How to Stop Drinking Alcohol Without AA or Rehab

Once alcohol detoxification has been completed, the next step is alcohol rehab. Kicking an alcohol habit can be tough, but with a positive attitude and support from your doctor, family, and friends, you can do it!

There is a perception out there that if you just “had more self-control,” you would be able to stop drinking. In reality, long-term and regular alcohol consumption alters the brain chemistry, so you become physically dependent on it — you actually need alcohol to feel normal. Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step programs provide peer support for people quitting or cutting back on their drinking.

How to Quit Drinking? Overcoming Alcohol Addiction

That person is usually unable to control how much or how often they drink. They are not able to stay sober for a long period of time. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.

One of the best ways to stop drinking is to stop keeping any alcohol in the home. A 6-pack in the fridge makes it too easy to reach for one at the end of a long day. It places the onus of acquiring and maintaining sobriety squarely on the individual. Hence, the person has the satisfaction and peace of mind knowing that he or she is really “doing” something to overcome addiction. This technique encourages alcohol-free behavior by providing positive reinforcement in the form of rewards and privileges. It is often a voucher-based system in which patients “gain points” for participating in counseling sessions or other therapies. Outpatient treatment is appropriate for those whose addiction is not severe, whose lives are fairly stable, and willing to participate in and commit to the treatment plan.

Strategies You Can Use In Overcoming Alcoholism

Binge drinking is generally defined as four or more drinks on one occasion for women, and five or more for men. While this may overlap with alcohol use disorder, it doesn’t necessarily. Some people binge only occasionally and may not qualify as addicted to alcohol. On average, however, one in six Americans binge drink at least once a week.

• Remove yourself from all the triggers that cause you to drink.
• Solutions include apps to help you monitor your drinking habits, a mobile breathalyzer to keep you aware of your blood alcohol content, and medication.
• People who are dependent on alcohol, or have other medical or mental health problems, should stop drinking completely.
• This is an opportunity for your brain power to grow and evolve as you begin to participate in the same activities as you have before, but while sober.

The Verified badge on our articles is a trusted sign of the most comprehensive scientifically-based medical content. Undergoing behavioral therapy with a professional counselor for alcohol addiction to change drinking patterns and habits that trigger alcohol consumption. Outpatient rehab can include one-on-one or group counseling sessions, the supervised use of medications to handle initial detoxification issues, and many forms of https://ecosoberhouse.com/ behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy can be a highly effective treatment method in outpatient settings because it encourages patients to control their addiction. Our alcohol treatment program is designed to help undo the damaging effects of alcohol on your brain AND to help you change your life. We achieve amazing results with an OUTPATIENT treatment program that focuses on both the medical and lifestyle components of alcoholism.

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Any time you cut back on a habit-forming substance such as alcohol, your body goes through withdrawals. Your body has adapted to the amount you’ve been drinking, so cutting back throws your body out of balance. Once it’s over, you’ll be able to enjoy the health effects of lower alcohol consumption. One of the first things a person beating alcoholism learns is how to avoid the people, places, and things that may trigger cravings that may result in a relapse.

• MIR is a set of evidence-based skills designed to help people fully integrate their tools of recovery in ways that are personalized, practical, and in alignment with their deepest values.
• The hardest part of getting sober is not the actual quitting or even the withdrawal symptoms during rehab; it’s admitting there is a problem and attempting to do something about it.
• SMART Recovery– Self-Management and Recovery Training is a program that aims to achieve abstinence through self-directed change.
• Remember that changing deep habits is hard, takes time, and requires repeated efforts.We usually experience failures along the way, learn from them, and then keep going.
• When someone makes the decision to stop drinking, the first 72 hours are critical, as they’re in the most painful part of the treatment and recovery process.

It’s a marathon, not a sprint, and the reward at the finish line is worth it. If you’ve been covering up for your loved one and not talking about their addiction openly for a long time, it may seem daunting to reach out for help. However, it’s important to make sure you’re getting the support you need as well. Lean on the people around you, and, if you need to, reach out to a mental health professional to speak about your stress and what you’re going through. Nena Messina is a specialist in drug-related domestic violence. She devoted her life to the study of the connection between crime, mental health, and substance abuse. Apart from her work as management at addiction center, Nena regularly takes part in the educational program as a lecturer.

Relapse Is Part of the Process

For many people who are struggling with alcohol abuse, denial is a substantial part of the addiction. The text covers other approaches such as counseling, interventions, and home treatment approaches. If you’re ready to quit drinking alcohol, but unsure where to find help, Ria Health may have a solution that works for you. Our program offers access to expert medical advice, prescription medications, recovery coaches, online support groups, and digital tracking tools, all through your smartphone. Get treatment for other medical or mental health issues. People often abuse alcohol to ease the symptoms of an undiagnosed mental health problem, such as depression or anxiety. As you seek help for alcohol addiction, it’s also important to get treatment for any other psychological issues you’re experiencing.

Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. A harm reduction approach means you set limits and practice safer drinking. If you are not willing or able to completely stop drinking right now, this is a good option. You may find it leads to safer, healthier habits that satisfy your goals; or you may use it as a “best possible” option for now. Early intervention, treatment, and management of substance use disorders.

He has grown within the organization since starting out as a Recovery Mentor and has maintained sobriety since 2019. Craig is responsible for assisting the Comptroller in collecting payments, sending and receiving invoices and ancillary transactions. In his spare time he enjoys gaming and spending time with his step daughter and significant other. My journey of recovery brought this once homeless, shame-based, traumatized, how to overcome alcoholism insecure young man to a life far beyond anything I could have ever imagined. I discovered self-worth, the joy of helping others, the gifts of parenting and grandparenting, and most importantly the ability to live a meaningful and purposeful life with integrity. My name is John Bruna, co-founder of the Mindfulness in Recovery® Institute, and more importantly, a grateful member of the recovery community.

• The Verified badge on our articles is a trusted sign of the most comprehensive scientifically-based medical content.
• Unfortunately, when society began to deal with the problem, many false ideas became rooted in our common understanding of alcoholism.
• Somehow their addiction has been twisted into a belief that alcoholism is a spiritual shortcoming.
• To help you get in the right mindset, start by writing down the reasons you want to quit.
• Depression and anxiety often go hand in hand with heavy drinking.