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In a large-scale study of alcohol treatment methods, researchers found that a combination of medication, cognitive-behavioral interventions, and social support was most effective. The study also showed that no single treatment approach fits the needs of every individual. In addition to therapy, support groups, and self-help options, you should consider some of the medications that are available that may improve your chances of quitting alcohol successfully. One study found that attitude-related barriers were the most common obstacle that people face before entering treatment for an alcohol use disorder.

• Your liver has enzymes that work like special tools to help metabolize (break down) different toxins that enter your body, such as alcohol.
• Quitting alcohol alone is harder for some than others, but there’s no need to go it alone.
• If you have been drinking heavily for years, on the other hand, withdrawal symptoms and other issues that may have developed during that time could require you to seek out specialized care.
• Another thing that will help your liver’s journey in recovery is good nutrition.

Supersized Alcopops – a dangerous alcoholic beverage marketed to minors

“For patients who are left with cirrhosis after severe injury to the liver from alcohol, even one drink of alcohol is toxic to the liver,” cautions Dr. Lindenmeyer. Another thing that will help your liver’s journey in recovery is good nutrition. There’s no miracle diet by any means, but the Mediterranean diet, for example, can help fill some of the nutritional gaps you may have due to alcohol use. Alcohol Use Disorder, or AUD, is a chronic medical condition characterized by the inability to stop drinking despite adverse consequences.

Importantly we help you understand that you are not giving anything up. Quitting alcohol can lead to improved physical health, better mental clarity, enhanced relationships, increased productivity, financial savings, and a reduced risk of accidents or health issues related to drinking. Overall, stopping drinking can lead to a healthier and happier lifestyle. Before you quit drinking, it is essential to discuss your plans with a healthcare practitioner. If your alcohol consumption has been heavy or chronic, you may be dependent on alcohol.

Think through the situations when you tend to reach for a drink—and plan a new approach.

Change can be hard, so it helps to have strong reminders of why the change is important to you and how you’ve decided to do it. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. The tips/instructions help but without the right method/map you may never find your way to freedom so please read on after the tips to understand the best method to stop alcohol use.

There has been some research conducted on how abstaining from alcohol detoxifies your liver over time. A 2021 review of research notes that several studies determined that two to four weeks of abstinence from alcohol by heavy-alcohol users helped reduce inflammation and bring down elevated serum levels in the liver. Building a support system of friends, family, or fellow sobriety seekers enhances your chances of being successful. Surround yourself with people who understand your journey and will offer encouragement, accountability, and guidance. In a society where social gatherings often center around cocktails and stress amplifies alcohol’s allure, choosing to quit drinking can feel like trying to move a mountain with a shovel. No matter your situation, Dr. Das emphasizes the power of enlisting help as you embark on a life sans booze.

The desire for that next drink often overshadows the very reasons you wanted to quit in the first place, leaving you feeling trapped in a cycle of dependency. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. “Just get a sparkling water, put a lime in it, and have fun,” he says. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms typically last for around a week after someone’s last drink, and peak around the third day.

What are the benefits of giving up alcohol?

Another essential element of your plan to quit drinking is to identify the barriers or obstacles that might make achieving your goals more difficult. With less alcohol in your life, you’re likely to have clearer skin, better sleep, and you may see a boost in your overall mood. Depending on the extent of liver damage you have, you may need to completely abstain from alcohol in order to give your liver the best chance for recovery. Talk to a doctor about your personal history and what’s right for you. It can be hard to find (or even know) the balance of how much alcohol your body is able to handle. If you’re not sure if your drinking crosses a certain line or not, try measuring your alcohol intake.

How long until your liver detoxes from alcohol?

Research shows that most people believe that drinking can make them feel better. However, when alcohol makes up part of your typical routine, drinking can become something of an automatic response, especially when you feel stressed or overwhelmed. Becoming more aware of your alcohol triggers and reasons for drinking can help you plan ways to help manage the urge to drink. As long as you use a drug-free method that also ensures that you understand the psychological aspects of alcohol addiction – these tips will help you. You may find it helpful to look for mutual support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous and other groups, where you can connect with people who share experiences similar to yours. A support group specifically focused on alcohol recovery can provide valuable encouragement and information that can aid you on your road to being free from alcohol.

Your support system may consist of a base of close family and friends who are willing to let you talk about your issues and lend support where possible. Another possible resource is one of the many support groups created specifically for people dealing with alcohol addiction. For those who have been drinking large quantities of alcohol for a significant amount of time, withdrawal symptoms can be far worse and may even be life-threatening. If you are at risk for more severe withdrawal symptoms, it may be best to seek out a rehab facility that can provide you with the medical care you need as you go through the detox process.

• Try replacing your usual cocktail or beer with a nonalcoholic option, including many of the now popular mocktails available so you can still enjoy social time with friends without having alcohol in the mix.
• Some of these activities may include incorporating more exercise into your life, taking up a new hobby like woodworking or drawing, or taking on additional income-earning activities that keep your mind engaged and occupied.
• Surround yourself with people who understand your journey and will offer encouragement, accountability, and guidance.
• “For psychologists, many of them are addiction-informed, and in their advertisements or on their websites they will mention that specifically,” Dr. Lembke said.

Once these efforts begin developing into habits, you will be better prepared to cope with difficult emotions or stress. As a result, you’ll be more likely to turn to other activities besides drinking to deal with any problems you are facing. To help you create the alcohol-free life that you desire, here are seven tips that will help you stop drinking. Quitting alcohol alone is harder for some than others, but there’s no need to go it alone. If you’re having difficulty sticking to your goal or just want some extra guidance, consider reaching out for professional support.

Building your way up each day will help you slowly build your confidence over time. You’ve been drawn to this page for a reason – perhaps you’re dependent on alcohol or justwant to change your drinking habits and cut back. We’ve rounded up our top tips to give upalcohol and start on your journey. There are times when cutting back on your drinking can be helpful, but there are times when quitting alcohol altogether is the best solution.

Be cool about withdrawal symptoms

For those who drink heavily for a long time, it can take months to how to stop drinking for good years for the brain to fully recover—and some complications, such as dementia or certain cognitive deficits, are irreversible. In general, though, it seems the brain can physically recover from chronic alcohol consumption to a more functional state. Language and speech improvements, for instance, can return to relative normal in as little as three weeks.

Talk with a doctor to learn more about the safest ways to quit drinking alcohol. You can also learn about the options for in-patient recovery in this article. You might turn to friends, family, and loved ones for this type of support, but this can be challenging if your past alcohol use has alienated people in your life. It can also be problematic if the people in your immediate social circle continue to drink or if they don’t support your plans to quit.

Consider strategies for dealing with cravings, coping with stress, and managing social situations without alcohol. A comprehensive plan will help you remain committed to your sobriety journey. Will quitting drinking solve all of your problems, in health and in life? If that’s where you’re setting your expectations, you might feel like you gave up something you loved (getting really drunk) for no good reason, even when that’s objectively not true.