If you feel comfortable doing so, discuss your challenges with your primary healthcare professional. Finding a therapist can also be a great starting point if you’re uncomfortable opening up to your healthcare professional. At the end of the day, one of the most important tools you have at your disposal is self-compassion.
Because he is a member of a support group that stresses the importance of anonymity at the public level, he does not use his photograph or his real name on this website. The contemplative stage ends with the decision to make a change, yet further steps such as preparation, action, and later maintenance and likely relapse how to overcome alcoholism are usually needed before the addiction is controlled. Natural consequences may mean that you refuse to spend any time with the person dependent on alcohol. Often, in trying to “help,” well-meaning loved ones will actually do something that enables someone dependent on alcohol to continue along their destructive paths.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Alateen is a similar support group specifically for teens who have a family member abusing alcohol. Your loved one’s primary care doctor or GP can evaluate their drinking patterns, assess their overall health and any co-occurring disorders, and provide treatment referrals. If appropriate, your loved one’s doctor may even prescribe medication approved to help treat alcohol dependence.
Mental health and wellness tips, our latest guides, resources, and more. You may also consider joining an online support group to help you feel less alone. Consider writing them down and keeping notes on hand, so you have a physical reminder to look at when you need it to help motivate you to stay the course. Finding or reaching out to other sober people can also help.
Think through the situations when you tend to reach for a drink—and plan a new approach.
The first step in many addiction treatment programs is detoxification. This process helps rid the body of the harmful substances while managing withdrawal symptoms. Under the supervision of medical professionals, detoxification ensures a safe and supportive transition to the next phase of the recovery journey. Almost everyone who struggles to quit drinking requires some form of peer support. As with any goal, quitting alcohol is
easier if you have friends and family members supporting you. They can encourage you to stay sober and help you find
other healthy ways to have fun.
Before you realize it, you can find yourself in a full-blown abusive relationship. However, there are certain things you can do that may help relieve the pressure, and in some cases, also better help your loved one start their path to recovery. Anton C. Bizzell, M.D., President and CEO of The Bizzell Group, has over 20 years of expert knowledge in substance use disorders, prevention, administration, management and healthcare. The support groups, counselors and types of treatment you undertake can be informed by your personality and how you respond to different kinds of care. For example, if you are a highly social person, getting plugged into an active support group may strengthen and encourage you. When you consider how to go about giving up alcohol, account for factors like how much you drink and your reasons for drinking.
Identifying Relapse Triggers
You could even go all-out and reward yourself with something big with a major milestone like a year alcohol-free — a vacation sounds lovely, for example. If you’re really committed to cutting back, one of the best things you can do is get the booze out of your house. This is also a good opportunity to find alternatives to some of your favorite drinks. Be prepared to have these things on hand for when a craving strikes so you can nip it in the bud. Take the assessment and get matched with a professional, licensed therapist. Express your concerns in a caring way and encourage your friend or family member to get help.
- You may also consider joining an online support group to help you feel less alone.
- It’s about rebuilding a life that is free from the grip of substances and fostering a sense of self-worth and purpose.
- AA meetings and similar groups allow your loved one to spend time with others facing the same problems.
- If you turn to alcohol to manage emotional distress, the added overwhelm can prompt the urge to drink, making success seem even more out of reach.
