This feedback can help you better understand the impact of your drinking, making it easier to identify when and why you drink. By stepping back from these social groups, you create a supportive environment that aligns with your decision to quit. You don’t have to avoid these groups forever — this is only a temporary measure until it becomes less challenging to avoid temptations. A lot about the journey toward sobriety may feel beyond your control, but removing temptations is something you can actively manage. As mentioned earlier, quitting alcohol can be challenging, and having a strong, meaningful reason to do so can motivate you to push through difficult moments.
Tips
It’s always wise to check with your doctor — she should be able to help you decide whether it is best for you to cut back or to abstain. People who are dependent on alcohol, or have other medical or mental health problems, should stop drinking completely. That said, If you’ve been drinking excessively, then stopping drinking cold turkey can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Within just a month of not drinking, your body can begin to reap the benefits. Your liver can start to heal, your risks of heart disease and cancer go down, and you may begin to sleep better. To stop drinking alcohol, you first need to understand your relationship with drinking.
Physical appearance often improves as skin becomes healthier and more hydrated. The LifeMD Affiliated P.C.s are administratively led by LifeMD Southern Patient Medical Care, P.C., with registered office 1200 South Pine Island Road, Plantation, FL 33324. Join LifeMD for seamless, personalized care — combining expert medical guidance, convenient prescriptions, and 24/7 virtual access to urgent and primary care. Discover the health benefits and potential risks of adopting a vegan diet to help you make the best choice for your nutritional needs. Learn more about energy drink consumption, including how much is safe to consume, as well as healthier alternatives. They can offer an outside perspective on how alcohol affects your behavior and what may be triggering your desire to drink.
Make time for self-care
Some individuals may experience alcohol withdrawal syndrome, which can range from mild discomfort to severe complications requiring medical intervention if they stop drinking abruptly. Understanding these potential changes helps people prepare for the recovery process and seek appropriate support when needed. If you’ve become dependent on alcohol, cutting it out of your life may produce withdrawal symptoms, such as a rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, sweating and shaking. Psychological symptoms can include irritability, anxiety and restlessness. Perceived social support can play an important part in alcohol use recovery.
Where Can I Learn More About My Health and Well-Being?
With less alcohol in your life, you’re likely to have clearer skin, better sleep, and you may see a boost in your overall mood. A person can reverse or reduce alcohol-related health issues when they stop drinking. However, the extent of recovery depends on the duration of consumption, its severity, and an individual’s health status.
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- Information provided on Forbes Health is for educational purposes only.
- Achieving these smaller milestones can boost your confidence and motivation, keeping you focused on your ultimate goal of quitting altogether.
- If your alcohol consumption has been heavy or chronic, you may be dependent on alcohol.
- Writing down your experiences can help you identify patterns, such as situations or emotions that lead to alcohol cravings.
- Crystal Raypole has previously worked as a writer and editor for GoodTherapy.
People who consumed alcohol heavily or for extended periods typically experience more pronounced changes than those with lighter drinking patterns. By leveraging its proprietary technology platform, 50-state medical group, and nationwide mail-order pharmacy network, LifeMD is increasing access to amazing healthcare that is affordable to everyone. Explore the pros and cons of toilet paper and bidets, including hygiene, skin health, environmental impact, cost, and cultural differences, to help you choose the best option for personal care.
We can connect you to a team of healthcare professionals who can provide medical advice, treatment, and prescription medication for various conditions. No matter how well you manage your triggers or remove temptations from your life, there’s still a chance you’ll experience cravings while you reduce your alcohol intake or stop drinking. There are effective treatment approaches that can help you quit, so talk to your doctor or a mental health professional if you need more help finding options that will work for you. You might turn to friends, family, and loved ones for this type of support, but this can be challenging if your past alcohol use has alienated people in your life. It can also be problematic if the people in your immediate social circle continue to drink or if they don’t support your plans to quit. If you think you might have an alcohol use disorder, there are evidence-based treatment options that can help you to quit drinking.
This timeframe requires careful monitoring for severe complications such as delirium tremens, which commonly occurs 48 hours after stopping alcohol abruptly. It also serves as an emotional outlet, helping you to manage stress and process any challenging feelings that may otherwise trigger alcohol cravings as a coping mechanism. Staying away from certain social groups can be vital if you want to stop drinking alcohol because some environments and relationships may encourage or normalize alcohol consumption. A doctor can evaluate your health, recommend a safe detox plan, and potentially prescribe medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. Seeing a doctor before you stop drinking alcohol is essential, especially if you’ve been drinking heavily for a long time.
It may even help if you spend time with other nondrinkers for a while so you can support each other. If that’s not possible, admit your desire to drink and don’t judge yourself for it. Call or text a friend and have your goals handy to remind yourself why you’ve dropped drinking.
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Your health and wellness is unique to you, and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer individual medical advice, diagnosis or treatment plans. For personal advice, please consult with a medical professional. Tell trusted family and friends about your plan to quit or cut back on alcohol. When those around you are in the know, it can help them know not to offer you drinks.
When a craving hits, note your situation, whether you’re visiting certain places or home alone. Identifying these environmental cues can help you plan to avoid or manage them. Journalling allows you to track your progress, celebrate your how to stop drinking alcohol successes, and reflect on the positive changes that come with sobriety. By documenting your struggles and achievements, you create a visible record of your journey, strengthening your motivation and reinforcing your commitment to quitting.
How to Know When It’s Time to Cut Back
- That said, If you’ve been drinking excessively, then stopping drinking cold turkey can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
- Medical treatment from licensed providers is provided by the “LifeMD Affiliated P.C.s,” an affiliated network of medical Professional Corporations and Associations.
- Instead of criticizing yourself for having a hard time or slipping up and having a drink, remember that no one’s perfect.
- Feeling at your best physically can boost resilience and emotional strength, equipping you to weather challenges that trigger the desire to drink.
Try to avoid places where you’ve always had easy access to alcohol or frequently drank in the past, such as restaurants, bars, and even the homes of loved ones. Clear goals help you break down the more significant challenge of quitting into smaller, achievable steps, which can be less overwhelming and give you a sense of progress. Use the NIAAA’s drink size calculator to determine the amount of alcohol in various drinks.
Physical symptoms may include pronounced tremors, increased sweating, elevated heart rate, and higher blood pressure. “In the first week, I didn’t realize how much energy alcohol was stealing from me, emotionally and physically. Medical treatment from licensed providers is provided by the “LifeMD Affiliated P.C.s,” an affiliated network of medical Professional Corporations and Associations. Have a list of activities you can turn to when cravings hit, including going for a walk, calling a supportive friend, engaging in a hobby, or practicing a relaxation technique like breathwork. No matter your concerns, plenty of people will have your back on your journey to sobriety. You may be worried about what people will think of you for struggling with drinking, or perhaps you’re concerned that they’ll judge you for wanting to quit.
