Alcohol addiction can have a far-reaching and negative impact on your life. It creates disruptions in personal relationships and employment, but also affects your physical and mental health. There are many reasons for quitting, and if you’ve decided to give it up for good, our guide can help you with long-term solutions to live a healthier alcohol-free lifestyle.
Why Give Up Drinking Alcohol?
Drinking alcohol is one of the most widely accepted social activities across the world. Many people also use alcohol to cope with stress and relax after a stressful day. Unfortunately, a few social drinks can quickly become a weight on one’s shoulders, while binge drinking increases the risk of developing alcohol addiction.
Health Risks
Drinking too much alcohol will harm your health. Whether you’re indulging in binge drinking or chronic alcohol use, you may not notice the physical effects immediately, but with time, alcohol related damage can lead to serious health problems. This is when substance rehabilitation becomes a necessity.
The following health risks are associated with heavy and frequent alcohol consumption:
- Hypertension and heart disease
- Weakened immune system
- Digestive problems
- Risk of liver and kidney disease
- Breast, colon, and liver cancer
Psychological Risks
Alcohol is a nervous system depressant and has a relaxing effect on the body, but consuming too much alcohol can cause a disruption.
From adolescents to adults, psychological problems resulting from alcohol use include difficulties with memory and learning, increased risk of dementia, and the worsening of mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.
When alcohol dependence develops, social signs include a preoccupation with alcohol, compromised relationships with family and friends, and the possible loss of employment along with financial challenges.
Steps to Quitting Alcohol
The decision to give up alcohol for good is a courageous one. There are steps that you can take to prevent the associated health risks. If you have severe alcohol dependence and you experience withdrawal symptoms when reducing or stopping alcohol, it is important to reach out to a professional rehabilitation service or to consult with a GP concerning detox. Because of the risks of alcohol withdrawal symptoms, it is important that a safe and supported detox is administered by healthcare professionals before recovery can begin.
Once you are ready to give up alcohol, take the following steps:
- Discuss your decision with family and friends
Let those closest to you know that you are serious about quitting alcohol and you need them to respect and support your decision. You don’t want them compromising your changes by encouraging social drinking because it simply makes it harder to abstain.
- Determine why you want to quit drinking
The only sustainable way to cut your drinking is to understand the reasons for quitting the use of alcohol. Is it to improve your health, your relationships, or to avoid developing dependence? If you rely on alcohol to cope with stress and anxiety, are there more constructive ways you can cope, including diet and exercise?
- Get rid of any alcohol
Any alcohol that remains in your home should be poured down the sink and tossed. If you usually stop at the local pub after work or meet with friends for drinks, don’t put yourself in a difficult position; rather, avoid these activities and explain to loved ones why you are making the change. Don’t compromise your journey by placing yourself in situations where you have to fight the temptation to drink. They will understand.
- Take up new hobbies
One of the best ways to quit drinking is to incorporate valuable and fulfilling things into your life. This can be exercise, learning how to cook, meditation, or even participating in art classes. New hobbies that help you connect with others and give you purpose will reduce your reliance on alcohol and encourage constructive ways of coping.
- Share how you feel
The only way to overcome bad drinking habits is to reach out to others and to share how you feel. Don’t bottle up your emotions that can lead to stress, anxiety and even frustration. You can also reach out to support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous or you can see a private therapist to address the emotions behind problem alcohol use.
The Importance of Quitting Alcohol
From improvements in your physical and mental health to the ability to live a more fulfilling and valuable lifestyle, quitting drinking is not only good for you but also for your loved ones. With these steps, you can work towards a healthier lifestyle, free from the risks and the grip of alcohol.
