Before you try to achieve sobriety, you need to think about your drinking habits. The way that a social drinker stops drinking
is different from the way that a
high-functioning alcoholic quits drinking. People with the disease of alcoholism require formal treatment. Those
who aren’t addicted to alcohol may be able to quit on their own or with the help of friends.
You can find out if you’re addicted to alcohol by taking an
alcoholism assessment quiz. These quizzes help you determine whether you meet the criteria for an alcohol use disorder
— the medical term for alcoholism, alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse. The
diagnostic criteria for an alcohol use disorder were published in the American Psychiatric Association’s fifth edition
of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
You can decide how much help you need to quit drinking based on the results of the quiz.
How to Stop Drinking
Once you know how much of a role alcohol plays in your life, you can figure out how to quit drinking. Unfortunately, abstaining
from alcohol isn’t a simple process. Things that work for some people don’t necessarily work for others.
If you’re a casual drinker, saying no to
peer pressure may not be easy. You may see a friend who is a casual drinker say no when offered a drink and wonder
why it’s easy for them. He or she may not need
self-help tools, but those resources might work for you.
Similarly, some alcoholics may be able to stop drinking with the help of Alcoholics Anonymous. Others need residential rehab
and long-term aftercare support. If one strategy doesn’t work for you, try another.
Quitting Cold Turkey
Stopping alcohol use abruptly is the riskiest way to quit drinking. If you feel physical cravings or withdrawal symptoms
when you quit drinking, you shouldn’t try to stop cold turkey. Casual or social drinkers may be able to quit cold turkey.
Dr. Kevin Wandler of Advanced Recovery Systems describes the potentially life-threatening withdrawal symptoms that can occur when a person quits drinking
alcohol cold turkey.
Learn more about the differences between causal drinking and alcoholism
Tapering
People who are physically dependent on alcohol should gradually reduce, or taper, their alcohol intake.
Dependence is different from addiction. People who are dependent but not addicted to alcohol may not require rehab.
Learn more about safe ways to detox from alcohol on your own
Asking for Support
Almost everyone who struggles to quit drinking requires some form of peer support. As with any goal, quitting alcohol is
easier if you have friends and family members supporting you. They can encourage you to stay sober and help you find
other healthy ways to have fun.
Find out how friends and family members can support an alcoholic
Self-Help Books
Self-help books can boost your confidence and motivate you to stay sober. They provide strategies and tools to help you maintain
sobriety. Numerous self-help books are available in print or online.
Read the Sobriety E-book, our free guide featuring tips on maintaining sobriety
Smartphone Apps
The app store on your cellphone has several sobriety apps that can inspire you to quit drinking and stay sober. Some apps
help you keep track of alcohol intake or sobriety dates. Others provide daily motivational quotes. They may help you
quit drinking, but most of these apps haven’t been medically reviewed.
Read about an FDA-approved app used to treat addiction
Support Groups
Alcoholic support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, provide free help for people struggling to quit drinking. People
with minor alcohol problems or people who have already received treatment for moderate or severe alcohol problems usually
benefit from AA.
Learn more about Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcohol Counseling
Anyone experiencing problems with alcohol can benefit from counseling and therapy. A counselor can help you develop personalized
strategies to get sober. Counseling can be simple or intensive depending on the severity of your drinking problems.
Find out about different types of counseling and therapy for alcoholism
Alcohol Rehab
If you’ve struggled to quit drinking or overcome alcoholism, you may require rehab. Formal treatment for
alcohol addiction allows you to detox in a safe environment and provides comprehensive therapy to teach you how to stay
sober.
Learn more about rehab for alcoholism
In general, it’s better to put time and effort into sobriety than to try to do the bare minimum. If you’ve struggled to quit
drinking, you should consider support groups, counseling or rehab. Self-help books or apps are less likely to
help you successfully quit if you are addicted to alcohol.
Seeking help for alcohol addiction?We are here for you.
Help for Alcoholics: Where to Find Sobriety Resources
People with alcohol use disorders don’t have to look far to find help. Almost every community in the United States has community
initiatives, support group meetings and some form of help for alcoholics.
Those seeking assistance while working to overcome alcoholism can talk to a therapist or expert in person or on the phone.
- Alcoholism hotlines: Several toll-free hotlines provide free information for people with alcohol use disorders
or loved ones of people affected by alcoholism.
- Other alcohol-related resources: Several websites, support groups and nonprofit organizations can help you learn
about overcoming alcoholism and staying sober.
- Rehab facilities: Addiction treatment centers can provide over-the-phone assessments and help you determine how
your insurance policy covers treatment for alcohol addiction.
If you’re still unsure of how to find help in your community, contact your local hospital or health department. Most health
care organizations can direct you to helpful resources near you.
Tips for Those Trying to Stop Drinking
For many people, abstaining from alcohol is a major lifestyle change. It requires a lot of time, effort and mental energy.
Some people can decide to quit drinking and do it without help. If you’re reading this page, you probably aren’t one
of those people. Don’t compare yourself to them.
Use these tips to increase your chances of overcoming alcohol problems:
- Stay positive. Quitting is more difficult if you have a bad attitude.
- Commit fully. Sobriety isn’t something you can achieve with minimal effort.
- Ask for help. Getting sober is hard to do on your own.
- Have faith. When you believe sobriety is possible, you’re more likely to achieve it.
- Take it one day at a time. Thinking about quitting for a year can seem daunting. Taking things one day
at a time is more achievable.
Always think about the
benefits of quitting alcohol and how they will improve your life. It may also help to think about the negatives
that alcohol causes. With a realistic strategy, support and faith, you can quit drinking and begin
alcohol recovery.
Medical Disclaimer: DrugRehab.com aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. 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.
Author
Senior Content Writer,
DrugRehab.com
Chris Elkins worked as a journalist for three years and was published by multiple newspapers and online publications. Since 2015, he’s written about health-related topics, interviewed addiction experts and authored stories of recovery. Chris has a master’s degree in strategic communication and a graduate certificate in health communication.
Medical Reviewer
Psychiatrist,
Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
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