There are multiple reasons why people decide to quit alcohol. The goal of living a healthy lifestyle is a common reason. It is also essential for individuals with liver complications to give up alcohol. People under medication are as well advised to forgo taking alcohol to prevent any negative reaction between the alcohol and their medication.
Many individuals find it hard to withdraw from the substance. Quitting is especially tricky and brutal to dependents who try to withdraw from it instantaneously. This is because the substance is physically and psychologically addictive.
Individuals who are psychologically dependent on alcohol have an ever-growing urge to take more of it. The craving persists despite the negative consequences that come with excessive drinking. Physically dependent drinkers cannot function without taking alcohol.
They experience tremors and muscle spasms after a duration of not drinking. Alcohol addiction is referred to as alcoholism. Alcoholics drink regularly and experience severe withdrawal symptoms when they attempt to quit.
Recovery is a gradual process. Nonetheless, the first step is accepting that you have a problem. You should also be willing to get the support and professional help that you need.
How Can One Stop Drinking? 8 Ways you can Stop Drinking
The following are practical ways known to help individuals who are trying to quit drinking. Different strategies work for different people. If one approach does not work for you, you are encouraged to try another one.
1. Asking for Support
Addiction and dependence are isolating. Due to this, attempting to recover on your own is the hardest way to quit drinking. Recovery involves seeking help and support from friends, family, and professionals. They play a significant role in encouraging you to stay sober and celebrating small sobriety achievements with you.
2. Abrupt Withdrawal
This is also commonly referred to as quitting cold turkey. This tip can only work for casual drinkers. These are people who consume alcohol in small amounts and on rare occasions.
3. Tapering
Physically dependent users should gradually and cautiously reduce the amount of alcohol they take. Tapering reduces the intensity of withdrawal symptoms. The brain also gets a chance to get back to its natural balance slowly
4. Joining Support Groups
Support groups are there to offer help when you need it. One such support group is Alcoholics Anonymous. They aim to help individuals struggling with alcoholism but are willing to quit. They structure the environment of their meetings to maintain anonymity. You are also given a safe space to share your experiences without the fear of judgment.
5. Self-Help Books
There are many self-help books on the market. Some of them will help you understand addiction better. These self-help books also offer several life hacks on how to deal with the urge to drink. This is essentially useful to psychologically dependent drinkers. They also give you a morale boost and encourage you to continue with your recovery journey.
6. Avoid Temptation
Identify times that you would habitually drink and occupy yourself during those moments. You can fill the gap by doing something else that is fun and interesting to you. Individuals are also advised to pinpoint triggers that cause them to indulge in drinking. This will help you get stabilization and maintain your sobriety.
7. Counseling
This plays a key role in recovery. Counselors provide the support and resources that alcohol-dependent patients need in their recovery. They also offer judgment-free guidance that patients can utilize. You are also helped in coming up with a relapse prevention plan. Relapse prevention skills should be developed as early as possible.
8. Checking Into an Alcohol Rehab Center
Rehab helps individuals who are addicted to alcohol as well as dependents who have unsuccessfully tried to overcome drinking. These centers provide a safe environment where patients get a chance to focus on their recovery solely.
If you or someone you love has an alcohol use disorder, reach out to The Detox Center of Los Angeles for help.
The Detox Center of Los Angeles
The Detox Center of Los Angeles is a fully licensed drug & alcohol detox, rehab, and PHP center located in Los Angeles, California. Our center is well equipped to help alcohol and other substance users. We also take in people with co-occurring disorders such as anxiety.
Our services are diverse, and they are put in place to help our clients create new perspectives and positively change their thought patterns. These include therapies such as family systems therapy and cognitive behavior therapy. Our techniques vary and are personalized for your specific needs.
Treatment plans depend on the severity of the addiction. Clients commonly start with a detox program. This is crucial for addicts who may experience life-threatening withdrawal symptoms. They are monitored by our medical staff and are well taken care of. The Detox Center of Los Angeles also offers residential and outpatient addiction treatment plans. Residential treatment is ideal for patients with moderate or severe withdrawal symptoms. It allows them to put all their focus into recovery. The outpatient treatment program provides enough support for short-term users. Patients who have a strong support system at home can also choose the outpatient treatment plan.
Conclusion
There are various reasons why people choose to quit alcohol. The most common reason is the need for a healthier lifestyle. Medical purposes can also drive one to give up alcohol. Quitting alcohol is a tough process, and more so for psychologically dependent and physically dependent drinkers. Psychologically dependent users have an ever-growing urge to take more alcohol while the latter cannot function without alcohol. Recovery is a gradual process. The first step to recovery is accepting that you have a problem then seeking help.
There are several tips known to work for individuals trying to quit alcohol. However, different strategies work for different peoples. If one strategy does not work for you, it is advised that you try another one. Abrupt withdrawal is a method that works well for casual drinkers. Physically dependent individuals have a better chance of withdrawal by tapering.
Joining support groups and reading self-help books helps you stay motivated as you strive for sobriety. You are also advised to identify your triggers. This enables you to prevent any relapses. Counseling is another vital step towards sobriety. You should check into a rehab center if you experience severe withdrawal symptoms.
The Detox Center of Los Angeles is a fully licensed drug & alcohol detox, rehab, and PHP center. We offer help to individuals struggling with alcohol and other substance abuse. Our services help clients acquire new and healthier life perspectives and thought patterns. Treatment plans depend on the severity of the addiction. Clients often start with the detox program. We also provide residential and outpatient treatment plans. Patients at our facility are closely monitored, and well looked after.
Reach out to us today. Your sobriety is our primary concern.
