How to Quit Drinking Completely
Sometimes, reducing your alcohol intake can be beneficial, but there are situations where stopping drinking altogether is the most effective solution. If you are looking to quit drinking permanently, do not be disheartened by past recurrences. It is common for individuals to make multiple attempts before achieving sobriety.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), approximately 40% to 60% of people with substance use disorders encounter a relapse at some stage.1
Planning to Quit Drinking Alcohol
Creating a solid plan and seeking out resources to support your journey to give up alcohol can significantly enhance your chances of success. Consulting with your healthcare provider about your intentions can also open up opportunities to utilize medications and therapies that can help curb cravings, alleviate withdrawal symptoms, and boost your ability to achieve long-term sobriety.
Know When to Stop Drinking Alcohol
Even if none of the above criteria apply, you may still consider reducing or quitting alcohol if it is negatively impacting your life, relationships, or contributing to other issues.
It is crucial to understand that you do not have to reach a low point before deciding to quit. The sooner you choose to stop drinking, the quicker you can mitigate alcohol’s harmful effects on your life, well-being, and connections.
Make a Strategy
Developing a strategy is a crucial aspect of learning how to stop drinking. The Enlightened Mind recommends that outlining a strategy can help reinforce your objectives and provide a clear path on how to accomplish them.3
Begin by defining your objective (e.g., “I aim to abstain from alcohol”), set a specific date for cessation, and enumerate the reasons behind your decision to quit drinking. Additional vital components of your strategy should encompass:
Identify Obstacles
Another crucial aspect of your plan to stop drinking is recognizing the challenges or hindrances that could impede your progress in achieving your objectives.
Some typical perceived obstacles that could hinder your plans include:
When outlining your strategy to quit drinking, compile a list of potential barriers that may obstruct your path and brainstorm effective ways to address these issues. Possible solutions could involve exploring affordable treatment options, participating in a support group, and consulting with a mental health professional.
According to research, barriers related to attitude were identified as the primary challenge individuals encountered before seeking treatment for an alcohol use disorder.
Talk to Your Doctor
Before deciding to stop drinking, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider. If your alcohol intake has been significant or consistent, you may have developed a dependence on alcohol. Abruptly quitting alcohol can lead to symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.
Typical alcohol withdrawal signs may include nausea, tremors, and excessive sweating, which can be uncomfortable or even risky. It is vital to have appropriate medical assistance for a safe detox process from alcohol.
Delirium tremens (DTs), also referred to as alcohol withdrawal syndrome, is a severe form of withdrawal that may occur when someone stops consuming alcohol. This condition affects a small percentage of individuals (from three to five percent) who are quitting alcohol and can have life-threatening consequences.
If you encounter symptoms like confusion, disorientation, hallucinations, or delusions, it is essential to seek immediate medical help.
Explore Various Treatment Choices
If you are struggling to reduce or stop drinking, seeking different treatment options is crucial, especially if you have been consuming alcohol heavily for an extended period.
Evidence-based treatment options are available for individuals with an alcohol use disorder looking to quit drinking. Understanding these options can aid in determining the most suitable approach for your situation.
Treatment alternatives include:
Seeking professional treatment for an alcohol use disorder may involve outpatient therapy, residential care, or inpatient hospitalization. The intensity of care required is often dependent on the seriousness of the condition. Early cessation not only enhances success rates but can also decrease the necessity for higher levels of care.
It is essential to understand that each person’s journey is unique. If one method leads to a potential relapse, it indicates that another approach might be more effective for you. Take the time to research different options that resonate with you and consult your healthcare provider for their recommendations.
Consider Medications to Assist in Alcohol Cessation
Alongside therapy, support groups, and self-help strategies, exploring available medications can enhance your chances of successfully quitting alcohol.
Medications play a vital role in a comprehensive treatment plan for addressing alcoholism, yet they are often overlooked according to research. FDA-approved medications for alcohol use disorder include naltrexone (Vivitrol), acamprosate (Campral), and disulfiram (formerly known as Antabuse).
Research indicates that a combination of medication, cognitive-behavioral therapies, and social support yielded the most favorable outcomes in a large-scale alcohol treatment study. It was also noted that individual treatment needs may vary, highlighting the importance of personalized approaches.
Enlist Support
Perceived social support can be crucial in the process of recovering from alcohol use, as highlighted by The Enlightened Mind. Depending on individual needs, various forms of support can be beneficial, such as informational resources, websites, classes offering treatment information, practical assistance with daily tasks, or emotional support from a willing listener.
While seeking support from friends, family, or loved ones is common, it may pose challenges if past alcohol use has strained those relationships. Additionally, if immediate social contacts continue to drink or do not endorse your decision to quit, finding appropriate support can be difficult.
Exploring Support Groups for Alcohol Recovery
Consider seeking out support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and others where individuals with similar experiences can offer valuable encouragement and information to support your journey towards alcohol recovery.
Final Thoughts
There are various options and resources available to assist in learning how to stop drinking. It is essential to understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach that applies to everyone. If one method does not work, do not lose hope, and do not give up if there is a relapse.
Effective treatment methods exist that can aid in quitting, so consulting with a healthcare provider or mental health professional can help in finding suitable options for your needs.
If you or someone you know is facing challenges with substance abuse or addiction, reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on available support and treatment facilities in your vicinity.
