Deciding to quit drinking alcohol: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

She tracked her milestones with Reframe and built new routines around yoga and journaling. You need people who understand, listen, and walk the same path. MAT works best when combined with therapy and lifestyle changes. Behavioral therapy is the backbone of sustainable sobriety.

Feel like you should be drinking less? Start here

A healthy fear of the consequences is important, but using them alone to curb your alcohol consumption has another serious drawback. By this metric, it’s easy to justify consuming alcohol to excess because so many people are doing it. I got tired of not being respected by friends and loved ones.

Detox & Residential Addiction Treatment

• Outpatient rehab allows you to maintain your work and family life while getting support.
• Having a plan to quit and exploring resources that can help you give up alcohol successfully can improve your chances for success.

12-step Facilitation Therapy encourages peer support through Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and family or couples therapy repairs relationships affected by alcohol use. Combining therapy with medication and peer support increases long-term recovery success by treating both the physical and emotional aspects of alcohol dependence. Many individuals benefit from understanding the stages of recovery from alcohol, as it helps them navigate the challenges and progress toward lasting sobriety. Identifying personal reasons for quitting alcohol strengthens commitment and motivation.

• At this point, all symptoms that are going to happen will be present and will be at their worst.
• Remember that if mistakes are made, we can learn from the experience and start fresh the next day.
• If you identify with any of the scenarios above, try the expert tips below for reducing your alcohol consumption (or even eliminating it altogether).

Think through the situations when you tend to reach for a drink—and plan a new approach.

Focus instead on creating new habits that don’t involve drinking. Understanding the available treatment options—from behavioral therapies and medications to mutual-support groups—is the first step. The important thing is to remain engaged in whatever method you choose.

• Many people combine group support with therapy or medical treatment for maximum impact.
• Your skin may appear fuller and healthier in consistency and quality.
• Behavioral therapy is the backbone of sustainable sobriety.

We all become conditioned to have certain responses to triggers throughout our lives. It’s normal for certain stimuli to cause a reaction in your mind and body without even being aware of it. If you identify with any of the scenarios above, try the expert tips below for reducing your alcohol consumption (or even eliminating it altogether). No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content.

Step 10: Use Technology to Stay Accountable

She received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Stephanie has been working in the treatment industry since 2014 with extensive experience as a Clinical Director. She also enjoys working as a therapist and specializes in substance abuse, complex trauma, co-dependency, and anxiety/depressive disorders. Stephanie also has an interest in animal-assisted psychotherapy where she and her dog are certified as an official therapy dog team.

How to Safely Taper Off Alcohol

The NIAAA also offers pointers about resources for low- and no-cost treatment and support options, like getting in touch with your state’s agency for substance abuse help. Missouri Behavioral Health treats alcohol addiction with evidence-based therapy, medical alcohol detoxification, and outpatient rehab programs. Services are often covered by health insurance, reducing the cost burden of health care. If you’re ready to quit drinking, we offer support that prioritizes your mental health, physical recovery, and long-term sobriety. If you’re asking yourself, “how can you stop drinking alcohol? Alcohol problems are common, and quitting drinking is a personal decision with major physical, emotional, and mental health benefits.

Drive yourself or arrange transportation so you can leave when uncomfortable. Eat before arriving to avoid drinking on an empty stomach. And for many people, the brief motivational intervention increases their motivation for change, their commitment, and confidence in their ability to stop drinking.

It’s essential to recognize that AUD exists on a spectrum—ranging from mild to severe—and can manifest in different ways. Tapering is one way to help those with alcohol dependence. This simple yet straightforward method can be safe and effective. Creating a structured plan including more resources and increased self-care builds a strong foundation for recovery. If you are struggling to stop or cut down through alcohol tapering, this may be a sign to seek more help, Lee said. There are a variety of resources to explore, including 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or SMART Recovery, Lee explained.

• If you think you might have alcohol use disorder (AUD) and decide to stop drinking completely, don’t go it alone.
• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism website.
• “Replacing time or events spent drinking with other enjoyable activities is helpful.
• Building a supportive network is crucial for individuals looking to stop drinking.

Discover affordable rehab centers near you, offering easy access and convenience. Stay close to family and friends while getting the support you need. Whatever you choose, make sure it is an enjoyable activity that can help distract you as you move past the trigger and towards continued sobriety.

Joining a support group like Alcoholics Anonymous can help put you on the path to stop excessive drinking of alcohol. Online video and phone meetings are popular and offer more flexibility when you’re busy. On the days you drink, aim to stop 3 hours before going to bed so your body has time to absorb the alcohol Sober living home before sleep. Are you rethinking your relationship with alcohol these days?

Quality sleep and relaxation are vital for anyone quitting alcohol, especially if you’re dealing with alcohol use disorder. Alcohol consumption can deplete your body of essential nutrients and leave you dehydrated, which may worsen withdrawal symptoms and slow down your progress. Focusing on a balanced diet, rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help your body heal and reduce the risk of unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. When you stop drinking, giving your body the right fuel is one of the best ways to support your recovery from alcohol use disorder. Read our guide to learn the most effective ways to quitting alcohol. By managing your addiction to alcohol, you can lead a healthier, happier life.

Not only will you reduce your overall calorie intake, but you will also likely replace some of these calories from healthier sources. This will lead to improved nutrition, which can profoundly impact your overall health, especially over time. Alcohol can cause inflammation and damage to your liver when used heavily over prolonged periods.