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If you’re looking at this page, then it means you’re interested in making a positive change in your life. Now's a great time to turn that into a concrete plan and take immediate action, while you feel that motivation. Repairing a toxic relationship with alcohol can be a long process, but don't let that discourage you. There are millions of people who have gone through this, and it gets so much easier with their support and advice. Stay kind to yourself and appreciate each improvement and effort you make along the way. It's a marathon, not a sprint, and the reward at the finish line is worth it.
Steps
What Are Some Helpful Strategies for Overcoming Addiction?
Help and Resources to Quit Drinking
Expert Q&A
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QuestionI drink once a week, but when I start, I drink too much. My husband and friends drinks too. What can I do to help me quit?Paul Chernyak is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Chicago. He graduated from the American School of Professional Psychology in 2011.Remove yourself from all the triggers that cause you to drink. Try to find things to do with sober people when your husband and friend engage in drinking. Also, be sure to let them know of your intentions to quit drinking as well so they might be more mindful of your needs.
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QuestionHow do I help a friend quit drinking alcohol?Paul Chernyak is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Chicago. He graduated from the American School of Professional Psychology in 2011.Your friend needs to want to quit for themselves. However, you can provide them with some resources to turn to for help, guidance and education. They may be contemplating quitting but not yet ready to take action.
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Additional Resources
| Organization | Phone Number |
|---|---|
| Alcoholics Anonymous | (212) 870-3400 |
| National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence | (800) 622-2255 |
| Al-Anon Family Groups | (757) 563-1600 |
| Recovery.org | (888) 599-4340 |
Tips
- Remember to take it one day at a time and don't think of future events. Just deal with today.Thanks
- It helps to do some research about the harmful effects of heavy drinking. This can make you more committed to quitting.Thanks
- Remember that giving up a lesser pleasure (getting drunk) for a greater one (health, a better relationship, or a clear conscience) is actually the easier path in the long run. It will all be worth it in the end!Thanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- Try to spend time in a room which isn't the room where you would usually drink—it can help you stay away from the association of drinking. For example, if you usually drink in the kitchen, stay out of the kitchen and spend more time in your bedroom.
- Find activities that you can do that don't involve drinking. Invite friends to do them with you! If you keep busy, you'll be less likely to drink or to crave a drink.
- If you have carbonated water or beverages in your fridge, they can help when you have a craving for the fizziness of an ice-cold beer.
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Warnings
- Withdrawal symptoms can be serious for heavy drinkers. Stay in touch with your doctor and call emergency services if you have seizures or hallucinations.Thanks
- If you're detoxing, don't do it alone. Have someone there with you who can get medical help if you need it.Thanks
References
- ↑ https://counseling.uoregon.edu/drinking-goals
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3928290/
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/addictions/overcoming-alcohol-addiction.htm
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/11-ways-to-curb-your-drinking
- ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/11-ways-to-curb-your-drinking
- ↑ Lauren Urban, LCSW. Licensed Psychotherapist. Expert Interview. 3 September 2018.
- ↑ https://www.castlecraig.co.uk/addiction-resources/do-i-have-to-quit-drinking-if-my-partner-is-an-alcoholic/
- ↑ https://www.health.gov.au/topics/alcohol/about-alcohol/how-can-you-reduce-or-quit-alcohol
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/addictions/overcoming-alcohol-addiction.htm
- ↑ https://www.soberish.co/dry-january-support-system-sobriety/
- ↑ Lauren Urban, LCSW. Licensed Psychotherapist. Expert Interview. 3 September 2018.
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/addictions/overcoming-alcohol-addiction.htm
- ↑ https://www.rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/tools/Interactive-worksheets-and-more/Stay-in-control/Coping-With-Urges-To-drink.aspx
- ↑ Lauren Urban, LCSW. Licensed Psychotherapist. Expert Interview. 3 September 2018.
- ↑ https://www.rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/tools/Interactive-worksheets-and-more/Stay-in-control/Coping-With-Urges-To-drink.aspx
- ↑ https://www.uis.edu/counselingcenter/resources/refuseadrink/
- ↑ https://www.rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/tools/Interactive-worksheets-and-more/Stay-in-control/Coping-With-Urges-To-drink.aspx
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/addictions/overcoming-alcohol-addiction.htm
- ↑ https://www.rethinkingdrinking.niaaa.nih.gov/tools/Interactive-worksheets-and-more/Stay-in-control/Coping-With-Urges-To-drink.aspx
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alcohol-use-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20369250
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5193234/
- ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5193234/
- ↑ https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/infosheet/choosing-a-support-group-thats-right-for-you
- ↑ https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/treatment-alcohol-problems-finding-and-getting-help
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alcohol-use-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20369250
- ↑ https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/treatment-alcohol-problems-finding-and-getting-help
- ↑ https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/clinical+resources/clinical+programs+and+practice+guidelines/substance+misuse+and+dependence/substance+withdrawal+management/alcohol+withdrawal+management
- ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alcohol-use-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20369250
- ↑ https://adf.org.au/reducing-risk/relapse/
About This Article
Article Summary
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Kicking an alcohol habit can be tough, but with a positive attitude and support from your doctor, family, and friends, you can do it! To help you get in the right mindset, start by writing down the reasons you want to quit. These might include improving your health or having a better relationship with your family. Once you’ve decided to quit, talk to your doctor. They can help you develop healthy and effective strategies for getting and staying sober and may even prescribe medications to make the process easier. Since quitting cold turkey is often difficult or ineffective, choose a quitting date some time in the future and gradually taper off your drinking until you reach that date. Your doctor can help you develop a realistic timeline. To avoid temptation, keep alcohol out of your house and stay away from situations where you might feel pressured to drink, like parties or other events where people are drinking socially. For more tips from our co-author, including how to get support as you’re trying to quit, read on!
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- "I have been drinking a pint of vodka a night for about 3 years. I used it to relax, to sleep, and to even be comfortable with a spouse. Everything that has been said in this article, I have done. My outlook on life and hindsight has been 100% the changer. Looking back at my father and my childhood, it makes you realize just reading this out loud. So, I'm going to keep trying to find other habits that turn into traits that form our characteristics. Thank you. Now the hardest part." ..." more
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"I have been drinking a pint of vodka a night for about 3 years. I used it to relax, to sleep, and to even be comfortable with a spouse. Everything that has been said in this article, I have done. My outlook on life and hindsight has been 100% the changer. Looking back at my father and my childhood, it makes you realize just reading this out loud. So, I'm going to keep trying to find other habits that turn into traits that form our characteristics. Thank you. Now the hardest part."
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