Alcohol misuse is a leading preventable cause of death in the United States. AUD is undertreated and marked by guilt, shame, and stigma, too often ending herbs to stop alcohol cravings in despair and suicide. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, 37% of alcohol abusers have at least one serious mental illness.
More physician education about kratom use needed
There are several medications available that can help reduce the urge to drink, including naltrexone, acamprosate, and disulfiram. These medications work by either reducing the pleasurable effects of alcohol or causing unpleasant side effects when alcohol is consumed. Frequent alcohol consumption can have a negative impact on brain health, leading to cognitive impairment and memory loss. To support brain health, it is important to maintain a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and get plenty of rest. Additionally, supplements like omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins can help support brain health. Excessive alcohol consumption can deplete the body of important vitamins, including vitamin B1, B6, B12, and folic acid.
Stress and anxiety
She incorporates cultural relevance and non-traditional interventions and strategies to strengthen her clients’ steps towards goals of behavioral, emotional, social and mental wellness. “Try doing a ‘dry’ month like Dry January, Go Dry for July or Sober October,” says Moore. In January 2020, more than 6 million people reportedly participated in Dry January, a campaign to reduce alcohol consumption organized by Alcohol Change UK. Follow-up research suggested that most tended to drink in healthier amounts afterward. The timeline of detoxification varies between individuals and depends on the duration and extent of their drinking behavior.
Manage Stress
- Certain antidepressants also show promise for helping reduce drinking when you live with depression.
- There have been some scientific studies conducted, but a majority involve animal models and show modest findings that rarely translate into conclusive human trials.
- This mineral is essential for numerous biochemical reactions, including glucose metabolism.
- The protein in poultry and fish helps in the production of dopamine, which can help improve your mood as you fight alcohol cravings.
Doscher has found that kratom addiction is easier to treat than an opioid addiction. “I’ve never had to treat someone with a kratom dependence with methadone,” she said. Klag said kratom use can even complicate the prescribing of medications for other substance use disorder.
Curb Alcohol Cravings: 3 Medications and 5 Natural Remedies
Understanding why these cravings occur can help you better manage them. Belinda Gordon-Battle is a licensed clinical therapist and life consultant based in Miami while providing therapeutic services across the globe. BGB, as her clients and colleagues call her, is an advocate of “removing the stigma” and normalizing the therapeutic process.
I’m In Recovery
Learn more about medications for alcohol cravings, and other ways to round out your support system in recovery. Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a compound that naturally occurs in the cannabis plant. More research is needed, but early studies suggest that CBD may help with pain management, anxiety, alcohol cravings, and even liver and brain damage linked to excessive drinking. Despite its presence in marijuana, CBD itself does not cause an individual to feel high. If you can find a pure or reliable source of CBD, it might be worth trying as a supplement for alcohol withdrawal.
Consult with a licensed mental health professional to further explore AUD. Many treatment protocols for AWS involve supportive care as the person withdraws to ease the discomfort of the symptoms. Long-term alcohol use can cause vitamin A levels to fall in the liver, the primary organ that breaks down alcohol and stores vitamin A. This occurs as both substances use similar pathways in the body to metabolize them.
Figure out how much you actually drink
It may also depend on any other physical and mental health issues an individual has. Individuals with alcohol use disorder may experience deficiencies in vitamins such as vitamin B. A doctor may recommend taking supplements to help them through the detoxification process. Some common ingredients to look for include milk thistle, dandelion root, and ginger root. These ingredients are known to support liver function and aid in detoxification.
The Third FDA-Approved Medication
Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only. Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. If you turn to alcohol to ease anxiety, try exercise as a healthy alternative. However, people who misuse alcohol may eat less food and commonly have deficiencies in zinc, magnesium, selenium, protein, and certain vitamins.
- Participating in a mutual-help group like Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) or another 12-step program can offer even more support.
- Discover the power of substance use prevention programs for a safer future.
- Milk thistle is an herb related to daisies and ragweed that is sometimes used to treat liver damage, including alcoholic liver disease.
- Nutrition is a crucial factor in improving insulin sensitivity and metabolic health.