There are different ways to manage brain fog, depending on its cause. The following approaches can also be used, with or without medication. Moreover, maintaining a balanced diet high in protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats can help regulate blood sugar levels. Fluctuations in blood sugar can trigger cravings of many kinds, so keeping your blood sugar steady may help reduce the desire for alcohol.

herbs to curb alcohol cravings

Herbs can treat this disorder and diminish alcohol cravings, making it easier to stop drinking alcohol. Unfortunately, magnesium deficiency is common in those who struggle with alcohol. For this reason, people who drink heavily may benefit from magnesium supplements. https://ecosoberhouse.com/ In addition, magnesium may help treat depression, fatigue and stomach upset, which are common symptoms of alcohol withdrawal. Magnesium may also aid in resetting some of the overly active glutamate-based brain pathways that cause alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Herbal Approaches to Alcohol Dependence: Evidence and Risks

Josh Lee is a clinician and researcher with a focus on medication-assisted treatment of alcohol and opioid use disorders. He has conducted multiple clinical trials examining the use of naltrexone in primary care and other community settings. As a practicing physician, Josh helps manage the NYC Health herbs to curb alcohol cravings + Hospitals/Bellevue addiction medicine clinic in adult primary care. Naltrexone is a medication that belongs to a group of drugs known as opioid antagonists. It binds to and blocks opioid receptors in the brain, which reduces the buzz and intoxicated feeling you get from drinking alcohol.

  • Selenium deficiency is common in those who struggle with alcohol, especially if they have liver disease.
  • It has long been a part of traditional Chinese medicine and helps reduce cravings and ease many of the symptoms of withdrawal.
  • One study suggests that just a single dose of kudzu is effective for curbing alcohol consumption.
  • This condition, which may contribute to alcoholism, is generally called candidiasis.
  • James Lake, M.D., a clinical assistant professor at the University of Arizona College of Medicine, works to transform mental health care through the evidence-based uses of alternative therapies.
  • Maybe you experience your strongest cravings when you feel anxious or stressed or find yourself facing conflict with someone you care about.
  • People who have become alcohol-dependent often experience cravings when trying to stop drinking, making it harder to quit.

Individuals can then focus on the more complicated aspects of cravings, such as learning about how to fight alcohol cravings, using distraction techniques, understanding triggers, etc. Individuals can also benefit from a combination of medication and behavioral interventions to address their cravings. Drinking was recorded using a custom built end table that contained a digital scale beneath a ceramic tile insert in the tabletop (Ohaus model #B10P with I5S controller). Participants were instructed to always keep the beer glass on the table except when taking a sip.

Herbal Remedies to Reduce Cravings for Alcohol

Generally, the more alcohol you drink on a regular basis, the longer it takes for cravings to subside. It’s important to note that you may or may not be aware of these external triggers as reasons for your alcohol cravings. These cravings can be frustrating if you’re trying to cut down on alcohol, drink less or stop drinking completely, but they are quite normal. Before starting any new supplement, you should first discuss doing so with your doctor.

herbs to curb alcohol cravings

Below, we’ll explore why cravings happen and offer a few tips to manage them, from in-the-moment techniques to long-term coping strategies. But in spite of your goals and no matter how committed you are to changing your habits around drinking, avoiding alcohol might prove a little more difficult than you expected. As simple as taking long walks having conversations with friends, indulging in sports, reading a book, and generally getting yourself involved in mental activities that disallow you to go into that state of mind that depends on alcohol. Light therapy, or phototherapy, is the process of exposing yourself to a lot of light during the daytime. Alcohol withdrawal often causes insomnia and other sleeping problems.