We often hear the term ‘craving’. People usually say I am craving for pizza or craving for chocolate. So what exactly does craving mean? In simple terms, craving is a state of anticipation or an intense want or a need of a particular thing. It may be coffee, a sweet but sometimes it may even be other things such as alcohol and drugs which can seriously affect the mental and physical health of a person. Jagruti Rehab Centre is one of the leading rehabilitation centres which cater to such problems such as alcohol cravings and dependence.
There are various types of cravings which are further sub-divided into selective or non-selective. A person may typically want a particular type of sweet in a selective craving whereas in a non-selective craving, that person is fine with any type of chocolate.
Alcohol cravings
An alcohol craving is an intense desire to consume alcohol since it gives a person a ‘feel-good’ feeling. It also makes them feel happy and is often used as a way to de-stress. It gives pleasure but only temporarily. Alcohol cravings are a state of anticipation for an individual who is experiencing withdrawal symptoms after the cessation or stopping of alcohol consumption.
This is often experienced by someone who is trying to quit alcohol but is often triggered to have it especially when they are in the company of someone who is having it. There is no control on such a craving as it is a natural symptom of withdrawal and the individual cannot do much about it even if he wishes to.
Dealing with alcohol cravings
Such cravings can be difficult to deal with. They are usually a manifestation of the withdrawal symptoms. The cravings can give rise to diverse feelings. Some may feel anxiety or experience panic attacks or may even go into depression. Others may go into a state of excitement due to the anticipation. The origin of such cravings is the brain. All it takes is a trigger or stimulus to give rise to such cravings.
There is an increase in the level of dopamine through the reward system of the nervous system. They cause such responses which gives rise to such cravings. Timely medical intervention and counselling can help in achieving control over such cravings. One needs to seek treatment at the best alcohol rehabilitation centre in Mumbai in order to deal with such cravings for a better mental and physical health.
How to stop alcohol cravings?
If one is serious about getting rid of alcohol addiction and wants to get rid of alcohol cravings, it is best to seek timely medical treatment for the same. There are various treatment modalities available today which can help him or her achieve their goal of living a healthier life by quitting alcohol. Though the road to recovery is difficult, it is certainly not impossible.
It takes a lot of time, effort and patience to stop alcohol cravings but if one has a disciplined approach towards it and a real urge to get over it, then it can certainly be achieved. The brain’s association with wanting alcohol is extremely strong and stopping the urge to have alcohol is not as easy as it may sound. It takes tremendous effort coupled with the right counselling and therapy to make it work.
We live in a world where alcohol is easily available everywhere and is often a part of social gatherings and get- togethers. The presence and the sight of alcohol at such places can often give rise to an urge to have alcohol.
If someone is in the de-addiction phase, such a sight can cause an intense desire to have it. One can seek treatment for such cravings at Jagruti Rehab Centre which is the best alcohol rehabilitation centre in Malad for Redressal of such an addiction or dependence.
How to deal with alcohol cravings and urges?
- One must understand that such cravings are always followed by a trigger. It is therefore essential that such triggers need to be identified early on. This can be done through a proper medical history and examination.
- These triggers can be the sight of alcohol while someone around that person is having. It may even be a poster, television commercial or a social media post. It could also be a discussion about alcohol with friends at an outing.
- Once identified, one must try to avoid such triggers through positive distractions. They can be indulging in a hobby, going for a walk, working out, listening to music, meditation, yoga etc.
- The person can also reach out to someone close to them. It can be a family member or a friend. If that is not possible one can seek professional help as well.
- De-addiction helplines guide the individual on how to deal with such cravings.
- Avoid visiting places that serve alcohol.
- Meet friends and do activities not involving alcohol.
- The family and friends of such individuals need to provide a good emotional support to them.
There are also various medications for alcohol cravings which are listed below. They need to be taken under strict medical supervision.
- Disulfram
- Acamprosate
- Naltrexone
- Gabapentin
- Topiramate.
Alcohol cravings can be difficult to deal with. However, if you seek treatment for the same at Jagruti Rehab Centre along with a good support system of family and friends it can become easier to reduce and finally get rid of such cravings.