10 Ways to Stop Drinking Alcohol

Perhaps this year you want to stop drinking alcohol, but you are bumping up against obstacles. Try applying these 10 ways to stop drinking alcohol, then reach out for additional help from a compassionate Christian counselor if you want a customized treatment plan.

10 ways to stop drinking alcohol.

1. Set a goal and make a plan to reduce or stop drinking.

You will experience greater success if you make a plan to stop drinking. First, set clear and specific goals. Decide on a specific amount of alcohol you want to consume or a certain date by which you want to stop drinking altogether. Make a plan for slip-ups too. No one is perfect, so have a plan for what you will do if you do slip up and have a drink.Top of Form

2. Keep track of your drinking habits and set limits for yourself.

Track your progress. Keep a journal to track your progress, including how much you drink, your mood, and any challenges you face.

3. Avoid situations that may trigger the urge to drink.

Identify triggers and high-risk situations. Be aware of situations or emotions that may lead you to drink, and plan how to avoid or cope with them. Have an accountability partner ready to call when you are tempted to engage in situations that trigger your urge to drink.

4. Find alternative activities to replace drinking, such as exercise or hobbies.

Look for activities that can replace drinking in your life, such as exercise, hobbies, or socializing with friends and family. Reconnect with activities and people who have brought you joy before and are not associated with alcohol use.

5. Seek support from friends and family, or consider joining a support group.

Reach out to friends and family for support and consider joining a support group for individuals who are trying to stop drinking. Alcoholics Anonymous and Celebrate Recovery are two popular examples of support groups for people who want to stop drinking alcohol.

6. Explore medication options, such as those used to treat alcohol addiction.

Several medications are used to help individuals stop drinking or reduce their alcohol consumption. These include:

Naltrexone. This medication blocks the effects of opioids in the brain, which can reduce cravings for alcohol.

Acamprosate. This medication is thought to help reduce symptoms of alcohol withdrawal and cravings.

Disulfiram. This medication causes unpleasant symptoms when alcohol is consumed, serving as a deterrent to drinking.

Topiramate. This medication is an anticonvulsant drug that has been found to be effective in reducing alcohol consumption.

Baclofen. This medication is a muscle relaxant that has been found to be effective in reducing alcohol consumption.

It’s important to note that these medications may have side effects and they are not suitable for everyone and should be used under the guidance and supervision of a medical professional. It should also be mentioned that medication alone is not sufficient, it’s usually used along with therapy or counseling to address the underlying psychological and social factors that contribute to alcohol addiction.

7. Remind yourself of the negative consequences of excessive drinking.

Excessive drinking, also known as alcohol abuse or alcoholism, can have a wide range of negative consequences, both short-term and long-term, including:

Physical health problems. Excessive drinking can lead to liver damage, heart disease, cancer, and a variety of other health problems.

Mental health problems. Alcohol abuse can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.

Social problems. Excessive drinking can cause problems in relationships, at work, and in other social settings.

Legal problems. Drinking and driving or other alcohol-related criminal behavior can lead to arrest and incarceration.

Financial problems. The cost of excessive drinking can add up over time and can lead to financial difficulties.

Injury and accidents. Excessive drinking increases the risk of accidents and injuries, such as falls, car crashes, and burns.

Increased risk of addiction. Alcohol abuse can lead to the development of other forms of addiction, such as drug addiction.

Memory loss and cognitive impairment. Excessive drinking can cause memory loss and can damage cognitive function over time.

Birth defects. Drinking during pregnancy can cause a range of birth defects and developmental disorders in children.

Increased risk of suicide. Alcohol abuse is associated with an increased risk of suicide.

Increased risk of violence and aggression. Excessive drinking can lead to an increased risk of violence and aggression towards oneself or others.

This list will serve as a reminder of your motivation to stay on track.

8. Practice stress management techniques, such as meditation or yoga.

Stress management techniques can help stop drinking for several reasons:

Stress is a common trigger for alcohol use. Many people turn to alcohol as a way to cope with stress, but drinking can actually worsen stress levels in the long run. Stress management techniques can help individuals find healthier ways to cope with stress.

Relaxation techniques can reduce cravings. Relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing, can reduce cravings for alcohol by calming the mind and body.

Mindfulness practices can increase awareness. Mindfulness practices, such as mindfulness meditation, can increase awareness of triggers and cravings, making it easier to identify and avoid them.

Stress management techniques can improve overall well-being. Stress management techniques can help improve overall well-being by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. When you feel good, you’re less likely to turn to alcohol as a coping mechanism.

They can help with emotional regulation. Stress management techniques can help individuals regulate their emotions, which is important for managing cravings and avoiding relapse.

It’s important to note that stress management techniques should be used along with other strategies such as therapy or counseling, medication, or support groups to address the underlying psychological and social factors that contribute to alcohol addiction.

9. Seek help if you experience withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop drinking.

When an individual who has been drinking excessively stops drinking, they may experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and can include:

Tremors: shaking or trembling of the hands, arms, legs, or whole body

Sweating: excessive sweating, especially on the face and palms

Nausea and vomiting: stomach discomfort and the urge to vomit

Insomnia: difficulty sleeping or insomnia

Anxiety and agitation: feeling anxious, restless, or irritable

Depression: feeling sad or hopeless

Fatigue: feeling tired or weak

Loss of appetite: not feeling hungry or not wanting to eat

Heart palpitations: feeling your heart race or pound

Hallucinations: seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not real

Seizures: sudden and uncontrolled muscle contractions

It’s important to note that withdrawal symptoms can be dangerous, especially in severe cases of alcohol dependence. It is recommended to seek professional help and undergo a medical detox under the supervision of a healthcare professional to ensure safety and comfort during the withdrawal process.

10. Consider seeking professional help, such as counseling or therapy.

Counseling or therapy can be an effective way to help individuals stop drinking for several reasons:

Address underlying issues. Counseling or therapy can help individuals identify and address the underlying psychological or emotional issues that may be contributing to their alcohol use. These might include issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, or trauma.

Develop coping skills. Counseling or therapy can help individuals develop coping skills for dealing with stress, cravings, and triggers. These might include stress management techniques, mindfulness practices, or cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Learn about addiction. Counseling or therapy can help individuals understand more about addiction, including how it develops, how it affects the brain, and what factors may contribute to it.

Provide support. Counseling or therapy can provide individuals with a supportive environment where they can talk about their experiences and feelings related to their alcohol use.

Identify and change negative patterns. Counseling or therapy can help individuals identify and change negative patterns of behavior related to their alcohol use.

Family therapy. Family therapy can help address the impact of alcohol use on loved ones and the family dynamics that may have contributed to the addiction.

Motivation enhancement therapy. This type of therapy can help individuals to increase their motivation to change and reduce their alcohol consumption.

It’s important to note that different types of therapy may be more effective for different individuals, so it may be helpful to try different approaches to find what works best. To learn how Christian counseling can help you stop drinking alcohol, reach out to me or one of the other counselors in our online counselor directory today.