It has become widely accepted that alcohol is a major part of our social lives. From work functions and happy hours to tailgate and dinner parties, alcohol frequently plays a large role in social gatherings. While it is perfectly fine to indulge in moderation, it can be easy to slip into excessive drinking. Once that line is crossed, it is often very difficult to curb or even quit drinking.
The following article details 10 steps to stop drinking and helpful tips you can follow to regain your health. Alcohol abuse is dangerous and can even be life-threatening. If you are struggling with your drinking, your first phone call should be to Multi-Concept Recovery (MCR). Our rehab centers in Burbank and beyond provide evidence-based support and addiction treatment programs for adults, college students, and teenagers. Our multi-concept approach will help you address and overcome your alcohol addiction for good. Call MCR today and start your journey toward lasting recovery.
The 10 Steps to Stop Drinking
When you realize you need to quit drinking, the solution may seem relatively simple…just stop. This may seem easy enough, but that is just scratching the surface. Alcohol significantly changes brain chemistry and behavior. Those who stop drinking cold turkey often experience intense withdrawal symptoms that are uncomfortable and painful. In order to be successful at quitting drinking in the long term, you must think of it as a process. The following are the 10 steps to stop drinking:
- See Your Doctor: If your drinking has become problematic, it is best to see your family doctor. Since quitting alcohol produces intense withdrawal symptoms, you need to find an alcohol treatment program that features medical detoxification. Medical detox safely weans you off of alcohol in a safe and controlled environment.
- Figure Out Why You Want to Get Sober: What is your motivation to get sober? Take time to really think about why quitting for good will be good for you. Whether it is for family, career, health, or other factors, use that as motivation to stop drinking.
- Set Goals: To realistically quit drinking, you must set small attainable goals that help you accomplish the big goal of getting sober. This can include getting involved in 12-Step meetings, reaching out to loved ones, seeking treatment, and finding healthy habits to replace drinking.
- Remove Access to Alcohol: When making the decision to quit drinking, you must remove your access to alcohol. Get rid of any alcohol in your home and avoid places where you may be tempted to drink, including bars, clubs, and possibly even certain friends’ houses.
- Write It Down: Make it a daily practice to journal about your feelings about alcohol. Be unfiltered and write about the reasons why you want to quit, your triggers, and the ultimate motivation you have to stop drinking.
- Take Note of Your Triggers: Take some time to think about all the triggers that make you want to drink alcohol. Common triggers can include unresolved stress, negative emotions, being around people who drink, and attending social events. Take note of these triggers so you know what situations you can try to avoid or prepare for with other coping mechanisms.
- Create A Support System: While you need to do the heavy lifting when it comes to quitting drinking, you don’t have to go through it alone. Having supportive family and friends in your corner through the good and bad times is a great comfort and provides the motivation you need to keep on the path to sobriety.
- Have a Plan: When the cravings to drink kick in, have a plan to counteract those cravings. Examples include calling someone in your support group, going to a 12-step meeting, or engaging in a healthy hobby. When making that plan, you should make sure you have a solid understanding of why cravings happen and how you can reduce their intensity down the road.
- Get a Hobby: Explore new ways to get the same rush you felt when you were drinking. Take part in an exercise program, take up music or art, or take up gardening. As you grow in your sobriety, you may find additional hobbies that grab your attention and may better suit you and your personality.
- Participate in Therapy: Oftentimes, alcohol use is a symptom of a deeper mental issue such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD. If this is the case, seeing a therapist on a regular basis is a wise move. An experienced therapist will help you take a look at the underlying reasons why you drink and help you come up with healthy ways to address those issues.
Are You Looking To Quit Drinking For Good?
The struggle with alcohol abuse is very real, and it can destroy your life and affect those whom you love most. If you need help with an alcohol problem, call MCR right now. We offer dynamic outpatient alcohol treatment programs that are evidence-based, effective, and tailored to meet your unique needs. We will work with you in acquiring the tools and support you need to address and overcome alcohol dependence once and for all. Call our Los Angeles outpatient rehab today and rise above addiction.
