Alcoholism is no joke. The availability and prevalence of this substance in our society have created an illusion that it is not as dangerous or addictive as it really is. In reality, alcohol is highly addictive both physically and mentally, and it is connected with over 80,000 deaths in the United States every year. These facts point to the reality that once addicted, quitting alcohol is a difficult feat. However, it is not impossible. Here are 7 tips on how to quit drinking alcohol and 7 quotes to remember along this journey.
Leave Your Ego at The Door & Ask For Help
There is never anything wrong with asking for help. Forget about “I’m fine” or “I’ll do it myself”. That is all your ego talking. If you could get sober on your own, you already would have. It is time to accept that you have a problem and that you need help. Getting sober is a process with lots of risks and lots of rewards. Call an addiction treatment center that has the team, the experience, and the tools to help you get sober safely.
“Or, rather, let us be more simple and less vain.”
― Rousseau Jean-Jacques
End Excuses, and Make a Decision to Stop
Whether your excuses are about your pet, your kids, your job, or whatever, just stop. Continuing to drink does not only harm yourself but it harms those around you. What your dog, kids, spouse, boss, and co-workers all really need is for you to be sober and healthy. So, stop making excuses and make a decision to stop drinking. Only give yourself the option of recovery and healing.
“Negative thinking is subtle and deceptive. It wears many faces and hides behind the mask of excuses. It is important to strip away the mask and discover the real, root emotion.”
-Robert H. Schuller
Show Gratitude & Be Proud of Progress
Staying positive can be difficult when you are trying to quit drinking alcohol. There is a chemical imbalance in your body, but the mind is more powerful than we often realize. Every day, put effort into showing gratitude for what you do have. Be grateful for every day of sobriety that you add and proudly share your progress with those around you. When others share in your achievements, it can be a sense of accomplishment and positivity that further feeds the recovery process.
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”
-John F. Kennedy
Avoid Temptation, Take a Hike
Why dance with the devil when you can sing with the angels? If you want to quit drinking alcohol, don’t go to places where you used to drink or hang out with people who you know won’t support your recovery. Find new activities that don’t involve drinking and can add joy to your life, like literally taking a hike in nature. Volunteer in your free time or pick up a new hobby. Spend time with those who support your recovery and engage in things that bring positive energy.
“We gain the strength of the temptation we resist.”
-Ralph Waldo Emerson
Spread The Word, Build Support
Tell your friends and family that you are working on bettering yourself. Invite those who care along your journey. Building a support system is going to be critical during rehab and throughout the rest of your life.
“I think I have an addiction to pretty much everything. I mean, I have to be very careful with myself as far as that goes, which is why I have a support group around me consistently.”
-Corey Haim
Don’t be Proud, be Open to Options
Be proud of your progress, but don’t be too proud to accept certain treatment options. Whether it be medication-assisted treatment such as Naltrexone or alternative therapies like acupuncture, don’t close yourself off to something that can help you get or stay sober. Every individual is different and finding the treatment plan that works for you may mean trying some therapies that are not what you expected. One thing is for certain, nothing will work if you do not have an open mind.
“Our vanity is hardest to wound precisely when our pride has just been wounded.”
-Friedrich Nietzsche
Just Do It
You’ve been reading long enough. Stop thinking about recovery and do it. Make the call and begin your journey to a better, sober life. You can and you will do it.
“Just Do It.”
-Nike
What to Expect When you Quit Drinking Alcohol
Depending on how long you have been drinking and how much you would drink, you may experience an array of withdrawal symptoms in the first few days. Stick with you play and fight through this phase. You may need the help of a medical detox program to manage severe withdrawal symptoms. Due to societal norms and the fact that alcohol is basically everywhere, it can be emotionally challenging to maintain sobriety even after detoxing. Expect to need emotional and social support for an extended amount of time. Plan to surround your self with people who support your desire to quit drinking.
Support for Overcoming Alcoholism
There are countless resources available to individuals who have a desire to quit drinking. They range from free virutal resources to long-term, luxury residential treatment getaways. It is likely that you will benefit from a combination of different resources and support options. Here are a few resources to consider:
- Alcoholics Anonymous
- SMART Recovery
- Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS)
- Women for Sobriety
- American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM)
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
- National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
- Your Primary Care Physician
Located in Maryland?
Explore local resources in your city to help you stop drinking. Select you city?
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Get Help Now
At The Freedom Center, the majority of our clients are individuals who have struggled with alcohol abuse. Whether they want or need to quit drinking, we are here to help them every step of the way. Alcohol addiction is one of the most common substance use disorders in the United States and many people can’t “just quit.” From withdrawal symptoms to social expectation and stigma, it can be daunting to overcome this disease. Don’t do it alone. Call us today at (888) 530-5023 to speak with an admissions specialist.
