When living with an alcohol use disorder, cravings can be one of the largest roadblocks to a lifetime of recovery. But you can learn how to overcome alcohol cravings, especially when you reach out for professional assistance. Call NorthStar Clinical Services at 888.373.8052 today to learn about our alcohol rehab in North Carolina. We help people living with alcohol use disorders reduce cravings and achieve lasting recovery. 

Understanding Alcohol Cravings 

Alcohol cravings are one of the key diagnostic criteria of an alcohol use disorder. These cravings are unwanted and invasive, and they aren’t a choice for someone with an alcohol use disorder. 

While the phenomenon of craving has been universally recognized by addiction experts, the exact nature of these cravings is less well understood. They are partly an effect of alcohol withdrawal—the symptoms that occur when a person with an alcohol use disorder suddenly stops drinking. Yet they often persist long after the physical symptoms of withdrawal have subsided. 

Whatever the root cause of cravings may be, learning how to curb alcohol cravings is a crucial part of a long and healthy recovery.  

How to Stop Alcohol Cravings 

There are many methods for how to stop alcohol cravings, from rigorously studied therapeutic techniques to folk wisdom that has been passed down between people in recovery for decades. 

Ultimately, the best strategy for how to curb alcohol cravings comes down to what works for you, and you should try several methods if your cravings are impacting your life. 

Urge Surfing 

Urge surfing is a technique that has been used in relapse prevention strategies for decades. At its core, it is a mindfulness technique that you can use at any time. It is based on a few fundamental principles: 

• Cravings don’t last forever – They typically resolve themselves within 30 minutes or so if you don’t feed into them 
• Suppressing a craving makes them worse – Don’t try to fight cravings when they appear 
• You can’t think your way out of a craving – Simply experience it while it happens and wait it out 

The metaphor of urge surfing conceptualizes cravings as waves. They come sporadically, and you can either let them crash down on you or learn to ride them. 

To practice urge surfing, simply notice cravings without acting on them. Don’t try to suppress the craving, fight against it, or ignore it. Simply notice it as it’s happening and wait for it to subside. 

Talk Therapy 

Therapy is another great way to overcome cravings. In therapy styles like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), clients can learn effective strategies to identify problematic thoughts or behaviors and develop strategies for dealing with them. 

Working closely with a trained therapist to overcome cravings can provide you with several tools and strategies to help you deal with cravings as they arise. Your therapist can also act as a source of support who can help you when your cravings feel overwhelming. 

Prolonged Abstinence 

Ultimately, the best way to overcome cravings is to achieve a long period of sobriety. Cravings are typically strongest and most frequent during early recovery but begin to subside the longer you’re able to stay sober. Of course, staying sober is easier said than done when experiencing cravings, but professional alcohol treatment can help. 

Call NorthStar to Start Alcohol Addiction Treatment 

The alcohol treatment program at NorthStar equips clients with tools and treatment to help them overcome alcohol cravings. We provide partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, and outpatient programs for those who have alcohol addiction. Reach out online or call 888.373.8052 to learn more about our alcohol rehab in North Carolina. Start your journey to a healthier, happier life today. Remember, with the proper support and strategies, you can overcome cravings and achieve lasting recovery from alcohol addiction.