How To Stop Drinking
Over 85% of the adult population in America drinks alcohol, and the majority enjoy alcohol responsibly and enjoyably. For a little over 5% of the population, though, alcoholism and alcohol use disorder (AUD) causes immense emotional pain. If you fall into this category, you probably want to stop drinking but don’t know where to start.
You are not alone. Most people living with alcohol abuse want to protect their physical and mental health. Sadly, it’s not quite as simple as saying “I won’t drink anymore”. If it were, all problem drinkers would become sober overnight. With the right strategy, though, you can successfully stop drinking forever.
When To Stop Drinking
Alcoholism can take many forms, and it doesn’t have to mirror the image of someone sleeping on a bench in the park or passing out on the bathroom floor.
Roughly 260 people die from alcohol each day, and many of them have an alcohol use disorder, even if they are not officially diagnosed. However, an AUD can be defined as when someone is no longer in control of their drinking habits. Some signs that you may need to stop drinking include:
- You feel unable to function without alcohol,
- You regularly find yourself counting down the hours until your next drink,
- Your drinking habits have affected your work or relationships,
- Drinking isn’t just a social event and is used to cure boredom or depression,
- Other people have commented on your drinking.
If you believe that it is time to drink, it probably is. The next question to ask is ‘how?’.
How To Stop Drinking
Deciding that you want to stop drinking is the first step on the road to success. However, you must also follow the right alcohol treatment process to overcome alcoholism. Whether you quit alcohol without rehab or choose a professional process, knowing what to expect will prepare you for the battle ahead.
Alcohol Detox
To stop drinking, you must reach a moment where you stop drinking. It sounds obvious, but the detoxing process is one of the most challenging. You will experience withdrawal symptoms, especially if you have a severe case of alcoholism or have been a long-time abuser. Whether surrounded by experts or family members, you will need a support network at this time.
Alcohol Inpatient Rehab
Inpatient care is where you stay at a facility to get sober. This includes the detox phase and a subsequent recovery period away from the stresses and temptations of the real world. Gender-specific inpatient services for men or women are an ideal way to focus solely on quit alcohol. The intense service also ensures that withdrawal symptoms are managed and you are best prepared for life back outside.
Intensive Outpatient Treatment
IOP services involve spending long days at an alcohol rehab center before returning home each night. So, you get the dedicated support through your alcoholism, but do not miss out on daily life. This is a great option for people with mild or moderate alcohol use disorders as it makes the transition to sobriety in normal life far simpler. A range of therapies and sessions may be used.
AA Meetings
Becoming sober through detoxing and withdrawal symptom management is great. Still, true success comes from staying sober. Weekly AA meetings allow you to stay engaged with the community of people just like you while also gaining the tips needed to avoid a relapse. The meetings can be used for years after you’ve completed your initial alcohol treatment, reminding you of your successes and desire to stay sober.
Getting Help For Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol use disorders need treating as soon as they are identified. If you’re worried about your drinking habit or a loved one’s potentially damaging relationship with alcohol, now is the time to take the first step.
Contact Peaks Recovery to discover your options today!