10 best ways to stop drinking alcohol

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The decision to stop drinking alcohol can save the lives of people who feel that they are becoming addicted to alcohol. However, recovering from alcohol abuse, staying sober, and controlling alcohol cravings is a difficult struggle. There are many ways to get sober. For a person wondering how they can stop drinking, here are the top 10 ways to stop drinking alcohol.

1. make a plan

Make a plan to stop drinking alcohol by setting a date. Post the date in a place where you can see it often. If you’re a heavy drinker, you should slow down first to avoid withdrawal symptoms that can be life-threatening (in this case, involve your doctor in your plan to come up with a more appropriate date plan).

2. Identify triggers

The urge to drink alcohol is triggered by internal or external triggers. The key to quitting drinking and staying sober is identifying and avoiding triggers. External triggers, such as places, people, and things that are associated with drinking behaviors and opportunities, can quickly lead to relapse. High-risk situations are more obvious, more predictable, and more avoidable compared to internal triggers.

Internal triggers are caused by thoughts, negative emotions such as frustrations, positive emotions such as excitement, physical sensations such as headaches, anxiety, and tension. Once you have identified your triggers, work on how to avoid being led to drink.

3. Avoid high-risk situations

The best strategy to stop drinking is to avoid high-risk situations. Avoid social settings where alcohol is served. Do not buy or store alcohol at home, as this will easily tempt you. Friends and family can also help by abstaining from alcohol in the presence of people in recovery.

4. Build a strong support network

Make sure you surround yourself with positive people. This will help you develop and improve your self-esteem and confidence. Without a positive support network, it is difficult to make changes that will lead to sobriety entirely. An available social media support is particularly important during the first months of recovery.

5. Communicate effectively

Having effective communication with family, friends, and coworkers can help them understand the different aspects and challenges involved on their road to recovery. Expressing yourself with them will help them provide more support and assistance.

6. Incorporate a nutritious diet

A healthy diet and adequate hydration are important to an alcoholic’s healing process. Proper nutrition, as well as hydration, help restore physical and mental health, improving the chances of recovery.

Macro and micronutrient deficiencies can cause low energy levels, depression, and anxiety, which are triggers that can lead to relapse. Your diet should incorporate types of foods that improve digestion, promote consistent blood sugar throughout your body, and improve brain chemistry. A healthy digestion process optimizes the rate of absorption of vitamins, amino acids, and minerals that help reduce cravings for alcohol. An adequate intake of lean protein ensures that your brain produces optimal amounts of neurotransmitters that are associated with feelings of well-being.

The comprehensive nutrition education program and individualized nutritional counseling have been found to improve the success rate of sobriety at 3 months in people with substance abuse problems. If you want to stop drinking alcohol on your own, here are some nutrition tips you can follow.

  • Don’t make major diet changes right away. Gradual changes in diet will lead to better body compliance.

  • Eat foods low in fat and include adequate levels of lean protein.

  • Eat regular meals throughout the day.

  • Water is the most important nutrient required for all body functions. Adequate water intake helps reduce cravings for alcohol.

  • Vitamins and mineral supplements such as vitamins A and B, zinc, and the B complex are helpful during and after the recovery phase.

7. Exercise

One way to replace destructive behaviors is to get involved in physical activities. Exercise stimulates the same neurotransmitters and brain circuits as most addictive substances. Start your exercise routine slowly and focus on strength training and cardiovascular exercises.

8. Get involved in healthy activities

Alcoholics are known to give up activities they once enjoyed. Part of the recovery process is rediscovering past hobbies and developing new interests. This will help alleviate the boredom that relapse can trigger and help you find much healthier and more satisfying alternatives.

9. Evaluate your progress

Assess your progress in sobriety by setting an assessment date. A 30-day plan is most effective in turning your new behavior into a habit. Evaluate and review your reasons for quitting alcohol. Write down the benefits and, if you relapse, start over. An assessment plan will help you see how far you’ve come and motivate you to do better.

10. Treat yourself

Once you’ve assessed your progress and reached a certain duration of sobriety, treat yourself. The money that was used for alcohol can now be used to visit a spa, get a massage, join a yoga class, buy new clothes or furniture, or even buy gifts for your family and friends. Staying sober is about seeing its tangible benefits.

Keep in mind that there is no universal best way to stop drinking alcohol. You may need to try different combinations and find out which one works best for you.

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