It is normal and even expected for people to try to quit at least once before achieving sobriety. On the emotional side, many people experience a strong self of resolve in the first 24 hours. Thinking thoughts like “that was my last drink” is common, and the good news is – that truly can be the last time you drank. There can also be a mix of anxiety and excitement when anticipating the journey ahead. It’s completely normal to feel a wide range of symptoms and emotions at the start of 30 days without alcohol.
A person may require intravenous (IV) rehydration fluids to correct any electrolyte imbalances. Some people may also need supplements such as folate, multivitamin, thiamine, and dextrose. Strategies that are easier to implement may be more effective for some people. Emotionally, you may feel some anxiety or sadness about ending a chapter of your life and nervousness about the future. “You may learn things about yourself and about your relationship to this substance that you never even thought about,” he adds.
Like any big change, there might be times where it doesn’t feel easy, so it’s important to reward yourself with something as you make progress. It’s equally important not to be too hard on yourself if you slip up every once in a while. That’s why – for people who are alcohol dependent – it’s important to talk to a knowledgeable health professional before stopping drinking. There are lots of reasons why you might want to stop drinking alcohol. For some people, it’s a lifestyle change – to say goodbye to hangovers, sleep better, lose excess weight and have more energy.
The Science Behind Alcohol Cravings
Around day 10, you might experience your first full night of quality sleep. You might realize you’re having more dreams than you did before, and waking up feeling more rested and energized. It’s likely the past few days have been challenging as your body is healing from the effects of alcohol. There may be some thoughts like “do I really have to do this for 25 more days!?
Quitting Alcohol With The Help Of Online Support Groups
If you are struggling to stop drinking alcohol on your own, you can find support online with peer-to-peer meetings, virtual therapy, and online outpatient treatment. Do not drink alcohol or take sedatives while taking St. John’s wort. Check with your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking St. John’s wort. Your diet can play a surprising role in managing alcohol cravings. Dark chocolate, rich in antioxidants and magnesium, can satisfy sweet cravings that sometimes masquerade as alcohol cravings.
Act like a sober person now
- My story highlights that overcoming addiction requires both neurological understanding and rebuilding connections – insights that have resonated with millions seeking recovery.
- There is most likely not a problem with having a mimosa with your brunch or having a glass of wine after working a graveyard shift.
- In the sham treatment, they placed needles into other areas of the body.
- Discover how Medicare supports inpatient rehab, covering up to 90 days based on medical needs, progress, and post-rehab care options to ensure recovery success.
- Taking a month without alcohol can give you a look into what your life could be if your cut out alcohol completely.
One of the best places to find support outside of your network of family and friends is at support groups, like AA (Alcoholics Anonymous). People in AA are either working to become sober or are in recovery. They see the pain and struggles and reality of addiction that you may feel others can’t begin to comprehend. In theory, setting one big giant goal of “never drinking again” makes sense. Unfortunately, immediately setting your mind to achieving this one and only hard-and-fast goal is why many people struggle to quit drinking or why they relapse early on in their recovery journey. Affirming intentions, knowing the reasons for quitting alcohol, and setting up the environment for success are important strategies.
Tips for the First 30 Days of Quitting Drinking
Thus, a user will likely seek out alcohol again to rid themselves of the uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. AUD (formerly known as alcoholism) is a medical condition in which a person has an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite consequences. If you have tried unsuccessfully to quit drinking on your own, you may meet the criteria.
- Understanding your habits and your motivations to quit drinking can help you understand the change you’re making in your life and reinforce why it’s important.
- AA and other support groups can be helpful in quitting drinking, but you can find assistance in other ways.
- Consider taking a class, volunteering, or attending events in your community to meet new people who can support you.
- BetterHelp offers affordable mental health care via phone, video, or live-chat.
- I developed a unique framework for getting sober and dealing with vices.
Effectively managing alcohol cravings involves a combination of short-term strategies for immediate relief and long-term approaches for sustained recovery. Sometimes you can’t avoid internal triggers which may be feelings you have or a physical sensation that comes on from time to time. Once you begin to crave alcohol, distract yourself with something that takes your attention.
Be open about your goal
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The reality is there is no right or wrong way to give up alcohol. Tips for quitting drinking that work for another person may or may not work for you. As a specific example, an analysis of the electronic medical records of over 73 million people—including 1.26 million people with alcohol use disorder (AUD)—was published in Nature (1). Quitting alcohol cold turkey isn’t an easy feat to achieve, and it doesn’t happen overnight.
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Structured self-affirmation exercises that take up less time, such as answering a series of yes or no questions, can also be effective in helping people reduce or stop drinking alcohol. But if you’re living with alcohol use disorder, drinking is more than a habit. People with alcohol use disorder can’t stop drinking even when it causes problems, like emotional distress or physical harm to themselves or others. Some minor symptoms may continue but are not as severe as before.
Most importantly, don’t berate yourself if you slip up and have a drink. Remember that if mistakes are made, we can learn from the experience and start fresh the next day. Though it may be intimidating, it’s important 16 ways to stop drinking alcohol to tell your family and friends about your choice to go sober. This allows them to support you in many situations, whether that means meeting up at alcohol-free locations or not offering you a drink when you come over.