Choosing to quit alcohol is courageous. But, when it comes to alcohol detox, doing it naturally and safely involves choosing the right therapies and elements to help the body heal. Sticking to a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water, and focusing on the psychological symptoms is vital to recovering from alcohol detox.
How to Stop Alcohol Cravings Naturally
Recovering from alcohol use disorder can be challenging. It usually involves steady support and different remedies. First of all, it’s not a good idea to rely only on natural remedies for alcoholism, especially if other substances are involved. Still, there are ways to stop alcohol cravings naturally.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is used in traditional Chinese medicine to help reduce the cravings for alcohol and withdrawal symptoms. It’s also helpful for anxiety and depression. Researchers note that placing acupuncture needles into zones linked to alcohol-related behaviors can help curb cravings. However, the effect was weak, so combining other evidence-based therapies is essential.
Meditation
Part of the struggles people experience during alcohol detox is withdrawal symptoms. Anxiety, agitation, and stress are common during alcohol detox. Meditation and mindfulness can lower anxiety symptoms and even help prevent relapse. While results may vary per individual, meditation paired with therapeutic interventions can be highly successful in treating alcohol detox.
Herbal Remedies
Some herbal remedies, such as kudzu extract, can help people avoid binge drinking or relapse. Kudzu raises blood alcohol levels faster, making people feel intoxicated sooner. While studies show mixed results, it’s known that kudzu at least can help reduce the number of drinks someone takes. Other herbal remedies include ashwagandha, which can help with alcohol withdrawal and relieve anxiety. It’s important to note that more scientific studies are needed to confirm that these remedies help lower alcohol cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Tips for Natural Alcohol Detox at Home
People with mild to moderate alcohol use disorder may detox at home. This is possible as long as withdrawal symptoms remain mild. But, those with severe to acute addiction must seek professional assistance. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms include hallucinations, convulsions, seizures, and delirium tremens that can be life-threatening. If you choose to detox from alcohol at home, consider the following recommendations.
Plan Ahead
First of all, plan your alcohol detox process. It takes between 6 to 72 hours to detox from alcohol. However, in some cases, withdrawal symptoms can last for weeks. Before detoxing at home, ensure you have eliminated any traces of alcohol or drugs in the house. Reach out to your support team and let them know you’re planning a detox.
Follow a Healthy Diet
People with an alcohol use disorder often have vitamin and mineral deficiencies. It’s essential to plan to eat a healthy diet throughout your detox. The “alcohol detox diet” includes:
- Fruits and Vegetables: Raspberries, apples, cucumber, tomatoes, pears, and bananas. Fruits and veggies can help curb sugar cravings and prevent nausea and vomiting.
- Whole Grains: Brown rice, quinoa, oatmeal, and barley. Whole grains are rich in fiber which can help prevent mood swings and intense cravings. They also help provide ongoing energy.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Vitamins A, D, and E, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and omega 3 fatty acids. Foods high in vitamins and minerals include milk, beef, chicken, lean fish, broccoli, and leafy greens.
Have a Strong Support System
One of the most natural ways to detox from alcohol is having a strong support system. Surround yourself with friends and family members that care about your future and are willing to help you stay motivated throughout this process. Pair this help with peer support meetings for recovering alcoholics, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), to continue your recovery journey.
Get Rid of Unhealthy Foods
It’s also vital to cut foods that can make withdrawal symptoms worse. Get rid of sweets, treats, caffeine, greasy foods, fast food, and sodas. These foods don’t have valuable nutritional value and can make you feel depressed or sluggish, affecting your detox journey.
Finding Help for Alcohol Detox
Detoxing from alcohol is never easy. If you or someone you know is thinking about quitting alcohol, please seek professional help. Depending on the severity of your addiction, alcohol detox can produce life-threatening symptoms that can be dangerous. Find a local rehab center that provides detox services to go through this process with medical and therapeutic support to long-lasting alcohol addiction recovery.
Sources:
https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/7823278
https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2013.4546
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