Do you find yourself craving alcohol at the same time every day, even when you’ve promised yourself you won’t drink?
Perhaps it’s a glass of wine after work, a beer while watching television or the familiar urge to open a bottle as soon as you get home.
For some people, alcohol cravings are occasional. For others, they can feel overwhelming, making it difficult to cut down or stop drinking altogether.
If you’re wondering how to stop alcohol cravings, the good news is that there are practical strategies, professional support and prescription medications that may help.
Why Do We Crave Alcohol?
Alcohol cravings are influenced by several factors, including the brain’s reward system, drinking habits, emotions and physical dependence.
When you drink alcohol, it affects brain chemicals involved in pleasure, relaxation and reinforcement.
Over time, your brain may begin associating particular situations with drinking.
Common triggers include:
- Finishing work.
- Cooking dinner.
- Feeling stressed or anxious.
- Socialising with friends.
- Watching television.
- Feeling bored or lonely.
This helps explain why you might crave alcohol even when you don’t particularly want to drink.
Alcohol cravings aren’t simply a lack of willpower. They can reflect learned habits and changes associated with repeated alcohol use.
How to Stop Alcohol Cravings Naturally
There are several strategies that may help reduce the urge to drink.
1. Identify Your Drinking Triggers
Notice when cravings occur and what you’re doing at the time.
If you always want wine at 6pm, consider changing your usual evening routine.
2. Delay the First Drink
Cravings often rise and fall.
Try postponing your decision to drink while you do something else, such as taking a walk, preparing food or calling someone.
3. Avoid Keeping Alcohol at Home
If having an open bottle makes it difficult to stop, reducing access to alcohol may help interrupt automatic drinking.
4. Eat Regularly and Stay Hydrated
Hunger, tiredness and dehydration can make it harder to manage uncomfortable feelings.
Regular meals, hydration and adequate sleep can support your overall wellbeing.
5. Seek Professional Support
Behavioural therapies and alcohol support services can help you understand cravings and develop effective coping strategies.
However, some people benefit from medication alongside these approaches.
Is There Medication to Stop Alcohol Cravings?
Yes. Several prescription medicines are used in the UK to support alcohol dependence treatment.
They work differently and may be suitable for different treatment goals.
Naltrexone
Naltrexone is a prescription medication that can help reduce alcohol’s rewarding effects and support treatment for alcohol dependence.
It works by blocking opioid receptors involved in alcohol-related reinforcement.
Some people find that alcohol becomes less appealing or that they experience fewer urges to continue drinking.
Naltrexone can be used within treatment plans aimed at maintaining abstinence. Other prescribing approaches may be considered by a clinician depending on the individual’s circumstances.
The usual maintenance dose for alcohol dependence is 50mg daily, although treatment may begin at 25mg to assess tolerability.
Some people report improvements at lower doses, but the appropriate dose must be determined by a prescribing clinician.
Nalmefene (Selincro)
Nalmefene is another prescription medication that acts on the brain’s opioid system.
It is licensed to help certain adults with alcohol dependence reduce their alcohol consumption.
It is generally taken when there is a risk of drinking, according to the prescriber’s instructions, and alongside psychosocial support.
Acamprosate
Acamprosate is used to help people who have already stopped drinking maintain abstinence.
It may help reduce the urge to return to alcohol as part of an ongoing treatment programme.
No medication guarantees that cravings will disappear completely, but treatment can make them more manageable for some people.
How Long Do Alcohol Cravings Last?
An individual craving may pass within minutes, although its duration varies.
During the first days or weeks after reducing or stopping alcohol, cravings may occur more frequently.
For some people, occasional urges continue for months, particularly when familiar drinking triggers arise.
This doesn’t mean treatment has failed. Learning how to respond to cravings is part of recovery.
Can You Stop Drinking Completely?
Yes. Many people successfully become alcohol-free, while others initially aim to reduce their consumption.
The right approach depends on your drinking history, physical dependence, health and personal goals.
Important: If you drink heavily every day or experience shaking, sweating, nausea or anxiety when you don’t drink, seek medical advice before stopping suddenly. Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous, and medicines such as naltrexone do not prevent serious withdrawal complications.
Get Support With Alcohol Cravings
At The Drink Less Method, we understand how frustrating it can be to want to change your drinking habits while continuing to experience cravings.
Our confidential, clinician-led assessment process helps determine what support and treatment options may be appropriate for your circumstances.
Whether your goal is to drink less or become completely alcohol-free, you don’t have to rely on willpower alone.
Ready to take control of your drinking? Explore The Drink Less Method and start your confidential assessment.
This article provides general information and does not replace individual medical advice. Prescription treatment is subject to clinical assessment.