Skip to main content
Pocketful of Tips
Back to all tips
From the research

Line up a friend on standby before a tempting event

Shared by Pocketful editors

Published 2 October 2026

Arrange for a trusted friend to be available by phone during a risky event, or bring them along. Talking it through with someone is one way to handle an urge you can't avoid.

Source

Title
How to Stop Alcohol Cravings (opens in a new tab)
Published in
NIAAA Rethinking Drinking (NIH)

If you're struggling right now, you don't have to handle it alone. In Canada or the US, call or text 988 any time. If you're in immediate danger, call 911. In Canada, 211 can connect you with local mental health and addiction services.

Tips shared here are personal experiences, not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor before changing your care. Read the full disclaimer

More tips like this

  • Make the gluten-free food first

    In a mixed household, prepare the gluten-free sandwich, meal or baking before anything with gluten, then cover it. Counters and utensils stay crumb-free without doubling every t…

    Personal experience, not medical advice.

  • Keep your own labelled butter and jam jars

    Keep your own labelled spreads so a knife that's touched regular bread never goes in them. Squeeze bottles for condiments work too, since nobody dips a knife in.

    Personal experience, not medical advice.

  • Never reuse pasta water for gluten-free pasta

    In a hospital study of common kitchen shortcuts, gluten-free pasta cooked in water that had already boiled wheat pasta tested over the 20 ppm gluten-free limit every time. Alway…

    Personal experience, not medical advice.