An alcohol craving can be a challenging sensation to manage, but you can do it with the support of a healthy lifestyle that includes nutritious foods. Be aware that craving alcohol can be one sign of alcoholism, a deadly disease characterized by an addiction to alcohol. Talk to your doctor if you crave alcohol regularly.
Alcohol and Meals
Eating a well-balanced meal can lessen your craving for alcohol. If consumed by itself or in mixed beverages, alcohol is absorbed more quickly into your bloodstream, heightening its effects and potentially leading to additional cravings. To deter cravings, do not drink alcohol without food to accompany it. Alcohol can also stimulate appetite; if you drink one alcoholic beverage with appetizers and would like that to suffice, follow it with a complete meal and your craving may pass. Remember that if you are an alcoholic, drinking any alcohol at all is dangerous to your health.
Alcohol and Vitamin Absorption
Chronic alcohol use decreases your appetite and prevents your body from absorbing many nutrients. People who use alcohol habitually may be deficient in vitamin A, the vitamin B complex -- especially vitamin B1, also known as thiamine -- as well as vitamin C, selenium, magnesium and zinc. Supplements that include the amino acids carnitine, glutamine and glutathione may be helpful in managing your cravings. Consult with your doctor before changing your diet or adding any type of supplements to your regimen.
What to Eat During a Craving
No research exists advocating specific foods for dampening or eliminating alcohol cravings, but the research on alcohol consumption and managing cravings suggests that eating any healthy snack can support your goal of not drinking. In the morning, make a hearty bowl of oatmeal with nuts, dried fruits and a drizzle of honey for a filling, comforting start to the day that gives you energy to get moving without causing a spike in your blood sugar. In the early evening, eat a small plate of vitamin-rich appetizers, such as a mix of raw vegetables with bean dip, instead of making a cocktail. Late at night, a bowl of popcorn tossed with grated parmesan cheese and olive oil is an indulgence you won't regret in the morning.
Other Methods of Coping
The best way to manage alcohol cravings is to take an inventory of your lifestyle and modify it to support your goal. Get plenty of sleep. Exercise to stay in good physical condition, relieve stress and support your emotional well-being. Learn meditation to help you manage a preoccupation with thoughts about alcohol. Practice "urge surfing" by identifying that you are having a craving; telling a trusted confidant; distracting yourself with a task such as cleaning, running an errand or taking a walk; remembering the positive reasons you decided not to drink instead of what is attracting you to drinking; and riding out the feeling until it passes.
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