6 Theories of Alcohol Cravings (E241)

Listen here. The episode will automatically load in your preferred podcast listening app.

Understanding why you crave alcohol can be a powerful tool in your sober journey, helping you reduce the frequency and intensity of these cravings. There are many theories about why alcohol cravings occur, and in this episode, I’ll explore the six most scientifically supported reasons. By gaining insight into the different factors that contribute to alcohol cravings, you can strengthen your sober lifestyle and learn effective strategies to manage and reduce your own cravings.

What to listen to next:

E216: 4 types of impulsivity

E203: why you want alcohol even when you hate it

E204: can anyone get addicted to alcohol?

E224: alcohol makes your brain stop working

E201: your dysregulated stress response

E235: dopamine and loss of control

Resources I offer:

Listen here. The episode will automatically load in your preferred podcast listening app.

Weekly Sober Tips
Enter your email to begin receiving weekly sober tips and info from me!
What are you interested in hearing about?
Thank you for subscribing!

Cite:

Gillian Tietz. 6 Theories of Alcohol Cravings (E241). Sober Powered. 2024

Please respect my intellectual property and properly credit me if you share my work.

Sources

  1. Van Lier, H. et al. Identifying viable theoretical frameworks with essential parameters for real-time and real world alcohol craving research: a systematic review of craving models. Addiction Research & Theory. 2018 

  2. Martinotti, G. et al. Craving Typology Questionnaire (CTQ): A scale for alcohol craving in normal controls and alcoholics. Comprehensive Psychology. 2013.

  3. Robinson, M. et al. The Incentive Sensitization Theory of Addiction. Oxford. 2022.

  4. Koob GF, Le Moal M. Review. Neurobiological mechanisms for opponent motivational processes in addiction. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. 2008

Gillian Tietz

Gillian Tietz is the host of the Sober Powered podcast and recently left her career as a biochemist to create Sober Powered Media, LLC. When she quit drinking in 2019, she dedicated herself to learning about alcohol's influence on the brain and how it can cause addiction. Today, she educates and empowers others to assess their relationship with alcohol. Gill is the owner of the Sober Powered Media Podcast Network, which is the first network of top sober podcasts.

https://www.instagram.com/sober.powered
Previous
Previous

The Science of Making Good Habits in Long Term Sobriety (E242)

Next
Next

Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS) After Quitting Drinking: 8 Tips to Cope (E240)