Alcohol might be the best drink for some people looking for when they are stress. There are lots of reasons you might want to take a look at your drinking habits, and you don’t have to be drinking every day for it to be an issue. Someone might have told you they’re concerned, or you might find it hard to stop drinking once you’ve started, for example.
You might have noticed that your drinking is affecting your health, your mood, how you’re doing at work, or your personal relationships.
Whatever your reason is, changing your drinking habits can have a big impact on everything from your relationships to how well you sleep. It can be hard to take that first step, but making changes can help you to be happier and healthier.
To stop drinking alcohol, you first need to understand your relationship with drinking. From there, you may need social support, consistent self-care, and new routines that can help redirect your mind.
Talk with a doctor
Alcoholism. Relapse. Substance abuse. The terms associated with consuming an unhealthy amount of alcohol can seem harsh. You may feel ashamed or embarrassed to share your drinking habits. However, talking openly and honestly to a doctor about how much alcohol you consume each day could be an important first step.
If your body is craving alcohol, you will have to detox. The sudden lack of alcohol in your system can send your body into withdrawal, resulting in various symptoms. A doctor can assess whether your body can safely manage the withdrawal process or if you’ll need medical monitoring and assistance.
Set Goals for Overcoming Alcoholism
This is the time to make clear, specific and realistic goals. You goals tell you what you truly want, make you believe in yourself, and hold you accountable for your failures.
Once you set your goals, it is essential to tell your family and friends. They can help you achieve them. They can remind you whenever you forget to follow through your goals. Also, be ready to seek help whenever you need it.
You must also keep off all the sources of temptations. Keep alcohol away from your home, avoid going to your favorite drinking joints, and stop spending time with your drinking buddies.
Decide Whether to Cut Back or Quit Drinking Completely
Those who are not addicted to alcohol, i.e., those who can control their drinking, may want to opt for reducing the amount of alcohol they drink. In this case, you should set a limit on how much you want to tone down and keep track of your drinking.
However, it is advisable to quit even if you can control your drinking because even the little dosage can cause alcohol-related diseases. Those who can’t control their drinking (alcoholics), should decide on quitting entirely.
Start to reduce
When you’ve stabilised your drinking level for one week, you can start slowly cutting down the amount you drink. Start by reducing your drinking by 10% a day.
For example, if you normally drink 20 units a day, try reducing this to 18 units a day.
Keep drinking at this reduced level for four days, then try to cut down by another 10%. If you start to have any withdrawal symptoms, it means you’re cutting down too fast. Keep drinking at your most recent safe level for another week, then start cutting down again. Consider cutting down by 5% instead of 10% each week.
When you are drinking less than 10 units a day, you can try to stop drinking altogether.
Quitting alcohol at home
If you want to quit drinking at home, first of all ensure you do it safely. Always seek medical advice if there is any possibility you are alcohol dependent. It is important to have a plan in place to help you stay completely stopped from alcohol
