Here are some practical things you can try to help you cut back, you can also watch this video on ways to drink less. While there is a shift in how society treats and views alcohol, it’s big business for everyone–even those charged with policing its use. You can seriously pursue your goals and invest in the type of life that you want.
Talk to a medical pro, even (and especially!) if you’re nervous about being honest with them about alcohol.
That said, If you’ve been drinking excessively, then stopping drinking cold turkey can lead to withdrawal symptoms. If you’re living with alcohol use disorder, treatment at a medical rehabilitation facility is your best option. Through therapy, support groups and medication, you’ll be supported on your path to recovery. Laying it all out in https://ecosoberhouse.com/ black and white can take time and some serious self-examination. Understanding your habits and your motivations to quit drinking can help you understand the change you’re making in your life and reinforce why it’s important. Dr. Streem suggests starting with the World Health Organization’s Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT).
Develop and lean on a support system
But Dr. Streem knows that it can be hard to recognize signs of alcohol abuse in ourselves. Often, people with alcohol use disorder find that other people in their lives spot their addiction long before they do. A sober life doesn’t have to mean more time at home as you try to block out triggers. 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. One problem is that not all possible negative impacts of alcohol on a developing fetus have been examined.
What does drinking alcohol do to your body?
- “[The bottom line] is, protect the heart with [a] low amount of alcohol, but increase the risk of cardiovascular disease with high amount of alcohol,” Dasgupta said.
- But most people have a hard time discerning when they’ve gone beyond moderate drinking and should consider cutting back, according to Koob.
- Binge drinking entails having four or more drinks in two hours for women and five or more drinks for men.
- Severe symptoms may require benzodiazepines to prevent serious consequences of alcohol withdrawal.
- There may be many reasons why a person plans to stop drinking alcohol.
- Eating nutritious food, exercising, and getting enough sleep can help reduce some withdrawal symptoms, such as mood swings.
Excessive alcohol use often coincides with other mental health disorders. Many people in recovery discovered that mental health disorders, such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, ADHD, etc., and trauma helped to fuel their unhealthy relationship How to Stop Drinking with alcohol. Try hobbies and self-care activities that make you feel relaxed, proud of yourself, included, and mentally and physically healthy. It’s important to acknowledge that everything you try won’t be right for you.
- However, medical complications can occur during the acute phase of withdrawal.
- But if one week you do go over your limit, don’t stop trying – next week is a fresh start.
- Becoming more aware of your alcohol triggers and reasons for drinking can help you plan ways to help manage the urge to drink.
- Once this was no longer an option, I started to write instead.
All the same, it could be worth talking to a mental health professional — more on that below. But we know you can find a healthier, happier way to live with the right tools and support system. 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.
Methods To Stop Drinking
Potential solutions might include looking for low-cost treatment options, joining a support group, and talking to a mental health professional. If you are thinking about quitting drinking, talk to your healthcare provider. Medical supervision, behavioral health treatment, and mutual-aid groups can help you through alcohol withdrawal and stay stopped. For most people, alcohol withdrawal symptoms will begin to subside after 72 hours.