What Is the Best Way to Get Off Alcohol?

Several reasons can necessitate the need to get off alcohol. It could be religious, a medical condition, or simply yearning for a healthier lifestyle. If you are on the onset of getting off alcohol, keep in mind that you are not alone, and it indeed is possible.

Before anything else, it would be a good idea to let the people close to you aware of your intention. While you don’t have to announce to everyone, you can tell an immediate family member or friend that you are trying to get off alcohol. Doing so helps you stay on track since they can help you track progress. Besides, they can understand why you might change your lifestyle choices.

Undoubtedly, it is a sensitive topic. You might feel like talking about your intentions reflects weakness, and you might even be tempted to lie about it. However, honesty is always the best policy. Besides, if you need support from friends or family, feel free to ask for it. Let them know how you arrived at that decision and how you envision your future. However, please keep an open mind, as it might not be as easy as it sounds. For instance, if your active alcohol use had hurt them in any way, they could be angry or skeptical at first. Instead, work on rebuilding their trust and forging ahead.

Staying on Track

The decision to get off alcohol is very crucial, but so are other stages of the journey. For instance, you need to set out and actualize the decision. But besides the conscious effort of seeking help, you also need to stay on track and be motivated throughout. One of the ways you can do so is by setting specific goals for yourself. While getting off alcohol might sound like a goal itself, you might need to get more specific than that while ensuring that the goals are realistic. A good start would be determining how much you want to cut back by.

Undoubtedly, remaining faithful to these goals can be challenging. To overcome the challenge, it would help if you could identify what motivates you. Do you want to get off alcohol to sleep better? Or what keeps you moving? You might want to write it down on paper to serve as a constant reminder. It would also help to have a moment of retrospection and identify what triggers you. If there are certain people or places that trigger you, learn ways to beat them. For example, if having a drink after work is a habit you have, consider looking for an alternative activity.

There is more than one way of getting off alcohol. How effective a method is could depend on the level of drinking. For instance, if you are a light or moderate drinker, tapering could work. However, if you are a heavy drinker or show signs of alcohol dependence, it would be best to seek treatment from a professional. With professional supervision, you can receive necessary support with managing withdrawal symptoms. Notably, alcohol withdrawal can be fatal, even life-threatening. Besides medical support, seeking professional help when trying to get off alcohol has other benefits. For instance, you can enjoy therapeutic support. Professionals can combine tailor-made treatments with selective therapies for a balanced recovery.

Additionally, there is the likelihood of getting peer support, especially if you opt for inpatient treatment. By hearing the accounts of others who resonate with your journey, you can better face the challenge. You can also talk to your peers with no fear of judgment.
Other benefits of seeking professional help:

• After-care support
• Structured treatment programs
• Help with building new habits
• A safe environment to mend

If you have been wondering if getting off alcohol is the best decision, the answer lies in the benefits associated with it. Among other things, you might experience an alleviation in energy levels or an improvement in the quality of your sleep. You might also notice a change for the better in your skin since it recovers elasticity. Another rather passive benefit of getting off alcohol is learning how to lead a healthier lifestyle. A professional will take you through different aspects of healthy living during recovery, such as exercise and nutrition.

Consequently, you can maintain a healthy weight in the long term. Are you ready to get started? Give us a call today at 424-499-2603 and receive all the help you need.