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. A support group specifically focused on alcohol recovery can provide valuable encouragement and information that can aid you on your road to being free from alcohol. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) suggests that 40% to 60% of people with substance use disorders experience a relapse at some point. You’re likely to be in situations where you’ll be offered a drink. And practice what you might say as a follow-up explanation if someone ask.
You May Have Trouble Sleeping
If you’re considering a break from alcohol, it might also be helpful to think about why you drink. “Maybe it’s relief from your worries or connection with friends. If drinking is your go-to way to blow off steam after a busy week, schedule a booze-free, self-care activity for Friday afternoons, like indulging in a hobby you enjoy or a pampering session like a massage. “Alcohol is a monkey wrench in our homeostasis,” says Dr. Mosquera.
Learn About Treatment Options
Pre-existing mental health conditions can sometimes lead people to turn to alcohol to cope with their symptoms. In other cases, long-term alcohol exposure can increase a person’s risk of developing a psychiatric illness. When you stop drinking, various things happen to your mind and body. However, the nature and intensity of these effects can vary depending on how much and how frequently you drink.
Don’t keep alcohol in your house. Having no alcohol at home can help limit your drinking.
- Alcohol use can have a big effect on the people close to you, so couples or family therapy can help, too.
- Others may want one-on-one therapy for a longer time to deal with issues like anxiety or depression.
- It’s a 10-question screening test that gives you research-backed, personalized advice for quitting or reducing your intake of alcohol.
- One of the best things about giving up alcohol is that you may find yourself feeling happier overall.
- If it’s local haunts, take different routes to avoid those locations.
- From weight loss to better sleep, the long-term and short-term side effects can be noticeable.
Others are outpatient programs, where you live at home and go to the center for treatment. If a setback happens, get back on track as quickly as possible. Research shows that most people who drink heavily, even those with AUD, can cut back significantly or quit. In a large-scale study of alcohol treatment methods, researchers found that a combination of medical management, medication, and cognitive-behavioral interventions was most effective.
Unsupervised Medical Care
Maybe you don’t think you depend on alcohol exactly, but you still wonder whether you might be drinking too much. Although she doesn’t believe she was an alcoholic, Lisa accepts that she was a problem drinker. Brolin, who entered rehab in 2013, has long been open about his struggles with substance abuse. Just last year, the actor posted a photo on Instagram of his Alcoholics Anonymous chip marking 10 years of sobriety.
It also provides an overview of the alcohol withdrawal timeline process and when to discuss your drinking with your healthcare provider. Weaning off alcohol can benefit people who drink moderately or have support systems. If you have a severe alcohol addiction, it might be best to seek professional addiction treatment. Slowly tapering your alcohol use can help you manage mild withdrawal symptoms and decrease the risk of AUD. However, you may experience withdrawal symptoms or relapse if you’re not tapering correctly and safely.
- A doctor can assess whether your body can safely manage the withdrawal process or if you’ll need medical monitoring and assistance.
- Many people in recovery discovered that mental health disorders, such as PTSD, anxiety, depression, ADHD, etc., and trauma helped to fuel their unhealthy relationship with alcohol.
- In the United States, most states have low-cost or free rehabilitation programs for those who are uninsured.
- Of course, giving up alcohol is not always easy, and there may be some challenges along the way.
After Three Days
- You may also consider joining an online support group to help you feel less alone.
- Potential solutions might include looking for low-cost treatment options, joining a support group, and talking to a mental health professional.
- In a large-scale study of alcohol treatment methods, researchers found that a combination of medical management, medication, and cognitive-behavioral interventions was most effective.
- If you have decided that it is time to stop or reduce your alcohol consumption, knowing what happens to your body when you stop drinking can give you a better idea of what to expect.
Alcohol can increase your blood pressure and make your heart work harder. In the coming weeks, your liver will also begin to repair itself. Programming can range from hour-long sessions a How to Stop Drinking few times a week to several hours per day. Recovery can take a long time, so you may need ongoing treatment. You doctor also can refer you to a treatment center or experts who can help.
You might run into obstacles along the way that tempt you to drink. Keep in mind the reasons you chose to cut back on or quit alcohol. https://ecosoberhouse.com/ Satisfying hobbies can distract you from wanting to drink, but they also help you relax — something everyone needs to do.