How to Stop Drinking

Living through alcohol problems, habits or even addiction can be extremely tough. Whilst withdrawing and maintaining a clean slate can also be tough, it will instead be worth it.

Firstly, it’s important to understand your relationship with alcohol. This is the time to consider the impacts and severity of your habits. Are you addicted to alcohol? What’s motivating your consumption? Can you just stop?

From here, you’ll need to think about your triggers, you’ll need to look at your environments, you’ll need to consider new tools to cope, and you’ll need to follow a proactive relapse prevention plan.

There are many steps that you can take to stop drinking and remain sober. Here’s our advice on how to stop drinking, along with ways we can support you at Addiction Advocates.

 

Your relationship with Alcohol

For some, alcohol is a recreational substance. It’s physically addictive for others. And for a proportion of individuals, it’s a psychologically controlling drug.

Before working out a plan of action, to stop your consumption, it’s essential to know where you stand with alcohol. Why do you drink? How do you feel when you drink? How important is alcohol consumption to you? Your relationship with alcohol will determine how long your recovery journey will be and how much of a commitment your next steps will require.

If you’re binge drinking or can control your consumption, there’s a strong chance that you’ll be able to take responsibility for your next steps. Reducing your consumption and developing a balanced lifestyle will assist with this.

Yet, if you’re looking to stop drinking as you have a problem, which you cannot control, greater effort and support will be required. We at Addiction Advocates can help you understand your relationship with alcohol, by assessing your symptoms, associations, and influences. We can run through the signs and symptoms of alcoholism with you, to make sure that you’re aware of your relationship. Recommendations of professional support will follow on how to stop drinking with longevity in mind.

Some self-help will also benefit your recovery journey, outlined below through our proactive tips.

 

How to stop drinking

Set your intentions

If you’re truly committed to cutting off all alcohol consumption, it’s important that you set your intentions. This is the time to become accountable and to share your recovery goals. Although it may be difficult to acknowledge your problem, or it may be challenging to understand how severe your drinking habits are, we can help you with both.

 

Be aware of your triggers and what’s ahead

Your triggers will have caused and will still be continuing your drinking habits. Being aware of your triggers, from your social interactions and your mental health to previous experiences and trauma will help you understand your relationship better. Many addicts blame themselves when it comes to their drinking habits. Yet being aware of the real reason behind your drinking will help you move on and commit to recovery.

It’s also encouraged that you become aware of relapse signs, of what’s ahead, and of the available help that’s available to help you stop drinking. Now is the time to ask the questions, to do your research and to become open to rehabilitation.

 

Accept personal support

Personal support, such as local support groups are available. There’s a high chance that a loved one, friend or even your employer may be able to support you. If support comes your way, it’s recommended that you accept it, no matter how difficult that initial acceptance maybe.

 

Go sober for October

Many individuals are going through the same process as you, hoping to find out how to stop drinking and taking action from there. This month, you’ll be surrounded by people who are completing Stoptober, looking to stop drinking for the month. This will be a positive community to tap into if you’re looking to stop, offering a wealth of tips, fundraising ideas, and advice on how to stop drinking.

 

Consider professional support

Professional support, like our services and those of alcohol rehab clinics, will also be accessible. We’re here to offer guidance, along with referrals into rehab. A wide range of treatment programmes is available, which you should consider. Alcohol detox and long-term recovery can be worked towards with professional support.

 

Look at environmental factors

Your environment may be causing your drinking problems. It’s essential to consider your environment, especially post-rehab, to make sure that your triggers are disabled. Aiming for a clean, neutral, positive environment will be best when looking to stop drinking.

 

Look for new tools to cope

Whilst an alcohol addiction can be treated and managed, you’ll need to embark on a long-term recovery journey. To help you along the way, looking for new tools to cope will be beneficial. Coping is a personal feeling, so you’ll need to find something that offers a positive and sustainable distraction. Look for some healthy hobbies, start journaling, practice mindfulness, and consider your lifestyle to find new coping techniques.

 

Change your routine

Your routine will help you disconnect from alcohol. By leading a busy yet structured routine, you’ll have enough distractions, you’ll have enough to value, and you’ll have enough guidance to reduce your exposure. Your lifestyle is something that can be worked on through rehab.

 

Embrace self-care

This is the time to truly care for yourself. Your wellbeing and mental health matter. By embracing self-care, you’ll have the opportunity to truly focus and work on yourself. A positive outlook and mindset are beneficial when working through the withdrawal process.

 

Avoid temptation

If you’re wondering how to stop drinking, you’ll need to avoid all temptation. The best way to do this will be to separate yourself from your old routine, to maintain a clean house, to associate with those who support your recovery and to also consider residential treatment.

The temptation will always be there. Yet with some strong coping strategies in place and a relapse prevention plan to follow (which will be professionally formed for you), you’ll have the chance to control your responses.

 

Reward progress

You’ll experience some pushbacks. Yet you’ll also encounter progress and some significant milestones. Reward yourself in a proactive and positive way. Each small step will add to your long-term recovery journey, which deserves recognition.

Alcohol addiction can be challenging to overcome. Realistically, you won’t be able to just stop and move on from your drinking habits. Yet with some support and some proactive tools, you’ll have the best opportunity to stop drinking.

Reach out here at Addiction Advocates for our support throughout the rehabilitation process, along with some more advice on how to stop drinking.

 

Sources

https://www.gosober.org.uk/fundraising/top-tips [1]