How to Stop Drinking Alcohol

For many, drinking alcohol is a way to celebrate and have fun. Generally, sipping on wine at dinner or throwing back a shot with friends isn’t a problem. However, excessive alcohol use will harm your health. Specifically, the powerful liquid will change your brain chemistry over time. As such, your body will demand more and more alcohol to function. Presently, the number of Americans dependent on alcohol is growing. In fact, the CDC has linked binge drinking to around 88,000 deaths each year. Putting down the bottle could save your well-being, or even your life. After all, drinking too much hurts your loved ones, career, finances, and organs. Quitting isn’t a simple process though. Below, we’ll outline how to stop drinking alcohol successfully.

How to Stop Drinking Alcohol

First, reflect honestly about how severe your drinking problem has gotten. Admitting that you’re dependent on alcohol is a big step. Second, build an intervention team of close friends and family. You’ll need people to support you and hold you accountable. Third, make an appointment to see your doctor. During the physical exam, discuss your drinking habits and your desire to quit. Next, he or she will determine your risks for severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Usually, people who drink excessively suffer illness when they stop. For example, you might experience pain, nausea, anger, tremors, and cravings.

Further, you could develop dangerous seizures and breathing troubles. Given that, medical withdrawal is how to stop drinking alcohol safely. Ultimately, programs suggested by your doctor will guide you through withdrawal.

How to Stay Sober Long Term

Eventually, your alcohol Withdrawal Management treatment will end. Thereupon, you’ll need real-life strategies on how to stop drinking alcohol for good. For instance, remove all temptations to drink again. Have a friend pour all your alcohol down the drain. Likewise, feed your body wholesome foods. Trade sugars for whole grains and vegetables. Choose water and coffee over sodas that can make your energy crash. Get at least eight hours of sleep and 30 minutes of exercise each day. Frequently, the benefits of not drinking alcohol include getting in better physical shape. Above all, find a loving support system. Look for local AA groups and aftercare programs to keep recovering alongside your peers.

Get Help Quitting at Gateway

Giving up alcohol for Lent this year? Then, Gateway wants to help meet your 40 day and longer goals. We’re America’s largest nonprofit organization for getting people sober. Our alcohol rehab treatment centers in Illinois specialize in holistic care. We’ll use our own brand of Addiction Medicine to improve your physical, social, and emotional health. Our kind clinicians have helped over 1 million people realize the benefits of not drinking alcohol. Expressly, our alcohol use disorder services include:

• Medication-Assisted Treatment
• Motivational Interviewing
• Mindfulness-Based Sobriety
• Dual Diagnosis Treatment
• Alcohols Anonymous
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Don’t keep drowning your sorrows in another drink. Instead, learn how to stop drinking alcohol at Gateway. We have more than 50 years of experience in alcohol rehab. Call us today at 877.505.4673 to start your recovery.

Gateway Foundation

Gateway Foundation is a recognized leader in evidence-based addiction treatment proven to get results. Our experts in Addiction Medicine—including highly educated clinical and medical professionals and expert psychiatrists and nurses—deliver care that never stops. For over 50 years, Gateway Foundation has been helping individuals and their families recover from addictions and behavioral health issues and is the only provider that covers the entire state of Illinois with 16 facilities from the Wisconsin Border to the Kentucky Border. Gateway has specific programs focusing on substance use disorders, trauma, depression, anxiety, and other co-occurring issues. We’re licensed by the state of Illinois and accredited by the Joint Commission. We are in-network with all the major commercial insurance plans. Gateway Foundation: Addiction medicine, saving lives.