Alcohol Cravings

Alcohol cravings can be physical or psychological. Physical alcohol cravings occur when the alcohol dependent person has built up a tolerance for alcohol over time. As alcohol starts to be processed by the liver and to some extent excreted in the urine, the cravings signal the body that it is running out of "fuel" and needs a refill. Alcohol cravings like other physical cravings (such as those experienced when you are fasting) are taken as a symbol that its time to give the body what it needs.

This "craving confusion" is quite natural. For those who are fasting, the body craves food as a signal that they too are low on fuel. Some pregnant women crave all sorts of specific nutrients as a signal that this is what their bodies are lacking and they need to give their bodies what it needs.

On the flip side, though, are food allergies. The body craves the foods to which it is allergic. Food allergy cravings can parallel alcohol cravings, and in fact, this is just what some researchers belief is happening. They believe alcohol to be yet another food allergy where the body craves something to which it is allergic. This can seem quite counterintuitive to many, as the body craves what should not be put into it.

The second kind of alcohol craving is a psychological craving for alcohol. Once again, those who have fasted will know well that at the very beginning there are many emotional issues that can come up regarding the fast that is very different from the physical food cravings. When doing a food fast, journaling is one thing that can help with the emotional issues. For psychological alcohol cravings, journaling can be beneficial as well. What is even more beneficial though is psychotherapy from a qualified therapist in order to help make sense of the meanings behind the psychological cravings.

Many times the psychological alcohol cravings mean that unresolved grief, fear and belief systems need to be dealt with in a safe environment. Compulsive beliefs can lead to compulsive drinking so uncovering the underlying emotional issues surrounding drinking is a must.

Physical and psychological alcohol cravings can be a powerful motivation compelling some to drink. Even though the cravings may not be controlled, they can be dissipated and they don't have to be acted upon. When the person in an alcohol recovery program can learn to tolerate the cravings and not act upon them, they are in a good position to start taking control back for their lives.