Author: Alex Thompson

Overcoming Alcohol Addiction

Peoplewith minor alcohol problems or people who have already received treatment for moderate or severe alcohol problems usuallybenefit from AA. How does the program or provider handle a return to drinking? Setbacks can be common, so you will want to know how they are addressed. For more information on a return to drinking, see An Ongoing Process. Certain medications have been shown to effectively help people stop or reduce their drinking and avoid a return to drinking.

Professional Associations of Medical and Nonmedical Addiction Specialists

Many people find that a combination of treatments works best, and you can get them together through a program. Some of these are inpatient or residential programs, where you stay at a treatment center for a while. Others are outpatient programs, where you live at home and go to the center for treatment. Alcohol use disorder is what doctors call it when you can’t control how much you drink and have trouble with your emotions when you’re not drinking.

Make a plan.

More often, people try to quit or cut back over time, experience recurrences, learn from them, and then continue on their recovery journey. For many, continued follow-up with a treatment provider is critical for overcoming alcohol problems. The provider can help adjust the treatment plan and aid long-term recovery.

  1. Certain medications have been shown to effectively help people stop or reduce their drinking and avoid a return to drinking.
  2. In fact, there are many treatment options available thanks to significant advances in medical and behavioral research over the past decades.
  3. Get cost-effective, quality addiction care that truly works.
  4. That said, If you’ve been drinking excessively, then stopping drinking cold turkey can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
  5. But maybe you’re unsure about quitting completely and don’t want to hold yourself to that goal.

Drink water.

Drink a cup of soothing tea or a tall glass of water before you imbibe—once your thirst is quenched, you may not feel the need for as much—or any—alcohol. Instead of aiming for complete abstinence, for instance, aim to drink fewer than seven days a week. “Try sober Mondays or sober Mondays through Wednesdays,” he says. If you identify with any of the scenarios above, try the expert tips below for reducing your alcohol consumption (or even eliminating it altogether).

Alcohol Counseling

For 3 to 4 weeks, write down every time you have a drink and how much you drink. Reviewing the results, you may be surprised at your weekly drinking habits. Sunnyside uses a psychology-based approach to help you drink more mindfully, no matter what your goal is. You’ll get a 100% custom plan, then daily texts to track your progress and help you stay on target.

Some people may think the only way to deal with it is with willpower, as if it’s a problem they have to work through all on their own. Express your concerns in a caring way and encourage your friend or family member to get help. Try to remain neutral and don’t argue, lecture, accuse, or threaten. Once you’ve made the decision to change, the next step is establishing clear drinking goals. The more specific, realistic, and clear your goals, the better.

How to help someone stop drinking

Many others substantially reduce their drinking and report fewer alcohol-related problems. Some people just need a short, focused counseling session. Others may want one-on-one therapy for a longer time to deal with issues like anxiety or depression. Alcohol use can have a big effect on the people close to you, so couples or family therapy can help, too.

Letting others know about your choice to stop drinking may help motivate you to stick with your decision. Get cost-effective, quality addiction care that truly works.

Overcoming an addiction to alcohol can be a long and bumpy road. And you don’t have to wait until you hit rock bottom; you can make a change at any time. Whether you want to quit drinking altogether or cut down to healthier levels, these guidelines can help you get started on the road to recovery today. Alcoholics Anonymous® (also known as “AA”) and other 12-step programs provide peer support for people quitting or cutting back on their drinking. Combined with treatment led by health care providers, mutual-support groups can offer a valuable added layer of support. Based on clinical experience, many health care providers believe that support from friends and family members is important in overcoming alcohol problems.