Dr. Streem says that if your goal is to stop drinking altogether, you’re more likely to have success quitting all at once, rather than weaning off alcohol. But that advice changes if you’re living with alcohol use disorder. Whether you’re sober curious, know for sure you’re ready to quit, or fall somewhere in between, Dr. Streem shares advice for how to stop drinking.
- Clinical evidence suggests that the most common causes of relapse during this stage are neglecting self-care or not attending self-help groups.
- Alcohol withdrawal is the delirium and other symptoms that occur when a heavy drinker tries to quit alcohol.
- Counseling can be simple or intensive depending on the severity of your drinking problems.
- For serious alcohol use disorder, you may need a stay at a residential treatment facility.
- Setting clear objectives achieves such outcomes, furnishing individuals with a structured framework to focus their efforts and sustain progress throughout their recovery journey.
Alcohol support services
And consider joining a support group such as Alcoholics Anonymous. A person may require intravenous (IV) rehydration fluids to correct any electrolyte imbalances. Some people may also need supplements such as folate, multivitamin, thiamine, and dextrose. However, deep reflection may help uncover where internal triggers arise. These triggers may come from a fleeting thought, an emotion, or a physical sensation, such as a headache or nervousness.
Find new meaning in life
Group counseling also enables individuals to learn from others’ perspectives and receive feedback, which encourages self-awareness and motivates change. The 2022 Membership Survey by Alcoholics Anonymous found that 53% of respondents were referred to A.A. By a counselor or healthcare professional, including those in the medical and mental health fields. Asking for help is an important step in overcoming alcohol addiction. Reaching out to friends, family, support groups, or healthcare professionals provides the guidance and encouragement needed to maintain sobriety. This step involves recognizing that addiction is a challenging condition that benefits from external support, whether through emotional encouragement, professional treatment, or peer interactions.
Recognize the signs of alcohol use disorder
Some people may think the only way to deal with it is with willpower, as if it’s a problem they have to work through all on their own. https://ecosoberhouse.com/ If you drink to ease the pain of loneliness, then make a conscious effort to connect with others. Alcoholics Anonymous cautions its members not to get too hungry, angry, lonely or tired—all of which can make you more vulnerable to the urge to drink. Find activities that are mentally and emotionally nourishing and bring you joy, and identify ways to connect socially with friends, says Witkiewitz. “Try doing a ‘dry’ month like Dry January, Go Dry for July or Sober October,” says Moore.
Help for Alcoholics: Where to Find Sobriety Resources
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.
Drugs & Supplements
Get more of SELF’s helpful mental health tips delivered right to your inbox—for free. Department of Agriculture, the dietary guidelines provide recommendations on what the average American should eat and drink to promote health and help prevent chronic disease. Ensure that the setting is free from distractions and conducive to a serious conversation. During the intervention, each participant should express their feelings how to overcome alcoholism and concerns, highlighting how the loved one’s alcohol use has affected them personally. Offer specific examples and remain calm and supportive throughout the discussion. Identifying your ‘triggers’ (situations or places where you’re tempted to drink) is important.
- Some people may feel so “broken” that they almost feel they can no longer experience joy and confidence, or have healthy relationships again.
- To avoid a relapse at this stage, your mental health is vital.
- People with the disease of alcoholism require formal treatment.
- That said, If you’ve been drinking excessively, then stopping drinking cold turkey can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
- Like any big change, there might be times where it doesn’t feel easy, so it’s important to reward yourself with something as you make progress.
- If want to know how to overcome alcoholism, it’s best to seek professional help at an alcohol treatment facility due to the difficulty in quitting alcohol while dealing with the effects of alcohol withdrawal.
Most people don’t experience any physical symptoms from stopping drinking. But if you are a heavy drinker or alcohol dependent, going ‘cold turkey’ (suddenly drinking no alcohol at all, if you are used to drinking heavily) can cause serious alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Since alcohol is relatively easy to get, legal to consume for those 21 and older, and is somewhat socially acceptable, it is one of the most widely-used intoxicating substances. Belinda Gordon-Battle is a licensed clinical therapist and life consultant based in Miami while providing therapeutic Drug rehabilitation services across the globe.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism suggests that having a plan can help solidify your goals and give you a roadmap for how to achieve them. Noting down successes and patterns can help individuals reduce their drinking by using methods that help most and avoiding others that are not effective. Replacing alcohol with healthy activities that do not encourage drinking can be a healthy alternative.
- People can also use a drinking diary to examine their reasons for abstaining on certain days and the effectiveness of their strategies to avoid drinking.
- In the early stages, it’s a good idea to avoid situations where you may be tempted to drink.
- However, people living with AUD may need to wean off alcohol slowly.
- “Try sober Mondays or sober Mondays through Wednesdays,” he says.
Instead, I’ve fallen back on awkward half-truths or accepting the damn glass of wine (and begrudgingly sipping). If you’re simply looking to speak to someone on the phone or chat online for more advice on your own or someone else’s drinking, get in touch with Drinkchat or Drinkline. Similarly, try to identify the times when you would usually drink and fill the gap with something else. Would you usually head to the pub after work on a Friday evening? Frequently reminding yourself and the people close to you why you want to stop drinking can help keep you on track, and may even encourage someone else to give up or cut down with you.
Coping with alcohol withdrawal symptoms safely
Most people with alcohol problems do not decide to make a big change out of the blue or transform their drinking habits overnight. Even after admitting you have a drinking problem, you may make excuses and drag your feet. It’s important to acknowledge your ambivalence about stopping drinking. If you’re not sure if you’re ready to change or you’re struggling with the decision, it can help to think about the costs and benefits of each choice. If you’re living with alcohol use disorder, treatment at a medical rehabilitation facility is your best option.
