How to Quit Alcohol (And Other Addictions) On Your Own

There are certainly many reasons why you might want to quit alcohol. Some people stop drinking because of health problems like liver disease.

Others, because they take medications that are not compatible with alcohol consumption. Still, others choose to do so simply to adopt a healthier lifestyle or out of religious beliefs.

Alcohol abuse is responsible for more than 7% of illnesses and premature deaths in Europe. In France alone, it is the cause of 49,000 deaths per year. It can be the root of many health problems if not treated early enough. Including cirrhosis, heart disease, hepatitis, cancer, and stroke. Alcohol abuse can also affect emotional health by increasing stress, and anxiety and promoting depression.

Giving up completely might not be easy, especially if you're already a heavy user, but the following few tips might make it easier for you.

stop drinking on your own

If you feel you have a mild addiction to drinking wine or beer, one option is to quit alcohol on your own. Although it may seem difficult, it may be a viable solution for some people. But to put the odds on your side, you will probably want to be accompanied by professionals, an organization, or an institute such as institutadios.com.

1. Avoid temptations

For starters, avoiding situations where you might be tempted to consume alcohol is a great idea. This means not participating in meetings with colleagues at the cafe for a while. Or if you tend to drink in restaurants, for example, volunteer to drive.

Likewise, try to identify times when you usually drink and fill those times with other activities. Identifying when you are tempted to drink is essential, especially if you have tried to quit several times in the past. Why not fill them with a sports activity or a walk in the park to relax?

2. Gradually reduce your alcohol consumption

Reducing the amount you drink can also be an effective stepping stone to later quitting alcohol altogether and moving towards a healthier lifestyle.

Indeed, reducing the amount you drink instead of giving it up completely can bring many health benefits and it will be easier to stick to. Downsizing doesn't have to be complicated. Make a habit of designating days each week as alcohol-free days. The personal challenge is to eliminate temptations and encourage you to add more alcohol-free days.

3. Reward yourself for progress

It is important to acknowledge the fact that making lifestyle changes can be difficult. This is why you need to give yourself a reward when you make progress. It's also very important not to be too strict with yourself if you ever slip up.

An effective way to track your progress and maintain your motivation is to set yourself short-term goals. For example, aim for a week without alcohol first, then, once your habit is established, aim for a month without alcohol.

What are the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal?

The exact symptoms of alcohol withdrawal mainly depend on how much you drink and your constitution. Alcohol is recognized as a substance that promotes depression. The nervous system compensates for long-term excessive alcohol consumption by becoming more sensitive and hyperactive. Withdraw the alcohol and your body suddenly finds itself "overheating".

Until your nervous system regains balance, you may experience anxiety, nausea, tremors, insomnia, headaches, sweating, or vomiting. In the most extreme cases, hallucinations, fever, rapid heartbeat, and even seizures are possible. And in rare cases, the reaction can be so extreme that withdrawal is fatal. There's no way to entirely prevent these symptoms if you decide to quit alcohol abruptly, but that shouldn't put you off.

In conclusion, do your research beforehand if you decide to quit drinking on your own. Make a solid plan, find a good support system, and be patient. Plan to talk to a doctor or other healthcare professional before quitting. This is especially true if you think you have a serious alcohol problem.