According to research, one in every eight American adults is an alcoholic.
Alcoholism is related to a variety of health hazards such as heart disease, and liver damage, and brain damage. It also causes complications with pregnancy in women.
If you’re thinking of quitting drinking, the road to alcohol recovery might seem impossible to achieve. Most people suffering from alcoholism don’t decide to quit drinking overnight. Recovery is usually a more gradual process. But, with will and determination, even the heaviest drinker can accomplish this hurdle.
Here are true and tested ways on how to stop drinking.
Table of Contents
1. Avoid Triggers
Alcohol triggers are places, situations, emotions, people, social interactions, and events that make a person have strong drinking urges.
Triggers vary from persons to persons and are classified into three groups including environmental triggers, re-exposure triggers, and stress triggers. It’s advisable to avoid situations that trigger alcoholism.
2. Get Support
Drinking is a social activity, thus making it hard to quit. So, make sure to inform the people who surround you that you have new resolutions about your drinking habits.
This will save you from temptations at events, get-togethers, and parties with friends and family. Ensure you have a close friend(s) who fully supports and understands your commitment.
Also, enrolling into support sites that help people learn personalized ways on how to stop drinking will help you meet and form friendships with others who know exactly what you’re going through. These sites also provide the advantage of anonymity and cost efficiency.
3. Learn to Say “No”
It’s difficult to say no to alcohol especially if you’re quitting or cutting back. You don’t owe anyone an explanation about why you choose not to drink. However, it’s important to say no in a polite and casual way. This helps you avoid further questions.
4. Enroll in a Residential Alcohol Rehab
If you feel like your alcoholism is out of control, don’t be afraid to look for help. You can take some time off your work, and enroll in a residential rehab center.
Most patients who enroll in these facilities are offered personalized treatment for a specified period. The staff will help you pinpoint the causes of alcoholism and favorable ways on how you can tackle it. You’ll also go through an alcohol detoxification process to cleanses your body off any toxins from alcohol.
5. Find New Activities
Find new activities and hobbies such as fishing, bowling, and sports that’ll keep your mind off alcohol. Involve your friends and family to make the quitting easier and the activities more fun.
Learn How to Stop Drinking
Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss ways on how to stop drinking. There are withdrawal symptoms that can vary from – mild to extreme. Be sure to check with your doctor about what’s right for your health and safety.
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