How to Quit Drinking, for Now or Forever

Some people are able to stop drinking on their own or with the help of a 12-step program or other support group (see below for links). Others need medical supervision in order to withdraw from alcohol safely and comfortably. Which option is best for you depends on how much you’ve been drinking, how long you’ve had a problem, the stability of your living situation, and other health issues you may have. Write your drinking goal down and keep it where you will frequently see it, such as on your phone or taped to your refrigerator. Tell trusted family and friends about your plan to quit or cut back on alcohol.

The experience of withdrawing from alcohol can be uncomfortable and difficult. Some people may relapse, or drink alcohol again, to relieve the symptoms. Eating nutritious food, exercising, and getting enough sleep can help reduce some withdrawal https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/abuse-in-older-adults-a-growing-threat/ symptoms, such as mood swings. If don’t have much of an appetite, you may want to take a multivitamin or drink a beverage high in electrolytes, such as a sports drink. If you take prescription medication, continue to take it as directed.

Consider your approach

Mutual-support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), can also offer ways to connect with people who are dealing with similar challenges. There’s a strong link between heavy drinking and depression, and hangovers often make you feel anxious and low. If you already feel anxious or sad, drinking can make this worse, so cutting down may put you in a better mood generally.

• Professionals and specialists can assess your situation and recommend workable treatment options for your situation.
• You’ll get a 100% custom plan, then daily texts to track your progress and help you stay on target.
• This could involve relocating your weekly hangouts to places other than bars or replacing drinking games with other activities.
• Maybe you’re worried that people will judge you for struggling with drinking.
• Only about 2% of drinkers in this group has alcohol use disorder.
• You may find it helpful to look for mutual support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous and other groups, where you can connect with people who share experiences similar to yours.

Although it can help some people fall asleep quickly, it can disrupt your sleep patterns and stop you sleeping deeply. So cutting down on alcohol should help you feel more rested when you wake up. Before you start drinking, set a limit on how much you’re going to drink.

What does drinking alcohol do to your body?

Replacing alcohol with healthy activities that do not encourage drinking can be a healthy alternative. Self-affirmation is a powerful strategy to help motivate people to change their habits and behaviors. Self-affirmation exercises, such as recognizing self-worth, can allow an individual to focus on their important values. According to researchers, self-affirmation can help a person stay on track even in a threatening environment.

Good friends should respect your decision without giving you any pushback. This page will help you understand about the best method to help you to stop drinking – as well as our world famous top tips to quit drinking. Express your concerns in a caring way and encourage your friend or family member to get help. Try to remain neutral and don’t argue, lecture, accuse, or threaten. Build a sober social network – If your previous social life revolved around alcohol, you may need to make some new connections.