Potential solutions might include looking for low-cost treatment options, joining a support group, and talking to a mental health professional. It’s helpful to become aware of alcohol triggers and reasons for drinking to plan ways to manage urges. Tools such as the NIAAA’s drink size calculator can help individuals understand their alcohol consumption more accurately.

How to stop drinking alcohol completely

If you learn to drink alone, it makes it too easy to begin drinking in excessive amounts. If you’re worried about your drinking and want to make some positive changes, we’re here to help. Cutting down or quitting alcohol can help you to be happier, safer and healthier. Whether you’re struggling or just want some extra guidance, consider reaching out for support from professionals who are trained in addiction treatment. There are withdrawal symptoms, environmental temptations, and outright stress. If you put down the bottle for 30 days, but you slip up and have a drink on day 31, this doesn’t undo the 30 days before.

Get online support.

• These can include poor judgment leading to risky behaviors, neglect of responsibilities and continued drinking despite clear negative consequences.
• By this metric, it’s easy to justify consuming alcohol to excess because so many people are doing it.
• There are lots of alternatives to the standard, high-power alcohols of gin, vodka, or whiskey.

On the morning of Dec 23, 2013, after another night of heavy drinking and reckless behavior, I finally admitted to myself that I had a drinking problem. People with alcohol use disorders don’t have to look far to find help. Almost every community in the United States has communityinitiatives, support group meetings and some form of help for alcoholics.

Don’t beat yourself up if you relapse

Koob says he likes to recommend an intuitive approach to drinking moderately. Monitor how your body responds to alcohol, as well as how you feel when you don’t drink. Support can come via therapy, support programs, family, and friends. Teaming up with another person can help people stay accountable.

Set the date and detox from alcohol naturally

Some people also lose weight as they taper off their drinking. There’s a reason you’ve reached the decision to quit or cut back. Whether it’s improved relationships, better health, or weight loss, keeping the “why” in sight can help boost your motivation. If you drink to ease the pain of loneliness, then make a conscious effort to connect with others. Alcoholics Anonymous cautions its members not to get too hungry, angry, lonely or tired—all of which can make you more vulnerable to the urge to drink.

Remove alcohol from your house.

You may also consider joining an online support group to help you feel less alone. Quitting alcohol alone is harder for some than others, but there’s no need to go it alone. tips to quit drinking Finding or reaching out to other sober people can also help. Letting others know about your choice to stop drinking may help motivate you to stick with your decision.

For many people, abstaining from alcohol is a major lifestyle change. It requires a lot of time, effort and mental energy.Some people can decide to quit drinking and do it without help. If you’re reading this page, you probably aren’t oneof those people.

In order to change your drinking habits, your first step is to take a close look at your current behaviors and find patterns. When you consider how to go about giving up alcohol, account for factors like how much you drink and your reasons for drinking. Prepare yourself for those times when someone is going to offer you a drink.