Quitting drinking is not as simple as deciding to give up alcohol and never having a drink again. If you have become dependent on alcohol and you have an alcohol addiction, it can be incredibly challenging to leave alcohol behind.
If you are concerned about a loved one or you’re worried that you are addicted to drinking, the first step is to acknowledge the problem and ask for help. In this guide, we’ll discuss ways to quit drinking and explore addiction treatment options.
Identifying Signs of Alcohol Abuse
One of the most difficult parts of tackling alcohol abuse is fronting up to the fact that you’re not in control of your drinking habits and behaviors. There is a difference between drinking too much and alcohol abuse.
Alcohol abuse can have devastating consequences for the individual and the people closest to them. To seek help and advice, it’s beneficial to be aware of the signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse. Some of the signs and symptoms include:
- Craving alcohol and experiencing compulsions to drink
- Continuing to consume alcohol despite being aware of the damage it is causing to your health, relationships, performance at work, or financial situation
- Putting your safety and that of others at risk
- Lying to others about your drinking habits
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you don’t drink
- Drinking more to achieve the desired effects due to increased alcohol tolerance
- Devoting more time and energy to alcohol
- Using alcohol as a coping mechanism or a form of escapism over a prolonged period
How to Quit Drinking
Everyone is different, and there are various paths people can take if they want to quit drinking. In some cases, it may be possible to leave alcohol behind by taking medication or using treatments and therapies prescribed or recommended by doctors.
Some people may be able to give up with the support of their loved ones or groups that specialize in alcohol addiction support and recovery. In many cases, to tackle alcohol addiction in the long term, individuals require intensive support and expert treatment provided by a specialist addiction treatment center.
Drug rehab and alcohol rehab facilities offer programs, such as inpatient and outpatient services, which are designed to help individuals to quit and prepare them for the future and the challenges it may pose.
The Robert Alexander Center for Recovery is a drug and alcohol rehab program based in Kentucky, which utilizes personalized, evidence-based treatment plans to facilitate long-term substance abuse recovery.
We specialize in bespoke alcohol treatment plans, which cater to the needs of the individual, combining therapies and treatments to oversee safe detox and withdrawal and provide inpatient rehab and expert aftercare. Our experienced team is on hand from the first call to discharge.
We recognize that addiction affects everyone in different ways, and there is no magical, one-size-fits-all cure. We are here to support individuals and their loved ones to achieve long-term goals.
Conclusion
Quitting drinking is incredibly difficult if you are dependent on alcohol. There are multiple ways to give up or cut down, but for those who are addicted to alcohol, intensive treatment and recovery programs are often the best option.
If you have any questions about alcohol treatment, or you’d like to find out more about drug treatment or the addiction treatment services we offer, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help.
