Vents Magazine Music and Entertainment Magazine 
An individual who decides to stop drinking is on their way to sobriety. The road to sobriety has challenges for some individuals. Keep in mind that some factors play a role in this journey.
For example, the amount a person drinks, length of time, and drink of choice determine how easy ending the habit becomes.
In addition, most people experience withdrawal when they quit drinking alcohol. Therefore, it’s important to prepare for the symptoms.
The following are the seven best ways to stop drinking alcohol.
1. Drink Water
Sometimes when a person is thirsty, they reach for the closest hydrating, cold beverage. However, alcohol falls into the diuretic category. Therefore, it dehydrates the drinker more quickly.
Instead of reaching for a drink, reach for water. Professional athletes and medical community members believe that everyone should drink half their body weight in ounces of water daily.
If you think water is boring and flavorless, you have a point. Consider sprucing it up with flavor packets or adding fruit. Consuming water helps individuals wean themselves off alcohol.
2. Substitute with a Non-Alcoholic Drink
In addition to consuming water, substitute alcohol with a non-alcoholic drink. Exercise some caution with this technique. It’s easy to go from alcohol to sugary drinks.
However, the goal is to decrease the amount of alcohol consumed. Thus, consider substituting with performance drinks, protein shakes, and fresh fruit juices.
You can also substitute your favorite cocktail with its virgin counterpart.
3. Set a Goal
Having glasses of wine during dinner and before bed became a trend. It has also had disastrous effects, especially for women.
Some individuals successfully taper off their alcohol consumption after setting a goal. The strategy begins with a self-assessment. Those who consume three drinks a day can consider cutting that down to two for one week.
Then, cut it down to one for two weeks. It’s possible to stop drinking completely within a month.
Keep in mind that inpatient and outpatient programs remain available to all individuals. If you need a springboard toward sobriety, Hollywood Hills Recovery is one option.
4. Keep a Diary
Many people believe that they have great memories. When overcoming a drinking habit, put pen to paper instead and keep a diary.
It’s important to note every drink, even sips. Then, write down the reason for the drink.
Common reasons why people drink excessively include:
- Peer pressure
- Social acceptance
- Genetics
- Environment
- Mental health disorders
- Stress
Some career paths have higher rates of alcoholism such as:
- Legal
- Medical
- Financial
- Food service
- Construction
Individuals who tune into the reason why the drink in the first place can tackle the habit more efficiently.
Over time, it’s easier to spot patterns that reveal insightful information.
5. Remove Alcohol from Your Home
There is no reason to keep temptation in your home. Therefore, remove all alcohol from your house including mixers.
Then, replace the substance with bottles of water, fresh fruits for juices, and non-alcoholic drink substitutes.
Also, consider spending more time away from environments that serve adult beverages. Instead, spend time hiking, meditating, or visiting landmarks. This keeps your brain occupied and the natural dopamine levels high.
6. Understand Your Triggers
After removing the temptation at home, explore the other triggers. Some people give in to peer pressure. In some cases, individuals grew up with the influence around them.
If stress causes the urge to reach for a drink, find alternative ways to deal with it. Some individuals drink out of boredom. Therefore, they need to find some productive hobbies.
Binge drinking among college students continues increasing. They find the activity around them. Plus, their friends engage in the habit.
7. Attend a Meeting
Alcoholics Anonymous got its start in 1935. A stockbroker and surgeon started the organization to help each other overcome their alcoholism. The organization spread across the United States and Canada.
An AA journey is a spiritual one. The proof is in the pudding. Attending a meeting has helped millions of individuals with alcohol use disorders. Plus, it helps them remain sober.
Those who require extra support can enter an inpatient rehabilitation program. Outpatient therapy sessions also deliver results for individuals struggling with a drinking habit.
Conclusion
If quitting drinking becomes a challenge, remember that help remains available to you. Detoxing in a medical and professional environment benefits several individuals too. It puts you on a path toward success.
