Remind yourself of the adverse long-term effects of heavy drinking and how it won’t really make you feel better, even in the short term. Build a sober social network – If your previous social life revolved around alcohol, you may need to make some new connections. It’s important to have sober friends who will support your recovery.

Get Help from a Recovery Advocate

Ideally, health care providers will one day be able to identify which AUD treatment is most effective for each person. These advances could optimize how treatment decisions are made in the future. Below is a list of some of the providers who are typically involved in alcohol treatment and the type of care they may offer.

• Scientists are working to develop a larger menu of pharmaceutical treatments that could be tailored to individual needs.
• This fear gives you a healthy respect for the process and ensures that you take it seriously.
• Exploring, in writing, what you find difficult and when you most want to drink can help you notice patterns that offer more insight into your alcohol use.
• Take the assessment and get matched with a professional, licensed therapist.

Measure and reward progress

The three-step road map outlined in the NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator offers expert guidance to focus and support your efforts. Learn how to find higher quality, science-backed alcohol treatment to raise your changes for success. Also known as “alcohol counseling,” behavioral treatments involve working with a health care provider to identify and help change the behaviors that lead to alcohol problems. If you have any of these symptoms, alcohol may already be a cause for concern.

Main Content

You’re not just quitting drinking; best way to stop drinking you’re building a life that doesn’t need it to fill any voids. When you stop drinking, it’s important to discover new ways to relax, have fun, and connect with others that don’t involve alcohol. Consider picking up a new hobby, joining a sports team, or spending more time with friends and family who support your decision to stop drinking. Read our guide to learn the most effective ways to quitting alcohol.

• Self-affirmation exercises, such as recognizing self-worth, can allow an individual to focus on their important values.
• When you quit drinking or wean off alcohol, your body will adjust to the lack of alcohol in your body.
• Support can come from family members, friends, counselors, other recovering alcoholics, your healthcare providers, and people from your faith community.
• 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.

One of the keys to a successful taper is taking gradual steps that will cause as few side effects as possible. These can alcoholism symptoms indicate a life threatening condition called delirium tremens. It’s important to seek urgent medical care if you experience any of these symptoms.