Whether you occasionally drink too much or have an alcohol abuse disorder, you may want to curb your intake or give up alcohol altogether. Alcohol is legal and socially acceptable, making it easier to consume more than is reasonable and potentially develop a dependency. If you find yourself or a loved one struggling with alcohol addiction, know that it is possible to stop. You may need an alcohol detox in Texas.
Follow the tips below and look into a substance abuse program to safely quit your drinking habit. Additionally, you can contact Santé Center for Healing in Argyle, TX at 866.238.3154 to learn more about taking a personal addiction assessment as part of a comprehensive recovery program.
How Can I Stop Drinking?
Before exploring this on your own, check with your doctor. A medical professional will help you decide the safest way to cut back or give up alcohol consumption altogether.
If you depend on alcohol or have a co-occurring mental health issue, you should give up drinking. However, it could be dangerous to quit cold turkey. Instead, we suggest a safe, proven alcohol rehab in Texas, such as the one at Santé Center for Healing.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) offers the following tips to help you cut back. These strategies can work for those who want to cut back or give up alcohol. However, if you’re caught in a cycle of addiction, you might benefit from our addiction treatment services:
1. Write down why you want to quit
List the reasons you want to stop consuming alcohol. By forcing yourself to document your thoughts in writing, you are more likely to face your issues head on. Your reasons for cutting alcohol could include sleeping better, preserving your job, saving your marriage, or becoming healthier. For many struggling with alcohol addiction, all of these reasons apply.
2. Put specific goals in writing
Goals are good because they give you something to move toward and try to achieve. If you simply want to cut back on drinking, consider the recommended limits. For women and men over 65, that’s one drink a day. For other men, two drinks a day represents the recommended maximum. If you have a medical condition, your doctor can help you decide whether you need to give up drinking.
3. Keep a drinking diary
Write down every alcoholic beverage you drink. Include details such as where you drink and with whom. You may notice that you drink more around certain friends or when you go to a pub or house party. How can I stop drinking? Sometimes, you need to make lifestyle changes to avoid overdrinking. Keeping a drinking diary can help you make those choices.
4. Keep alcohol out of your home
To limit drinking, don’t keep alcohol on hand at home. Many people use the excuse that they should keep alcohol around the house just in case people come over and want a drink. Don’t fall into that trap. You don’t need to be a bartender for your friends.
5. Drink slowly
Don’t treat drinking like a contest, even if friends do. Instead, alternate your alcohol intake with water, juice, and other beverages when you go out. Choose alcohol-free days to further limit your drinking. For example, you may decide not to drink during weekdays or if you have to work the following day.
6. Seek support
If you let family and friends know that you want to stop drinking, they can hold you accountable to your goals. On the other hand, you might want to avoid friends who pressure you to drink.
7. Be aware of your environment
Steer clear of places that tempt you to drink. If you drink when you go to certain bars and restaurants, choose a restaurant that doesn’t serve alcohol for your next dinner out.
8. Be persistent
It may take several attempts before you can fully quit drinking. You may have setbacks, but staying true to your goal is important, especially after a relapse. Remember that it’s an ongoing effort and take one day at a time.
Effects of Prolonged Alcohol Use
Because of the social acceptance of alcohol, it is not only easy to find an occasion to drink but it is often expected, especially around certain holidays or significant events. Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s are three major holidays that often incorporate alcohol and occur within a short time frame. Super Bowl Sunday, Mardi Gras, or a wedding are also events that often involve alcohol. When all these events and holidays are strung together, it can result in regular drinking throughout the year. However, despite the festive occasions, prolonged alcohol use can have serious health effects:
- Heavy alcohol use can lead to various types of cancer, including throat, mouth, larynx, liver, or others.
- Alcohol can damage the stomach lining leading to increased acid production and the formation of ulcers
- Long-term alcohol use can induce mental health disorders such as depression, or bipolar disorder
- Heavy drinking is harmful to the heart and can lead to heart disease or diabetes
If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol addiction, do not wait to seek treatment at a professional alcohol rehab center.
Residential Alcohol Rehab Programs in Texas
For those who have been drinking for prolonged periods, a residential rehab program may provide the structure and guidance needed to achieve lifelong recovery.
Alcohol rehab in Texas may be your best solution for a successful recovery. At Santé Center for Healing, we also offer gender-specific groups, such as the men’s alcohol rehab program and women’s alcohol rehab program.
Many of our clients prefer a recovery program that allows them to open up to members of the same sex. This removes many distractions that come with co-ed treatment centers and provides a peer group that can support your recovery.
Contact Santé Center for Healing at 866.238.3154 today to learn more about alcohol rehab in Argyle, Texas. A brighter future awaits those willing and ready to pursue their best life. We’d love to be part of your journey home.