Experiencing cravings for alcohol is a normal part of the recovery process. Unfortunately, they come in many forms and can be entirely overwhelming at times. When a person begins to crave alcohol, it can happen as a desire to get rid of something that is bothering them. This could be a feeling of numbness or even simply feeling uncomfortable. At other times, a person may experience alcohol cravings as a result of slipping up on their self-care. For example, if they are not eating or sleeping right, it can result in the urge to drink alcohol.
At alcohol detox in Muscle Shoals, AL, those who struggle with alcohol addiction learn healthy ways to resist their cravings. Unfortunately, no matter how much a person learns while in rehab, there will come a time when it can be incredibly challenging to resist an urge to turn to alcohol. It is during these times that you need to know that there are safe alternative routes that you can take to continue on your path to sobriety.
Ways to Resist Cravings for Alcohol
The unfortunate truth is that there is no sure way to make sure that a person is able to resist alcohol cravings every time. Thankfully, there are a number of things that you can do to help reduce alcohol cravings and provide you with the ability to resist them.
Think About the Consequences
You remember what it was like to drink before you went to alcohol detox in Muscle Shoals, AL. The problems that it caused in your personal and professional life. Mood problems, health problems, and all of the negative consequences. Now look how far you have come. You have gone through rehab and have learned the consequences of your actions. You have not come this far to turn it all around now.
You owe it to yourself to continue on your path of sobriety after alcohol detox in Muscle Shoals, AL, and it is crucial for you to think about the consequences of turning back now. You are worth far more than that.
Distract Yourself With Healthy Alternatives
While in alcohol detox in Muscle Shoals, AL, and in rehabilitation, you learned several healthy habits that you could implement into your life in order to resist cravings. Now is the time to put those healthy coping skills to work. Engaging in a healthy activity can help you distract your mind, overcome your urges, and continue on your path to sobriety. Some of the things that you can do to help overcome these cravings include:
- Go exercise.
- Go for a walk or go hiking.
- Make time for the arts – play an instrument, paint a picture, cook, or even knit.
- Meditate.
- Go visit a friend or loved one.
- Call someone to help distract your mind.
- Write in your journal.
Reinforcing the use of healthy habits to resist temptation can take you far ahead after leaving alcohol detox in Muscle Shoals, AL.
Call a Loved One, Therapist, or Sponsor
You can always help to reach out to a friend or a loved one, or another supportive person when you are dealing with alcohol cravings after going through alcohol detox in Muscle Shoals, AL. if you are feeling isolated or lonely, it can even be helpful for you to go out and meet the person. Spending time with another person can help you deal with some of the struggles that you are currently experiencing. Your support person or sponsor will not criticize you. They will not judge too harshly. Instead, they will help you battle through the cravings together.
If you do not have somebody that you can personally reach out to when you are struggling with the cravings, it can help you to go to a safe environment. Go out to a park or even spend time at the mall just walking around. Observe your environment. In some cases, simply being in the presence of other people can help you overcome cravings and move forward.
Go to a Recovery Meeting
Attending an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting or even a 12-step program can provide you with a safe space to deal with your cravings. Meeting with others who are also struggling with addiction after alcohol detox in Muscle Shoals, AL is critically important when it comes to continuing on your path of sobriety.
Going to a recovery meeting can provide you with the ability to talk about how you are feeling. I can help you identify why you are feeling this way and what has led to you craving alcohol at this very moment. By learning what caused you to crave alcohol, you can better prepare for ways to cope with the problem again in the future.
Plan Ahead for Your Triggers
The unfortunate truth is that there will always be things to trigger you and make you feel like you need to consume alcohol. Identifying what your triggers are can provide you with the ability to avoid them. If you have the ability to avoid your triggers, avoid them.
The unfortunate truth is that the brain that is recovering from addiction continues to have a strong association between things, places, people, and you consuming alcohol. Try not to drive by bars that you used to go to frequently. Do not hang out with people who are going out to drink. Leave family functions early if you believe that people are going to turn to alcohol use. If you feel like it may be too difficult to resist alcohol, avoid going to the family event altogether.
Until you develop the ability to plan ahead for your triggers, it is important to understand that there may be medications that can help you with this. Seeking help from an alcohol detox in Muscle Shoals, AL can provide you with the knowledge and tools that you need to continue moving forward and resisting your cravings.
Let Our Alcohol Detox in Muscle Shoals, AL Help
Struggling to overcome an addiction to alcohol can be incredibly challenging. Learning healthy habits to resist the use of alcohol is critical when it comes to remaining sober after leaving alcohol detox in Muscle Shoals, AL.
Our team at Genesis Medical Detox is here to help guide you through your recovery and provide you with the help and resources that you need to live a happier and healthier, substance-free life. Reach out to our team at your earliest convenience for more information on how to get started.
