Are you thinking about giving up alcohol? Whether it’s a personal choice or for health reasons, quitting alcohol can be a challenging but rewarding journey. With some practical steps and support from others, this process can be a little less daunting. 

Know the Risks of At-Home Detox

Before quitting drinking, it’s important to know the potential dangers of detoxing at home. 

Detoxing from alcohol at home can pose significant risks and is generally not recommended, especially for individuals with severe alcohol addiction. Alcohol withdrawal can result in a range of physical and psychological symptoms, some of which can be severe or even life-threatening. Without medical supervision, the risks associated with at-home detox can escalate rapidly. These include: 

• Withdrawal symptoms: In severe addiction cases, someone with alcoholism may suffer from delirium tremens (DTs), a potentially life-threatening condition. Symptoms include hallucinations, seizures, rapid heartbeat and extreme confusion. In a professional detox setting, healthcare providers can closely monitor the individual in case of complications. They may also provide necessary medications to alleviate withdrawal symptoms. 
• Lack of support: Without a structured environment and access to therapeutic resources, individuals may find it difficult to cope with intense cravings and other early recovery challenges. Rehab facilities offer comprehensive support, including counseling and support groups, essential for long-term success in quitting alcohol.

10 Practical Steps on How To Quit Drinking

1. Consult a Healthcare Professional

The first step in your journey should be to consult a healthcare professional. They can provide valuable advice and support as well as assess whether you need medical assistance during the withdrawal process. It’s important to be open and honest about your drinking habits to ensure you receive the best possible care.

2. Understand Your Motivation

Identifying why you want to quit drinking is crucial. It could be to improve your health, relationships or work performance. Whatever your reason, write it down and keep it somewhere you can see regularly. This will serve as a constant reminder and motivation for your journey.

3. Set Achievable Goals

Instead of setting a daunting goal like “never drinking again,” focus on smaller, more attainable goals. This could be attending a support group once a week, avoiding places where you feel tempted to drink or starting therapy. These smaller goals will gradually lead you toward your ultimate goal of quitting alcohol.

4. Limit Your Access to Alcohol

Removing alcohol from your immediate environment can significantly reduce temptation. This could mean getting rid of all alcohol in your home or avoiding places you used to drink frequently.

5. Journal Your Journey

Writing about your experiences can be a powerful tool in your journey to quit drinking. Journaling can help you understand your relationship with alcohol better and identify triggers that make you want to drink.

6. Identify Your Triggers

Recognizing what triggers your desire to drink can be a significant step toward quitting. Triggers can be both physical and mental, ranging from negative emotions to certain social events. Understanding these triggers can help you develop strategies to manage them effectively.

7. Build a Support System

Having a strong support system is crucial when you’re trying to quit drinking. This could be family, friends or support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous. These individuals can provide encouragement, hold you accountable and understand what you’re going through.

8. Plan for Cravings

Cravings are a normal part of the process when quitting alcohol. Having a plan in place for when these cravings kick in can be very helpful. This could involve reaching out to a supportive friend or engaging in a distracting activity.

9. Explore New Hobbies

Finding new hobbies can help fill the time you used to spend drinking. This could be anything from painting to running, as long as it’s something you enjoy and helps you relax.

10. Seek Professional Treatment

Seeking treatment at a reputable rehab facility is a crucial step in your journey to quit drinking. In addition to therapy, a rehab facility offers a structured and supportive environment where you can safely detox under medical supervision. This process helps manage withdrawal symptoms and ensures your physical well-being during this critical phase.

Find Support for Alcoholism at The Recovery Village Kansas City

The Recovery Village Kansas City is a beacon of hope for those seeking to overcome alcohol addiction. Our team of addiction specialists will work closely with you or your loved one using life-saving alcohol addiction treatment. Contact a Recovery Advocate today to find out more about how we can help.