When you’re struggling with alcoholism, attempts to stop drinking are often difficult. However, steps can be taken to progress toward recovery and ensure a successful return to a fulfilling life. It’s important to recognize that stopping substance abuse requires outside help for sobriety to be achievable and lasting.
Why You Need to Know How to Stop Drinking
Simply going “cold turkey” can be dangerous, particularly if you’ve been abusing alcohol for a long period of time. Many people who have alcohol dependence need medical supervision in order to become sober safely. Doctors can provide much-needed help and support on the difficult journey to recovery.
Regardless of what’s motivating you to learn how to stop drinking, ending alcohol abuse is the only way to ensure bigger problems don’t continue to develop in your life, including:
- Health problems caused by excessive alcohol use, such as liver disease and cancer
- Fetal alcohol syndrome, if you’re pregnant
- Family alcoholism problems, relationship issues and other social struggles in the wake of alcohol abuse
- Employment effects, including lost jobs and poor productivity
- Legal problems arising from DUI or poor decision making
How to Stop Drinking If You Are Not Yet Dependent
If you do have a physical need for alcohol to prevent withdrawal symptoms, you will need professional alcoholism help through a comprehensive treatment center. As effective means of how to stop drinking early in alcohol abuse, try the following:
- Find alternatives to fill time you spend drinking, such as new healthy activities, hobbies or diversions
- Avoid things that trigger you to drink
- Develop a plan for times when cravings hit, such as seeking support from others, physical exercise or repetition of positive affirmations
- Practice saying “no” to drinking offers, particularly socialization in places where alcohol is served until you are strong in sobriety
If the above measures haven’t worked for you, you need treatment from professionals who know how to support your return to recovery. There’s nothing shameful in asking for this help, as alcoholism withdrawal can be deadly if not properly supervised. When you’re ready to quit drinking and feel you’re struggling, being aware that treatment exists to make recovery permanent can be a major relief.
You Aren’t Alone at Recovery In Motion
At Recovery In Motion in Tucson, Arizona, patients from all over the country work toward recovery through evidence-based therapies and holistic treatments. Recovery In Motion is affordable and comprehensive treatment for adults who want to focus on sobriety for a more fulfilling and productive future. Long-term treatment is ideal for overcoming alcohol and drug abuse in a setting of apartment-style living among peers in recovery.
Don’t let alcoholism control your life. Call Recovery In Motion now at (866) 418-1070 for the effective support you need to stop drinking.
