Why You May Still Crave Alcohol Long Term, and Why No Cravings Doesn’t Mean You’re “Cured” (E291)
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We tend to think of cravings as the enemy in sobriety. If you still want to drink, it must mean you’re doing something wrong. And on the other side, if the cravings go away, it’s tempting to think you’re finally “cured.” Cravings are not a sign of weakness, and the absence of cravings doesn’t mean you’re going to be a special occasion drinker. They’re both just snapshots of what’s happening in your brain at a particular moment in time, not the whole story.
In this episode, we’re going to look at why alcohol cravings can stick around for months or even years after you quit, what’s actually happening in your brain when you don’t feel a craving, and why both states carry their own risks. We’ll dig into long-term vulnerability, even when you feel “over it,” and how you can use that knowledge to stay steady in your recovery.
What to listen to next:
E241: 6 Theories of Alcohol Cravings
E283: Alcohol Shortens Your Perception of Time (Instant Gratification)
E284: Reward Substitution: Healthy vs. Harmful Replacements for Alcohol
E278: Intrusive Thoughts About Drinking When You’re Already Sober & 3 Ways to Deal
E270: Cravings Increase After Quitting Drinking and Peak Around 60 Days Sober and 6 Months Sober
E266: Can You Drink Again After a Break?
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• Sober milestones: what to expect when you quit drinking
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Cite:
Gillian Tietz. Why You May Still Crave Alcohol Long Term, and Why No Cravings Doesn’t Mean You’re “Cured” (E291). Sober Powered. 2025
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