If You Want to Stop Drinking, Start Here
Stopping alcohol can feel overwhelming. Sometimes it may feel like you’re walking the path, not knowing where to go. You don’t have to do it alone. If you’re reading this, you or someone you care about might be ready to know how to stop drinking alcohol.
Our team at We Level Up Washington is here to help you break free from heavy drinking habits and alcohol use disorder. This guide offers clear, compassionate steps based on practical advice and emotional support.
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Why Quitting Alcohol Matters
Heavy drinking can affect various aspects of your life. Not only can it cause physical health risks, but it can also affect your relationships. There are also mental health conditions that are linked to alcohol use. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, post-traumatic stress disorder, ADHD, and depression are associated with alcohol use disorder.
Long-term alcohol consumption increases blood pressure, harms your liver, and increases the risks of depression and anxiety. Drinking too much may weaken your body’s immune system for up to 24 hours.
When you decide to stop taking alcohol, you’re taking a powerful step toward better health and stronger connections with friends and family members.
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Addressing Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms
Stopping alcohol consumption can be very challenging for some individuals. If you’re a heavy drinker, quitting alcohol can cause withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms commonly affect most individuals with alcohol use disorder who quit or decrease their alcohol intake.
Withdrawal symptoms usually appear within 6-24 hours of decreasing or stopping alcohol use.
Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be mild or severe. The symptoms may include:
- anxiety
- upset stomach
- confusion
- feeling low or depressed
- tremor
- irritability
- sweating
- increased heart rate
- extreme tiredness
- nausea and vomiting
- increased blood pressure
- palpitations
- loss of appetite
- headaches
- difficulty sleeping
- hyperthermia
Not everyone who stops drinking will have withdrawal symptoms. Always consult a healthcare professional to help someone going through the withdrawal period safely.
Health Benefits of Quitting Alcohol
Cessation of alcohol drinking changes life significantly. It can improve various aspects of life for you and the people around you. Stopping alcohol consumption can provide the following benefits.
- Better mood
- Improved quality of sleep
- Increased energy
- Better relationships with your loved ones
- Better performance at work
- Enhanced focus and concentration
- Lower risk of long-term health problems, such as cancer and heart disease
- More savings
- Improved self-esteem affected by alcohol dependence.
Always consider these benefits, so you will be motivated to continue the journey of quitting alcohol.
Steps to Stop Drinking Alcohol
Taking control of your relationship with alcohol starts with a clear plan. Whether you’re a heavy drinker or wondering how to stop drinking wine or any alcohol, these steps can guide you.
1. Consult a Healthcare Professional
If you’re dependent on alcohol, don’t go cold turkey alone. Abrupt cessation may result in some serious effects, such as seizures or delirium tremens. A professional health provider will assess your health and recommend safe ways to stop alcohol consumption. It can be medications or therapies to ease cravings or withdrawal symptoms.
Action Tip: Schedule a visit with a doctor to discuss your drinking habits and create a tailored plan.
2. Create a Support System
You don’t have to do this alone. Join support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous® (AA) to connect with others who understand your journey. These programs offer peer support for individuals cutting back or quitting alcohol.
Share your goal to stop drinking with trusted friends and family. Their support and encouragement can greatly help. Do not hesitate to approach your loved ones and ask for their guidance as you go through the process of quitting alcohol use disorder.
3. Identify and Avoid Triggers
What makes you reach for an alcoholic drink? It is important to recognize the things that make you start drinking again. Some triggers that may lead to drinking alcohol include the following:
- stress
- financial worries
- peer pressure
- loneliness
- physical pain
- boredom
- attending social events
- visiting places like bars and pubs
- depression and anxiety
- availability of substance
- family history of alcohol and other substance use disorders
By identifying these triggers, you can develop better ways to avoid or manage them. You can do the following:
- Replace drinking with a good habit, such as exercise or keeping a journal.
- Plan and come up with alcohol-free activities. (e.g., hiking or coffee with friends)
- Avoid alcoholic drinks and keep them out of your house to minimize temptation.
4. Explore Treatment Options
If heavy drinking has led to alcohol dependence, then professional treatment can be life-changing. At We Level Up Washington, we offer personalized programs, including therapy, medical detox, and counseling. These programs address both physical and mental health needs.
- Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) helps reframe your relationship with alcohol.
- Detox: Detox is safe because it allows detoxification in a professionally supervised environment.
- Aftercare: Support after the treatment is needed to avoid relapses. This also promotes long-term recovery.
5. Celebrate Small Wins
Consider each day without drinking a success. It may be a small win, but as days go on, it will be a great achievement. Keep track of your progress, on getting better sleep, clearer thinking, or better relationships. When you go alcohol-free, reward yourself with non-alcoholic treats, such as your favorite food or a new leisure interest.
Staying Alcohol-Free
Quitting alcohol is challenging. But it’s a rewarding journey if you commit yourself to changing for the better. Talk to your doctor to learn alternatives to drinking.
What you’re doing isn’t easy. Reward yourself with something to stay motivated. It can be your favorite dessert or a trip for a new adventure. You’ll see how fulfilling it is as you reward yourself every time you overcome a step in quitting alcohol.
The journey to stopping alcohol drinking will not always be smooth. You can get frustrated and hopeless at one point. Always go back to your plan to regain focus.
Remember why you’re reducing or quitting alcohol. Be inspired by how your life will improve when you achieve your goals.
Don’t be hard on yourself, thinking you’ve been addicted to alcohol. You’re not alone in this journey. Forgive yourself and start a better future. What you’re doing is not only for yourself, but also for the people you love.
Get Help. Get Better. Get Your Life Back.
Searching for Accredited Dual Diagnosis Mental Health Centers Near You?
Even if therapy failed previously, or are in the middle of a difficult crisis, we stand ready to support you. Our trusted behavioral health specialists will not give up on you. When you feel ready or just want someone to speak to about counseling alternatives to change your life call us. Even if we cannot assist you, we will lead you to wherever you can get support. There is no obligation. Call our hotline today.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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Where in Spokane Valley, Washington, can you find treatment for drinking alcohol?
We Level Up Washington, located in Spokane Valley, offers comprehensive treatment for alcohol use disorder, including detox, therapy, and support groups. You can begin your recovery with us.
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Where in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, can you find treatment for drinking alcohol?
Coeur d’Alene is close to We Level Up Washington in Spokane Valley. We provide expert care for those struggling with alcohol dependence.
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What if my family member is dependent on alcohol?
Help them to seek professional help and start quitting alcohol drinking. Be encouraging and supportive. Inspire them to focus on their improvement rather than on failures.
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Hotline: (509) 348-4077End the Emotional Pain Rollercoaster. Gain Stability & Happiness Through Recovery Treatment. Start Mental Health Counseling Today. Get Free No-obligation Guidance by Behaviroal Health Specialists Who Understand Mental Health Recovery.
We Can Help
Alcoholism is difficult to overcome, but it’s possible with the right help. At We Level Up Washington, our commitment is to help people stop drinking alcohol and give them the best shot at recovery success. If you or your loved one would love to learn more details, contact us today. Let us help you go on this journey together.
If you or a loved one is struggling with how to stop drinking alcohol, call today to speak with our team and learn more about our programs. We Level Up Washington: (509) 348-4077. Your next step starts here.
