Quitting Alcohol: How to Quit Alcohol & Stop Drinking

For some people who are particularly vulnerable, it can happen within months. Many people go back and forth through the stages of change several times before the change really lasts. That said, it’s also important for your well-being and personal health is to set clear boundaries. This can be a tough balance to strike, but it is possible.

• You can find out if you’re addicted to alcohol by taking an
  alcoholism assessment quiz.
• The experience has taught him just how dangerous even one sip or puff can be.
• The first step toward recovery is to acknowledge that there is an alcohol dependency problem.
• Of course, not all people have the same pattern of alcohol use.

Treatment providers can connect you with programs that provide the tools to help you get and stay sober. Less than half of individuals relapse after achieving one year of sobriety. That number reduces to less than 15% who relapse after five years of sobriety. For the greatest chance of long-term sobriety after completing an inpatient or outpatient program, you should participate in local support groups and continue with counseling. It will not only make a huge difference in your life, but also the lives of those around you such as family members and friends.

Strategies You Can Use In Overcoming Alcoholism

However, it is virtually impossible to escape depictions of alcohol in popular entertainment. Everywhere the recovering alcohol looks, he is reminded of his drug of choice. You’re likely to start by seeing your primary health care provider. If your provider suspects that you have a problem with alcohol, you may be referred to a mental health provider.

Depending on the person, this issue may cause a lot of frustration and instability. And regardless, you’re likely to be worried about their well-being. But overall, be cautious about giving up alcohol cold turkey, and consider tapering off if possible. Get access to medical counseling, prescription medications, licenced recovery coaches, and more—all from your smartphone. Sunnyside provides a simple but structured approach to help you drink more mindfully.

Types of Professionals Involved in Care

You might run into obstacles along the way that tempt you to drink. Keep in mind the reasons you chose to cut back on or quit alcohol. Consider writing them down and keeping notes on hand so you have a physical reminder to look at when you need it to help motivate you to stay the course. It’s common to have a difficult time when making big changes, but good self-care practices can help you manage overwhelming feelings and take care of your mind and body. Turner notes the importance of bringing along a trusted support person when attending events that involve alcohol. It’s often easier to turn down a drink when you don’t have to do it alone.

Binge drinking – defined as the consumption of a large quantity of alcohol in a single session – can significantly increase risk of developing an addiction to alcohol. 90% of the alcohol consumption of underage drinker happens during incidents of binge drinking. Almost everyone who struggles to quit drinking requires some form of peer support. As with any goal, quitting alcohol is
easier if you have friends and family members supporting you. They can encourage you to stay sober and help you find
other healthy ways to have fun.

Examples of alcohol treatment programs

People who are dependent but not addicted to alcohol may not require rehab. You can decide how much help you need to quit drinking based on the results https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/10-best-alcohol-addiction-recovery-books/ of the quiz. Understanding the available treatment options—from behavioral therapies and medications to mutual-support groups—is the first step.

Over the years, he’s learned to take a holistic approach to repair his life and important relationships. “I needed a complete staff of physicians, counselors, therapists, plus an exercise regimen and a strong plan to get through the difficult days,” he shared. “I never could have envisioned what a lifetime of sobriety would look and feel like, until I got there.” Here are some recovery quotes to keep you motivated on the path ahead. There’s no one right way to go about quitting drinking — it’s all about figuring out what works for you and your lifestyle.

Alcohol Addiction Signs and Symptoms

If you tend to drink too much whenever there is any alcohol in the house, get rid of it altogether,  the NIAAA recommends. Food can absorb the alcohol in beverages, so eating before or even while you drink can dampen the effect and may make you want to drink less, says Crews. Get cost-effective, quality addiction care that truly works. All approved medications are non-addictive and can be used alone or in combination with other forms of treatment. Once negative thoughts are found, replacement is necessary.

Relapse triggers are defined as circumstances, conditions, or even people that tempt or encourage you back to your previous drinking habits. These triggers can be very subtle or personal that generally get ignored. However, understanding and managing them during the early stage can be beneficial to your mental health and physical health. To avoid triggers and temptations at home during or after your detox process, make sure to clean out your living space of all alcoholic drinks. If you live in an environment that encourages alcohol consumption, this may no longer be a healthy option for you. Sharing your living space may mean that your home may have drinks around.

It is easy to relapse to your old drinking ways if you give in to cravings and triggers. Avoid activities and places that make you crave for alcohol. You will have how to overcome alcoholism to lose some of your friends too if they interfere with your recovery. Eat the right food, exercise (insert external), and get enough sleep to live a happy life.

Becoming more aware of your alcohol triggers and reasons for drinking can help you plan ways to help manage the urge to drink. To stop drinking beer, or any alcoholic drink, you first need to understand your relationship with drinking. From there, you may need social support, consistent self-care, and new routines that can help redirect your mind. Once you’ve cut back on your drinking (so you’re at or below the recommended guidelines), examine your drinking habits regularly to see if you’re maintaining this level of drinking. Some people attain their goal only to find that old habits crop up again later.

Support Groups

Drink a cup of soothing tea or a tall glass of water before you imbibe—once your thirst is quenched, you may not feel the need for as much—or any—alcohol. Instead of aiming for complete abstinence, for instance, aim to drink fewer than seven days a week. “Try sober Mondays or sober Mondays through Wednesdays,” he says. If you identify with any of the scenarios above, try the expert tips below for reducing your alcohol consumption (or even eliminating it altogether).

Keeping a journal is also another wonderful way to keep boredom away, as well as to pen down your thoughts, feelings, and anxiety while you work through alcohol recovery. It can also help you explore the situations that tempt you into drinking so that you are better prepared to deal with them in the future. There is a common misconception that relapse prevention skills should only be used when someone has a desire to use alcohol. But in reality, it’s a skill that must be implemented in the day-to-day life of all recovering patients. With less alcohol in your life, you’re likely to have clearer skin, better sleep, and you may see a boost in your overall mood.