses a psychology-based approach to help you drink more mindfully, no matter what your goal is.
- Of course it’s unexpected, uncomfortable and even confusing when we crave a drink or drug after years without.
- One study found that individuals who practiced mindfulness meditation were less likely to relapse after completing an alcohol treatment program.
- At our publication, we spent extensive time researching and testing various anti-alcohol supplements to identify the best options on the market.
Here are 5 Herbal Remedies That You Can Use to Reduce Cravings for Alcohol:
“Kratom has also been shown to have significant interactions with psychiatric medications, such as Seroquel,” she added. In the research commentary, the authors wrote that up to one-third of kratom users experience an adverse side effect. In Tennessee, the ban on kratom extends only to synthetic versions of the drug, not to the plant itself. If you’re not sleeping well, try incorporating good sleep hygiene practices.
Reach out for support
Research studies have also proved that ginseng can reduce the rate of alcohol absorption in your stomach. Maybe you’ve never been interested in logging your innermost thoughts, but journaling can be a great tool to track your feelings as you work on quitting alcohol. Turner notes the importance of bringing along a trusted support person when attending events that involve alcohol.