It also covers the symptoms of withdrawal that you might experience and some of the effective treatment options that are available. Similarly, some alcoholics may be able to stop drinking with the help of Alcoholics Anonymous. Others need residential rehaband long-term aftercare support. Once you know how much of a role alcohol plays in your life, you can figure out how to quit drinking.
- “Try sober Mondays or sober Mondays through Wednesdays,” he says.
- People who are dependent but not addicted to alcohol may not require rehab.
- Practical steps can be taken towards recovery if you can remember, replace and re-engage.
- When you quit drinking alcohol, there isn’t any way around feeling like you’re missing something.
- Try taking a class, joining a church or a civic group, volunteering, or attending events in your community.
Talk to Your Doctor
Alcohol use can have a big effect on the people close to you, so couples or family therapy can help, too. Being able to see where you are in your recovery journey can help provide clarity as you consider the next step. Asking yourself questions can help you more accurately assess the circumstances.
What happens to your body when you stop drinking?
One way to combat that feeling, Dr. Koob says, is to check in with yourself after a few months of sobriety to take stock of the benefits you’re reaping. The same study found that a break from drinking had lingering positive effects on people’s habits around alcohol. “For psychologists, many of them are addiction-informed, and in their advertisements or on how to overcome alcoholism their websites they will mention that specifically,” Dr. Lembke said. To get started, try searching a directory like Psychology Today or Inclusive Therapists, both of which have filters you can use to look for specific support around substance use. It’s hard to quit drinking when you only see yourself as a person who normally drinks but is taking a break.
Asking for Support
Learning how to stop drinking can be one of the most difficult, transformative, and rewarding challenges a person ever goes through. While you may face setbacks—and it can take a few tries before getting there completely—it’s important to remind yourself that recovery is possible. Social support from family and friends can help you work through cravings, manage your emotions, and gain a sense of connection and belonging. In addition, research suggests that social support may be linked to better sleep, higher self-esteem, and lower levels of anxiety and depression in recovery. The Recovery Village offers personalized treatment and therapy to meet your unique needs and overcome alcoholism. It can be difficult staying motivated to overcome alcoholism, yet change is possible.
Online Learning Courses
Addiction leads to changes in the brain that make quitting more difficult. Fortunately, addiction is treatable and there are things that you can do to improve your success in overcoming your addiction. People who have a substance use disorder often find that overcoming it is more challenging than they expected. They may feel that addiction is a myth and they can quit any time they want or that they are an exception to the rule. This can also occur with behavioral addictions involving activities such as eating, sex, gambling, shopping, and exercise. If you’re used to drinking less than 20 beers per day, HAMS recommends reducing your alcohol consumption by two beers per day until you achieve sobriety.
If you tend to drink too much whenever there is any alcohol in the house, get rid of it altogether, the NIAAA recommends. Food can absorb the alcohol in beverages, so eating before or even while you drink can dampen the effect and may make you want to drink less, says Crews. You might reach for alcohol when you’re really just thirsty, says Crews. Drink a cup of soothing tea or a tall glass of water before you imbibe—once your thirst is quenched, you may not feel the need for as much—or any—alcohol.
Find Support
Why Overcoming Addiction Is So Difficult
- I use writing as my personal therapy when something is troubling me and I need to think.
- Acknowledging your fears gives you the best chance of making a change.
- It seems the researchers have a great idea; now they just need to get the word out.
- Express your concerns in a caring way and encourage your friend or family member to get help.
See yourself as a person who doesn’t drink
