NIAAA’s website is full of practical research and science-based methods to help you stop drinking. The NIAAA tells you the mathematical difference between drinking in moderation, binge drinking, and heavy alcohol use. The irony of this approach is that I often tried to drink away this fear to socialize more easily, and I arrogantly (and wrongly) believed that I was in control. This didn’t motivate me to quit, but I was afraid of how bad things could get if I drank too much. Once this was no longer an option, I started to write instead. I use writing as my personal therapy when something is troubling me and I need to think.
Find new meaning in life
- For 3 to 4 weeks, write down every time you have a drink and how much you drink.
- To help someone with AUD, a friend or relative can begin by reading about AUD and the reasons it might develop.
- Crystal Raypole has previously worked as a writer and editor for GoodTherapy.
- To stay better informed on addiction research and statistics, you can also explore resources like the CDC and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
Next, you’ll want to identify potential triggers in your environment and plan how to avoid them. Clearing all of the alcohol out of your house is a great first step. It can also be helpful to keep yourself away from situations where heavy drinking is the norm, such as bars, clubs, or parties.
Done With Alcohol? Here’s How To Stop Drinking
All I can do is tell you that the fear is natural, but you have to proceed anyway. I admitted that I was an alcoholic, that I was scared, and that I needed to make a change. If I couldn’t first accept this, then there was no chance I would ever fix it.
A different way to get sober
It is better to set a goal that you will actually achieve than to plan to quit “cold turkey” and end up relapsing, which can be more dangerous than simply continuing without any changes. Alcohol can stay in your system for several hours depending on how much you drink. Once it begins to leave your body, early symptoms of withdrawal begin. Expect to feel some discomfort, including anxiety, sweating or irritability. If you feel more severe symptoms, such as paranoia, increased pulse, or tremors sometimes called alcohol shakes, you should taper more slowly and consider seeking professional help. If you feel severe symptoms, such as hallucinations, rapid heartbeat or disorientation, call 911 immediately.
Treatment Options
There are also alternative options to AA if you are not looking for the traditional approach. Additionally, you can join social media groups, forums, or virtual support meetings if you can’t always make it to in-person ones. These online groups can be a great alternative for those who work odd hours, have mobility issues, or lack transportation.
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In some cases, a person might believe someone they care about does not have AUD but still has a drinking problem. In these instances, the steps in this section how to overcome alcoholism may still be useful. Staging an intervention involves a doctor or an intervention specialist approaching the person along with family and friends.
What happens to your body when you stop drinking?
- It doesn’t matter what you’re specifically afraid of, but you must acknowledge that you ARE afraid.
- A drinking relapse doesn’t mean you’re a failure or that you’ll never be able to reach your goal.
- Fear of cancer is a good reason why one might want to reduce their alcohol intake, but that’s only half of the story.
- This article discusses what you will need to do to overcome an addiction and offers tips that can help.
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. 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.
Are You Feeling Suicidal?
The term “enabling” is used to refer to any action used in support of the alcoholic’s behavior. The alcoholic must make their own choices and face the consequences of those choices without the help of those living with the alcoholic. Learning how to deal with an alcoholic is something no one is taught in school. Dealing with an alcoholic isn’t even something people think about until they find themselves caring about, or living with, an alcoholic. AUD is a serious condition where someone is unable to control their use and consumption of alcohol. AUD is different to binge and problem drinking as it is an addiction and is a formal diagnosis that experts base on a set of symptoms.
- Always think about thebenefits of quitting alcohol and how they will improve your life.
- Look for things that will help occupy your time and keep your mind off of drug cravings.
- Talk therapy is an important part of treatment for alcohol use disorder, but Dr. Streem says just about anyone who is making a life change, like quitting drinking, can benefit from therapy.
- 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.
- Finding an organization or community group where you can give back to other people is another valuable tool in recovery.
