Alcohol withdrawal is one of the biggest challenges people face when they stop drinking alcohol. If you’re addicted to alcohol, the first days of quitting can be difficult. Always think about thebenefits of quitting alcohol and how they will improve your life. It may also help to think about the negativesthat alcohol causes. With a realistic strategy, support and faith, you can quit drinking and beginalcohol recovery. The app store on your cellphone has several sobriety apps that can inspire you to quit drinking and stay sober.
Know Your Triggers
By letting other people into our hearts and heads, they can call us out when we’re weak and help us remember what we’re doing this for. That can be a lifesaver when you’re on the brink of relapse. I used to have these very serious, heart-to-heart conversations with myself about quitting. But those feelings lived inside my head and the pages of my journal. I like lists, so I’ve distilled this process down into fifteen (mostly in order) steps to get you started. These are all abbreviated versions of larger concepts and strategies, but I’ve linked as extensively as possible to additional resources to help you dive deeper.
Be cool about withdrawal symptoms
The answer can vary from person to person, but in general, motivation to stop drinking comes from the desire to be in a better place physically or emotionally. People who are physically dependent on alcohol should gradually reduce, or taper, their alcohol intake.Dependence is different from addiction. People who are dependent but not addicted to alcohol may not require rehab.
Choosing Drug Rehab and Addiction Treatment
- Now, go back into your notebook and calendar and update the quantities to reflect units of alcohol.
- I got tired of not being respected by friends and loved ones.
- Recovering from alcohol addiction or abuse is much easier when you have people you can lean on for encouragement, comfort, and guidance.
This establishes a foundation for healthier drinking patterns and serves as a guiding structure to avoid overindulgence. There are many different options and resources that can help you learn how to quit drinking. Just remember that there is no single approach that works for everyone. If you https://ecosoberhouse.com/ try one method and it doesn’t work, don’t lose hope.
You should also try not to spend long periods alone, especially in the beginning, as this can make you feel intense cravings. Maybe you’re not addicted to alcohol, but you find out that you can’t stop whenever you start drinking with friends. Perhaps you only crave alcohol whenever you’re tips to quit drinking stressed or are facing a difficult situation.
- Quitting alcohol allows your body to be better able to fight these diseases.
- If mild symptoms do not progress, the person will likely stabilize and recover.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) helps manage emotions and stress.
- Engaging in hobbies and social activities that don’t involve alcohol can help fill time previously spent drinking and build a supportive environment.
- That said, there are now several medications that can help reduce your cravings and make weaning off alcohol easier.
Surrounding yourself with understanding and supportive individuals strengthens commitment and makes long-term sobriety more achievable. Clear communication alcohol rehab fosters encouragement and accountability. Avoiding common triggers is essential for maintaining sobriety.
- You can find like-minded and sympathetic people through support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or SMART recovery.
- Millions of readers rely on HelpGuide.org for free, evidence-based resources to understand and navigate mental health challenges.
- If you think you might have alcohol use disorder (AUD) and decide to stop drinking completely, don’t go it alone.
- The desire to quit usually happens when drawbacks such as hangovers, relationship problems, mood problems, and work issues begin to outweigh the rewards.
- It takes a professional to diagnose alcohol use disorder definitively.
Perceived social support can play an important part in alcohol use recovery. This is very much connected to getting your support system in place. When you’re start your sobriety journey, it’s important to tell your closest friends and family what you’re doing. She is the author of This Naked Mind and has a few paid programs available to people who want to change their relationship with alcohol and quit drinking for good.
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