Alcohol diary and cravings
Craving is a commonly experienced phenomenon. The ordinary craving, understood in the colloquial sense as "food hunger," has a characteristic feature: it often does not indicate an actual need for food, but merely a psychologically felt compulsion. It is similar with alcohol cravings. An addicted person is also haunted by intrusive thoughts about the necessity of consuming alcohol. This can even be accompanied by physical symptoms of cravings related to chemical compounds found in alcoholic beverages that affect the dopaminergic system. This is a dangerous state that often leads to breaking abstinence.Symptoms of alcohol cravings
Symptoms of alcohol cravings attack the addicted person suddenly and represent a very strong stimulus. They are often difficult to recognize, for example, in the mind of the addicted person there appears a longing to meet certain acquaintances, unconsciously associated with alcohol consumption. In the first phase of fighting alcoholism, one should memorize the possible symptoms of cravings – both psychological and somatic, in order to effectively combat them in a later phase. The most commonly encountered include:- heart palpitations
- nausea
- trembling hands
- obsessive thoughts
- lowered mood.
How does the alcohol diary help the addicted person?
This is one of the most commonly recommended tools by doctors dealing with alcoholism treatment. The alcohol diary involves monitoring the well-being of a person addicted to alcohol. It exists in the form of a table in which the alcoholic marks the experienced symptoms of alcohol cravings. Thanks to it, one can clearly identify the PERSISTENT trait and approach its analysis and elimination in a simple way. The table describes the behavior of an alcoholic during cravings. Daily completion of the table helps recognize individual symptoms of alcohol cravings and thereby facilitate their combat. It is an excellent tool for self-reflection, so necessary for a person emerging from addiction. The diary is a support in emerging from alcohol disease, as well as a tool for monitoring progress that comes with each day of sobriety.How to fill out the alcohol craving diary doc or pdf
It is recommended to print out the ready-made diary template to always have it at hand. The alcohol craving diary contains 21 points defining the feelings accompanying alcohol cravings. After reviewing its content, one should devote a moment to self-reflection and ask the question "do I experience the indicated symptoms?", and then mark the appropriate rows with plus or minus. Filling out the diary should be accompanied by other ways of coping with alcohol cravings, which are the basis of therapy. The addicted person should avoid places and company associated with alcohol consumption, seek help from a therapist, learn relaxation techniques, and take care of the proper functioning of the body, for example, in the form of detoxifying IV drips.:::cta Need help fighting addiction? Our specialists are ready to help you. Call or schedule an online appointment. Call: 880 808 880 | Schedule appointment :::
