Often, people with alcohol use disorder how to quit drinking find that other people in their lives spot their addiction long before they do. Within just a month of not drinking, your body can begin to reap the benefits. Your liver can start to heal, your risks of heart disease and cancer go down, and you may begin to sleep better. If you feel comfortable doing so, discuss your challenges with your primary healthcare professional.
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That can be a common reaction for someone drinking too much. Making the decision to stop drinking is the necessary first step towards sobriety, but creating a plan on how to do so is the second. Having a plan could mean slowly cutting back the number of drinks you have per week until you reach zero. It could also mean writing down your known triggers and having a plan of action for when they arise. It could be helpful to evaluate what has worked for you in the past when overcoming a difficult task and implementing the same strategy. Alcohol withdrawal can make you feel physically ill without alcohol and this can cause you to start drinking.
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You likely have a drinking problem when your body depends on alcohol to function and your drinking is causing problems with your health, https://www.sotomoraleja.net/2022/07/05/curb-alcohol-cravings-3-medications-and-5-natural/ social life, family, or job. Recognizing that you have a drinking problem is the first step toward being alcohol-free. Alcohol use disorder is a chronic illness marked by alcohol consumption that interferes with physical or mental health, and social, family or job responsibilities. Over time this use can lead to liver, circulatory, and neurological problems. Pregnant women who drink alcohol in any amount may harm the fetus.
Quitting Alcohol Guide: How to Stop Drinking
Whether quitting for better health, emotional stability, or financial benefits, having a clear purpose helps you navigate obstacles and stay committed to an alcohol-free life. If you feel like your relationship with alcohol needs an overhaul, you’ve got plenty of company. Stopping drinking requires self-awareness, structured planning, and long-term commitment. Key steps include recognizing the need to quit, seeking medical guidance, setting realistic goals, and building a strong support system.
Benefits
Emotionally, you may feel some anxiety or sadness about ending a chapter of your life and nervousness about the future. You can become conditioned to reach for a drink when your environment offers up certain cues. You may also consider joining an online support group to help you feel less alone. It might also be worth checking out a 12-step program in your area, like Alcoholics Anonymous or SMART Recovery, to see if it feels like something that might be useful for you.
Prepare For Triggers And Cravings
- Or maybe you’re worried that they’ll judge you for wanting to quit.
- Some people also lose weight as they taper off their drinking.
- This fear gives you a healthy respect for the process and ensures that you take it seriously.
- It can be a particularly helpful way to help you get a clearer understanding of your drinking habits and your relationship with alcohol.
- While some people can stop drinking alcohol on their own, others need medical help to manage the physical process of withdrawal.
It can mean more time for your other interests, and even new interests. More time to meet new people, catch up with old friends and try new things. Crystal Raypole has previously worked as a writer and editor for GoodTherapy. Her fields of interest include Asian languages and literature, Japanese translation, cooking, natural sciences, sex positivity, and mental health. In particular, she’s committed to helping decrease stigma around mental health issues. Quitting alcohol alone is harder for some than others, but there’s no need to go it alone.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) modifies negative thought patterns related to drinking and equips individuals with coping strategies. Medications like Naltrexone, Acamprosate, and Disulfiram can assist in managing cravings and deterring alcohol use. Additionally, support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and SMART Recovery provide a community for shared recovery experiences. Establishing alcohol-free days is an effective method for moderating drinking habits. By designating specific days of the week as alcohol-free, individuals can assess their reliance on alcohol and encourage healthier routines.
Learn About Addiction
Measuring progress and staying motivated while quitting alcohol involves tracking milestones, setting clear goals, and rewarding achievements. Keeping a journal or sobriety app helps monitor changes in physical health, mood, and relationships, reinforcing positive habits. Self-reflection identifies triggers and highlights personal growth, making it easier to stay committed. Handling cravings to drink requires practical strategies, emotional support, and a strong commitment to change. Cravings can be triggered by stress, social settings, or habits, but developing healthy coping mechanisms can help resist urges.
Alcohol Withdrawal Complications
The marijuana addiction urge to drink will inevitably come—so make a plan for it. Remind yourself of why you want to cut back, talk to a friend about it and distract yourself with a hobby or exercise, the NIAAA suggests. If you turn to alcohol to ease anxiety, try exercise as a healthy alternative. Stopping alcohol will reduce the number of empty calories that you consume.
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms range from mild nausea, sweating, and insomnia to severe complications like hallucinations, seizures, and delirium tremens (DTs). Sudden alcohol cessation can cause dangerous physical and psychological effects, especially in heavy drinkers. Medical supervision ensures a safer withdrawal process by monitoring symptoms, prescribing medications, and providing emotional support. While some individuals attempt detoxification from alcohol at home, it is important to understand the potential risks and seek medical guidance when necessary. Doctors may recommend inpatient detox, therapy, or medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to manage discomfort and reduce health risks. Seeking professional help increases the chances of a successful, structured recovery.