If you struggle with the overindulgence of alcohol or alcoholism, you are not alone.
For many people, drinking alcohol is a fun social activity and a way to let loose. But for others, it can go past that and become a damaging coping mechanism. And whether you consider yourself an alcoholic or not, there are ways that you can solve your drinking dilemma.
Keep reading to learn 6 tips that will help you quit drinking.
1. Have a Plan
Before you quit drinking, create a plan on how you’ll move forward. Think about how you can start limiting drinks and the date on which you’ll be alcohol-free.
After setting these goals, put them on your calendar and let others know about them. Both of these things will help you stick to your goals once you make them.
2. Make Some Changes
You want to remove triggers from your house like alcohol. In its place, buy non-alcoholic drinks you’d enjoy like seltzer or juice.
You should also avoid any other drinking triggers you have. For example, if you have a drink every time you see a friend, find another activity to do with them instead.
3. Find a Support System
It’s not easy to do this alone, so you’ll want to have a support system. To build one, find friends and family that will encourage you on your recovery journey.
You can also join a support group and hear from peers who are dealing with the same struggles as you. A great support group to consider is alcoholics anonymous, where you go through a 12-step recovery program.
4. Stay Busy
If you drink alcohol frequently, you may be bored after giving it up. But instead of sitting in that boredom, find new activities that will fill the time you spent drinking.
Here are some activities to do instead of drinking:
- Read a book
- Watch a movie
- Take a walk
- Cook a meal
- Paint a picture
- Play a board game
- Call a friend
5. Practice Self-Care
By giving up alcohol, you’re already practicing self-care. But this process will be difficult, so you should find additional ways to show yourself some love.
Here are some things you can do:
- Meditate
- Exercise
- Go to therapy
- Journal
- Eat healthy foods
- Get enough sleep
6. Detox Your Body
If you have a physical dependency on alcohol, you may want to consider a detox program. This is a grueling part of the recovery process and can be physically draining. However, it’s often a necessary step.
But please note that you shouldn’t attempt this part on your own without medical help.
Don’t Be Afraid to Quit Drinking
Giving up drinking is never easy. You’ll have setbacks, challenges, and difficult moments, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t capable of doing it. And if you make a plan, get support, and stay persistent, you’ll be on the road to recovery.
If you found this article on how to quit drinking helpful, then check out some of our health and fitness content.
