But there are other drinkers, including some who are in the habit of drinking more than one or two drinks a day, who may be able to cut back or moderate their consumption and reduce their risk. Millions of people join support groups to help stop drinking and stay stopped. Studies show support groups play an instrumental role in helping people develop healthy social networks that result in continued sobriety. While many think drinking alcohol before bed will help them nod off and stay asleep, it’s quite the opposite.
It’s essential to create a support system to help you quit drinking alcohol successfully. Share your plans with your family and friends so they can support you throughout the journey. If you don’t have family or friends nearby, or if you need additional support, consider reaching out to a support group such as Alcoholics Anonymous or SMART Recovery. They will provide you with the necessary resources and guidance to help you achieve your goals. Getting to the end of a month without alcohol is a huge accomplishment. By this time, physical withdrawal symptoms should’ve cleared and you may be experiencing less anxiety and depression.
Severe Symptoms
In particular, she’s committed to helping decrease stigma around mental health issues. She lives in Washington with her son and a lovably recalcitrant cat. Just as different things can trigger alcohol cravings from person to person, different strategies can help you manage them. Taking time to explore the specific people, places, and situations that cue your urge to drink can make a big difference. But even when you don’t know anyone else trying to make a similar change, friends and loved ones can still offer emotional support. External triggers refer to the environmental cues you link to alcohol, including places, times, people, and situations.
- It’s common to have a difficult time when making big changes, but good self-care practices can help you manage overwhelming feelings and take care of your mind and body.
- Understanding your habits and your motivations to quit drinking can help you understand the change you’re making in your life and reinforce why it’s important.
- For other people, stopping drinking can be essential for medical reasons.
- Call or text a friend and have your goals handy to remind yourself why you’ve dropped drinking.
Another clue that can be an indication of an unhealthy relationship with alcohol is if you make “rules” around drinking. A sober life doesn’t have to mean more time at home as you https://ecosoberhouse.com/ try to block out triggers. It can mean more time for your other interests, and even new interests. More time to meet new people, catch up with old friends and try new things.
Think through the situations when you tend to reach for a drink—and plan a new approach.
Your provider can also assess to see if there’s a need for medication to help reduce or stop drinking. Plus, they can link you to support services and track your drinking after work progress through follow-up visits. While everyone’s timeline is different, many people start to feel the benefits of sobriety more fully with two weeks down.
The first is that you cut back your use of alcohol in whatever way you decide and that you then pay attention to what thoughts and feelings emerge. The idea here is that alcohol serves to mediate feelings by numbing, dulling, or blocking them entirely, and when you reduce your use or even stop drinking, your feelings will come back. As this happens, it is often recommended that you keep a journal or that you talk to your friends, family, partner, or therapist about these thoughts and feelings.
Here’s What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Drinking for 30 Days
Soon you’ll be on your way to more restful sleep, but in the meantime, developing a relaxing alcohol-free nighttime routine can help minimize discomfort. If you are reading this, you are well on your way to understanding yourself better and getting what you want and need in life. It goes without saying that it’s important to pay attention to drink equivalents. A typical shot equals one 5-ounce glass of wine, which equals one 12-ounce standard beer. If your favorite bartender is pouring your drinks and he knows you are a big tipper who likes to drink, you might need to have a brief conversation with him. Believe me, bartenders are used to these conversations, and they will not hold it against you.