Someone might have told you they’re concerned, or you might find it hard to stop drinking once you’ve started, for example. Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in particular offer support from other people who know how to quit drinking alcohol safely and are going through similar struggles. If you think you might have an alcohol use disorder, there are evidence-based treatment options that can help you to quit drinking. Learning about your options can help you decide what might work best for you.

Healthier drinking patterns

Additionally, a common symptom of alcohol use disorder is the inability to reduce alcohol consumption despite attempts to do so. It may be necessary to plan ahead for an inpatient stay where you can receive a doctor’s supervision. Alcoholism may suffer digestive issues, short-term amnesia, and even complete blackouts. Heavy drinkers often worry about withdrawal symptoms when they consider quitting alcohol. However, withdrawal symptoms last a few days to weeks, while the health problems of prolonged heavy drinking last for a lifetime.

How long does it take for the brain to recover from alcohol?

Some treatment facilities are luxury rehab centers where they provide a safe environment where you can focus on recovery. Overall, treatment centers provide around the clock suppervision and support to improve your chances of a successful recovery. Even drinking moderately can sometimes leave you feeling unwell, groggy, or hungover. Self-reflection helps determine if you need to stop drinking.

In order to change your drinking habits, your first step is to take a close look at your current behaviors and find patterns. “Once you have a sense of how much you’re drinking, it’s helpful to track how many drinks you’re having per day,” says Witkiewitz. “You could use a calendar, Drug rehabilitation journal or any number of tracking apps.” Drink Control Alcohol Tracker or Less are two examples of free tracking apps available on iOS devices.

• To help you create the alcohol-free life that you desire, here are seven tips that will help you stop drinking.
• Join a gym, learn a new skill, or find sober social groups you can enjoy.
• My story highlights that overcoming addiction requires both neurological understanding and rebuilding connections – insights that have resonated with millions seeking recovery.
• But now you’re left wondering what people do for fun instead of drinking.

What Does it Mean to Taper Off Alcohol?

Let your house be a space that is free from that distraction. Committing to removing alcohol from your home can create an extra layer of protection from spontaneously deciding to have a drink. If you answered ‘yes’ to these questions, it may be time to explore your relationship with alcohol.

If you haven’t made progress in cutting down after two to three months, consider quitting drinking altogether, seeking professional help, or both. You feel like your friends and family won’t understand or support your decision to stop drinking. There are withdrawal symptoms, environmental temptations, and outright stress. If you put down the bottle for 30 days, but you slip up and have a drink on day 31, this doesn’t undo the 30 days before. You learned something, made progress, and put yourself in a better position for success. A modern, online approach allows you to receive guidance and support whenever you need it, and on your own schedule.

Potential alcohol withdrawal symptoms

In addition to that, you need to know the warning signs of severe alcohol withdrawal so you can seek medical attention, should it come to that. Think about the alcohol’s impact on your mental and physical health, your career prospects, and your relationships. Call a treatment provider today for free to explore your treatment options.

The good news is that you can find plenty of other people going through the same thing as you. There are many benefits to quitting drinking with the help of online support groups, including anonymity and 24/7 support. Consciously limiting how many drinks you consume each week is an act of mindfulness and self-care. Set a number and an end date when setting goals for reducing your alcohol intake. By starting smaller, you can build upon newly formed habits. For example, you can set a goal that cuts your number of drinks in half by the end of a three-month period.

• Engaging practices such as a new exercise regimen, community involvement, volunteer work, or artistic endeavors are especially helpful.
• The AUDIT can be a helpful starting point for individuals who are unsure whether their drinking habits point toward AUD.
• This can happen whether you’re quitting alcohol cold turkey or tapering.
• Research indicates multiple neurotoxic effects on the brain as well as neuroinflammation that can lead to the degeneration of brain tissue and reduced brain volume.

To track your progress, keep a record of your sober days and celebrate those small wins. Note down how you feel physically and mentally on those days. Like any big change, there might be times where it doesn’t feel easy, so it’s important to reward yourself with something as you make progress. It’s equally important not to be too hard on yourself if you slip up every once in a while. These physical withdrawal symptoms can include trembling hands, sweating, headache, nausea, vomiting, palpitations, and lack of appetite. In severe cases, symptoms can include convulsions, fever and even hallucinations.5  If you experience withdrawal symptoms you should seek medical assistance urgently.