If you want to drink less alcohol or stop drinking altogether, we can help you reach your goal. More than 14 million Americans have what is called an alcohol-related disorder, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Because so many Americans drink too much, alcohol withdrawal is a common New Year’s resolution. Studies show that about 25% of the people who decide to stop drinking every year are able to do so in the long run. But when you’re trying to stop drinking, it’s important to know why you’re doing it in the first place, to be around people who can help you stop, and to celebrate the small wins along the way. Here are some good ideas that might help you stop drinking.
How do you make a plan that will help you stop drinking?
There is no best way to stop drinking. All you have to do is figure out what fits your needs and way of life the best. Plan is the first step. Here are some things to think about and things you can do.
Check how you feel right now about alcohol
First, step back and look at how you’ve been acting. This means that you have to look at your relationship with alcohol to figure out why you drink, what you drink, and how often you drink.
Write down how much you drink
If you drink every day, it’s easy to forget how much alcohol you’re actually taking in. Keeping track of how much alcohol you drink is important. Look at each drink you put down on the table after you drink it and count how many you have in a day.
Consider why you like to drink
Do you drink because you’re bored? You could be drinking with your family or friends. Do you drink to feel unhappy? You like to drink because it tastes good, right? People often drink alcohol for all of these reasons. Next, you should figure out why you drink when you do. Keep a diary to write down what you drink and why, and look for patterns. This can help you come up with different ways to satisfy your cravings. If you always want a drink when you’re sad or upset, you’ll know what to do the next time you feel this way.