7 Tips to Quit Drinking Alcohol

There is no fool proof way to beat alcoholism. It takes time, perseverance, dedication, and even setbacks. It may feel impossible to quit. Avenues Recovery is an addiction treatment center that has helped countless individuals overcome their alcohol addiction. In this article our on-site professionals have compiled some tips to quit drinking and help the change stick.

7 Tips to Quit Drinking

You may be scared of the withdrawal and the feelings that may come with being sober, but you don’t have to go through it alone. If you are truly committed to stopping the drinking and getting help, there will be plenty of people, either family members, loved ones, or professionals who can help you through the process no matter how hard it will be.

1. Face the Problem

The first step toward beating your addiction is to admit to yourself that you have a problem and decide to make a change. The process will only work if you are ready to commit fully to getting clean. Alcohol kills approximately 240 people every single day [1], and while scary statistics may not be enough to cause fear, it might be enough to plant the idea that help could be a good move going forward.

Quitting an addiction is never easy. It takes a lot of courage not only to admit you may have a problem but to seek help for that issue. The process is going to be hard, and the hardest part of the road to getting clean is attempting it.

2. Drink Slowly

Get used to sipping your drinks and remember never to drink on an empty stomach. It’s also a good idea to drink water, juice or soda after drinking an alcoholic drink.

3. Find Ways to Keep Busy

Keeping busy with activities you enjoy will likely help you to reduce your drinking. Take up exercise, music or art activities, and visit friends, go to the movies or go out to eat. The less time you have to lounge around, the less you’ll drink.

4. Put Sobriety First

Realize that one of the most important tips for quitting drinking is to always put sobriety first. That means limiting contact and interaction with people who are still actively drinking (the old crowd), as well as doing your best to avoid situations where alcohol will be present.

This won’t always be able to be avoided, but when you know it can be, try to take that extra step to ensure success. Establish your rules and don’t break them, no matter how much your drinking pals might protest. “It’s only one drink” will not help you achieve your goal, so don’t listen to the devil on your shoulder.

5. Prepare for Detox and Withdrawal

Whenever addicts seek help, they seem to be most afraid of the withdrawal process. It’s true that detox will not be pretty. Withdrawal symptoms can include:

insomnia
anxiety
tremors and shakes
muscle pain
psychosis
seizures
panic attacks
heart palpitations
hallucinations
cravings
sweating
blood pressure spikes
nausea, and
headaches

Withdrawal symptoms can last anywhere from several days to two weeks as your body begins to purge itself of the alcohol and try to function as it had prior to the abuse.

While it’s not unheard of for people to quit drinking cold turkey, it doesn’t work that way for everyone. Each person will detox differently, and withdrawal symptoms can vary greatly, but once your body is rid of alcohol the benefits of being sober will present themselves tenfold. Research has shown that people who achieve sobriety often encounter the following improvements to their health [2]:

Weight loss
Better sleep
Skin improvements
Balanced blood sugar levels
Higher functioning immune system, and
Decreased liver fat

6. Attend Rehab or Therapy

Rehab facilities are well-equipped to aid those who wish to make a change in their lives and move past addiction. They can provide one on one therapy, safe detox, coping mechanisms, and treatment programs that help people get back on their feet and take control of their lives.

Every program will be different—no two are the same—but with the guidance of medical professionals and rehab staff, you can make strides toward a better and healthier you. Don’t talk yourself out of going into a program due to the idea of having to leave your home or loved ones. There are both inpatient and outpatient programs that can customize a treatment plan just for you.

7. Find Support Meetings

After rehab, it’s highly encouraged that you attend meetings or self-help groups [3]. Going to these meetings with like-minded people who have been in your shoes can help you as you continue through your journey of recovery.

With so many groups available, find a meeting that best fits what you want to get out of it. Do you feel stronger once you leave? Do you have a newfound faith in your treatment? Are you inspired to continue living a sober life? These are just some of the things to ask yourself when trying to find a group that will aid in your recovery.

Summary: Best Tips to Quit Drinking

Now that you’ve read these important tips for quitting drinking, you can approach addiction recovery in the right frame of mind. It’s important to enlist the help of professionals when trying to curb alcohol problems, both to ensure success and to avoid medical problems.

Our skilled and friendly staff at Avenues Recovery are available to answer any questions you may have, and to provide support at every step of your journey. Contact us online today, or give us a call at 603-505-8365.