Last checked for clinical accuracy on 6 February 2025. This article is general information and is not a substitute for advice about your own situation.
Alcohol cravings are the urge to drink that develops when the mind and body become used to alcohol being present. They can be eased by managing triggers rather than fighting the urge alone: regular exercise, meditation, a balanced diet, journalling, distraction and support from people close to you all help. Therapy addresses the underlying causes, and medications such as naltrexone, acamprosate or disulfiram can be prescribed. In severe dependence, professional help is usually needed.
Before you go further, a safety note
If you are physically dependent on alcohol or on benzodiazepines such as diazepam or alprazolam, do not stop taking them suddenly. Sudden withdrawal from either can cause seizures and can be life threatening. A medically supervised withdrawal is the safe route, and your GP can arrange one.
In an emergency call 999 in the UK, or 112 anywhere in Europe. For urgent advice that is not an emergency, NHS 111 is available in England around the clock.
It's not uncommon for people to drink alcohol. The substance is perfectly legal, and it's easy to acquire it at shops, restaurants, and pubs. There are relatively few restrictions on its possession and consumption. The consumption of alcohol is also seen as perfectly normal. Most people don't think anything of heading down to the pub and having a few pints while they watch a football match with their mates. Drinking is seen as par for the course in many social contexts. But there are some people for whom alcohol use is less of a social activity and more like a crutch. Some people can lose control of how much alcohol they consume, and they seek treatment to help them get control back. However, they may still have a craving for alcohol despite professional treatment. These cravings, however, can be controlled. At Sierra Recovery, we want to help people overcome alcohol dependence and maintain their sobriety.
Understanding Alcohol Cravings
Alcohol cravings, to put simply, are the desire to drink alcohol. But why do these cravings occur? Because of dependence. When a person regularly drinks to excess, their mind and body become accustomed to the presence of alcohol. Because of this, they need alcohol to function properly, as being dependent on the drug has established a new baseline.
What Causes The Urge To Drink?
Several things can trigger alcohol consumption in many people. These can include:
External Triggers
External triggers are things such as a person's environment and the people they associate with. These can include stress from work, relationships, or life in general. External triggers can be easier to deal with than internal ones. Another external factor that can trigger cravings is the absence of alcohol. When people become dependent on alcohol, not being able to drink it can cause them to go into withdrawal, and one of the most noticeable symptoms of withdrawal is intense craving.
Internal Triggers
Internal triggers can be more difficult to deal with. These are the thoughts, memories, or traumatic events that can drive people to substance use. Managing these triggers will almost invariably require intensive treatment.
How Long Do Alcohol Cravings Last?
During alcohol withdrawal, intense cravings can last around 4 to 5 days. However, after that, cravings for alcohol can persist.
Can You Stop Alcohol Cravings Naturally?
There are a few ways that a person can manage their cravings without using medication. It is important to note, however, that in severe cases of addiction, it is very difficult to manage cravings without professional help. It is always best to consult with a health provider if you are struggling with alcohol addiction. Some of the ways to manage cravings include:
Food And Diet
Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet with leafy vegetables and lean protein can be beneficial for mental and physical health. Lean meats, fish, tofu, and legumes can help in the production of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which can help regulate mood. Quinoa, brown rice, and oats can help stabilise blood sugar. Blood sugar spikes and crashes are often associated with alcohol cravings. Berries, leafy greens, and colourful bell peppers can support brain function and temper any psychological imbalances that may contribute to the urge to drink excessive amounts of alcohol.
Supplements And Herbs
Some supplements can help a person reduce alcohol cravings by tempering some of the triggers that cause them. For example, B-complex vitamins can stabilise a person's mood. L-glutamine can help manage the symptoms of anxiety and depression, both of which are major triggers for alcohol consumption.
Meditation
Meditation and other mindfulness practices can help a person manage their cravings by grounding them in the present moment. When a person feels the urge to drink alcohol, being grounded in the present can allow them to feel this craving without acting on it. These practices can also help manage stress, which can often be a major trigger for alcohol abuse.
Exercise
Regular exercise can help a person manage stress and anxiety and reduce depressive symptoms, which can often trigger the urge to drink alcohol. Furthermore, exercise can help distract a person from their cravings.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medical practice wherein a skilled practitioner inserts thin needles into a person's body to help the flow of energy. It's believed that many ailments are caused by disruptions in this flow. It's believed that acupuncture can promote balance and harmony within the body.
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Other Ways To Manage Alcohol Cravings
There are also other ways that a person can manage their alcohol cravings. These include:
Distraction
As alluded to before, being distracted can help a person manage the urge to consume alcohol. While exercise can be a good method of distraction, engaging in a hobby that requires concentration can also help a person keep their mind off of alcohol.
Friends And Family Support
Social support can also be vital for maintaining sobriety. Having loved ones around can keep a person accountable for their actions, and they can help a person stop themselves from drinking by reminding them of their recovery and stopping them if they are on the brink of relapse.
Keep A Journal
Journalling can contribute to a person's recovery from alcohol. When a person writes down their thoughts and feelings, they may be able to identify the circumstances that trigger cravings. By identifying and addressing the circumstances that cause the compulsion to drink, a person can reduce cravings.
Therapy
Therapy can help a person manage their cravings by identifying the underlying causes of their substance use. Therapists can also help a patient develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Can Medication Help Curb Alcohol Cravings?
Some medications can be given to help a person manage their cravings. Naltrexone can help reduce the pleasurable effects that a person experiences from drinking alcohol. Acamprosate helps stabilise a person's brain chemistry and is used by people who have stopped drinking and want to prevent relapse. Disulfiram causes adverse effects when alcohol is consumed. This helps maintain sobriety by making alcohol consumption unpleasant.
When Quitting Alcohol Becomes A Struggle
Detox is the stage of treatment wherein a person purges their body of drugs and alcohol. In the case of alcoholism or alcohol use disorder, detox can be a struggle. In addition to the intense cravings for alcohol, a person may have symptoms such as anxiety, nausea, insomnia, and headaches. Severe cases of alcohol misuse can result in delirium tremens (DTs), which is a serious and potentially life-threatening form of alcohol withdrawal. Because of this, it may be necessary to be in a professional facility when detoxing from alcohol.
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Seek Help For Withdrawal Symptoms
There are ways to manage alcohol withdrawal symptoms. As mentioned before, detoxing in a professional facility may be necessary. Being inside a proper facility means having a treatment team nearby to address any serious withdrawal symptoms that may arise.
Treatment Options For Alcohol Addiction
There are some treatment options available for alcohol misuse. The most intensive treatment can often be found in residential treatment. With residential treatment, a person goes into a specialised facility where they can address their drinking and prevent relapse.
We Can Help You Stop Drinking Safely
Because of the legality of alcohol, it is easy to relapse. But just because it is prevalent, it doesn't mean it's inevitable. It is possible to stop drinking entirely. With the right treatment, a person can deal with cravings for alcohol and live a healthy, sober life. Contact us to learn more.
Last reviewed 2026-07-25. Next review 2027-07-25.
Questions people actually ask
How long do alcohol cravings last?
During alcohol withdrawal, intense cravings tend to last around four to five days. After that the intensity usually settles, but cravings can still come and go for a long time afterwards, often set off by stress, certain places or particular people. That is normal rather than a sign of failure, and it is why most people find ongoing support and therapy useful well beyond the first week.
What triggers the urge to drink?
Triggers fall into two broad groups. External triggers are things around you: your environment, the people you associate with, and stress from work, relationships or life in general. The absence of alcohol is itself a trigger for someone who has become dependent. Internal triggers are the thoughts, memories and traumatic events that drive substance use, and these usually need more intensive treatment to work through.
Can I manage alcohol cravings without medication?
Some people can. Regular exercise, meditation and mindfulness, a balanced diet with leafy vegetables and lean protein, journalling, distraction through an absorbing hobby, and support from friends and family all help reduce the urge to drink. Acupuncture is used by some people too. In severe addiction, though, cravings are very difficult to manage without professional help, so it is worth consulting a health provider.
Which medications are used to reduce alcohol cravings?
Three are commonly used. Naltrexone reduces the pleasurable effects a person gets from drinking. Acamprosate helps stabilise brain chemistry and is used by people who have already stopped and want to prevent relapse. Disulfiram causes adverse effects if alcohol is consumed, which supports abstinence by making drinking unpleasant. All are prescribed and monitored by a doctor, who will decide what suits your situation.
When do cravings mean I need professional help?
If cravings are strong enough that you cannot stop, or if stopping brings anxiety, nausea, insomnia and headaches, it is time to involve professionals. Severe alcohol misuse can lead to delirium tremens, a serious and potentially life threatening form of withdrawal, which is why detoxing in a professional facility with a treatment team nearby is often necessary. Speak to a doctor before you change your drinking.
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