How can I stop drinking? Cutting down on drinking isn’t simple, especially when you’re trying to do it by yourself. The first steps are important, though they might be small. In England, lots of people are looking for help with their drinking. Knowing what to do at the start can really help you make progress. Recovery starts with some clear first steps.
To understand how big the alcohol addiction issue is, look at these numbers from official statistics: in 2019/20, there were 280,000 thousand estimated admissions to hospitals because of problems caused by drinking too much. That’s 2% more than the year before, and 8% more than four years ago. These official figures show that too much drinking is a serious problem and why it’s so important to start working on drinking less or stopping altogether.
If you’re considering a life with less or no alcohol, there are five key steps to get you started:
- Step 1: Making the Choice to Change
- Step 2: Understanding Your Drinking
- Step 3: Building a Support Network
- Step 4: Learning New Coping Strategies
- Step 5: Take it one day at a time
If you are a dependent drinker, it’s not safe to just stop drinking alcohol suddenly. This can cause alcohol withdrawal syndrome, which can be very dangerous and sometimes even life-threatening. It’s really important to seek professional advice before you try to quit drinking. They can help you do it safely and take care of any tough symptoms you might have.
Step 1: Making the Choice to Change
The initial stride towards sobriety is making the conscious decision to alter your drinking habits. It’s a significant commitment that sets you on the path to improved health. Reducing alcohol consumption can greatly benefit your health by enhancing sleep quality, boosting energy levels, and lowering the risk of accidents and injuries.
Setting a tangible goal is crucial, whether it’s to decrease your intake or to stop drinking entirely. Share this goal with supportive friends or family. Document your motivations for wanting to quit alcohol and place them where you’ll see them daily to keep your motivation strong.
Step 2: Understanding Your Drinking
To change your drinking habits, you first need to understand them. Various factors such as stress, social events, and established routines can contribute to excessive drinking. Maintaining a diary to record your alcohol consumption can be enlightening. It helps you identify triggers and patterns associated with your drinking.
Reflect on the emotions that drive you to drink. If you’re reaching for alcohol out of boredom, anxiety, or sadness, recognizing this can help you seek healthier ways to cope. Engaging in physical activities, pursuing hobbies, or having heartfelt conversations are all constructive alternatives to drinking.
Awareness of the potential risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption is crucial. Overindulgence can lead to serious health complications, including damage to the liver and heart. This knowledge can fortify your determination to reduce or eliminate alcohol from your life.
Step 3: Building a Support Network
The journey to quitting drinking is more manageable with a solid support network. Engage with friends and family who understand your goals and are willing to assist. Moreover, joining support groups or seeking professional counselling can offer the support needed to maintain sobriety.
Having someone to converse with through the tough times and to share in your successes can make a significant difference. Supportive conversations are a cornerstone of successful recovery. Moreover, digital tools and applications can aid in monitoring your progress and keeping you focused on your objectives.
Step 4: Learning New Coping Strategies
Upon quitting alcohol, it’s essential to find new ways to manage stress and emotions. Physical activities are widely recommended for mood improvement and stress reduction. You might also explore relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation.
Taking up new hobbies can be an excellent way to distract yourself from the urge to drink. Whether it’s cooking, gardening, or something else, engaging in these activities can be rewarding and fulfilling. Additionally, planning ahead for high-risk situations where you may be tempted to drink is crucial. Prepare responses for declining drinks and have non-alcoholic options available at social gatherings. It may also be wise to steer clear of places or individuals that encourage drinking, at least in the early stages of your recovery.
Step 5: Take it one day at a time
Stopping drinking is a journey, not a destination. There will be ups and downs along the way. It is important to take it one day at a time and celebrate your successes.
Remember that every small step is a victory. Reducing or quitting alcohol not only benefits your health but also improves the overall quality of your life.
It’s a transformative process that’s not just about quitting alcohol, but also about creating a new, healthier lifestyle. You may notice improvements in your sleep, energy levels, and personal relationships. Additionally, you’ll reduce the risk of suffering from alcohol-related health issues.
Determine your objectives, comprehend your drinking triggers, garner support, and adopt new coping mechanisms. These strategies are integral to making enduring changes. Keep your motivations in sight, as they will serve as a reminder of the reasons behind your commitment to change. If you encounter setbacks, persevere. It’s not uncommon to face challenges initially, but with each day’s efforts, you are one step closer to a more healthful, alcohol-free existence.
Taking Action on Your Decision
These five steps are your starting blocks to a life with less alcohol or none at all. If you’re ready to take them on, remember that you don’t have to do it alone. At Infinity Addiction Solutions, we offer counselling for people with drinking problems. We work quietly, so everything stays private. We understand what you’re going through and can help you: we have many treatments to choose from.
No matter where you are – Essex, Bristol, London, or other places in England – you can contact us. If you’re looking for support, Infinity Addiction Solutions is here to help you make this big change.
Consider Rehabilitation For a Happy, Healthy Life
Why not get in touch with Infinity Addiction Solutions today to discuss the various therapeutic options for alcohol detox? With the help of a discreet, professional company like Infinity Addiction Solutions you can take the five steps above and start to feel better, and hopefully, begin to live the happy, healthy life you truly deserve.
