Treatment for Alcohol Problems: Finding and Getting Help National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism NIAAA
Content
Only drinking in social settings helps you maintain some accountability as well. Whatever the reason, there are preventative measures you can put in place to help you avoid alcohol abuse and the https://ecosoberhouse.com/ risk of developing alcohol addiction. This summary of CPSTF findings to prevent excessive alcohol consumption can be used as a reference, included in presentations, or shared with colleagues.
If you think you have a more severe habit, you should either cut back before quitting completely, or seek medical supervision for withdrawal. If you feel that you’d like some help quitting alcohol, but how to overcome alcoholism don’t have the time or money to go to inpatient or outpatient rehab, there are some options that can make things easier. One of the best tools at your disposal may turn out to be your smartphone.
Understand How Alcohol Affects Your Body
Sobriety and recovery will seem a lot less daunting if they have a starting point. Be ready to direct them to a treatment program you think may be a good fit or to online resources. There is a wealth of information about recovery, and it can be overwhelming to decide where to start in the early stages of sobriety.
This however, may also be easier if you have medical advice. Before going any further, we should also stress that if you expect significant alcohol withdrawal symptoms, you should talk to a doctor before quitting. This is especially true if you think you have a serious drinking problem. Tell trusted family and friends about your plan to quit or cut back on alcohol.
Handling setbacks in your recovery
Once you’ve passed the initial stage of withdrawal, the process of recovering from alcoholism can still take some time. Changing daily habits, avoiding drinking triggers, managing anxiety or insomnia as your internal chemistry rebalances, and rebuilding your social life are among the challenges you may face. And on the subject of digital tools, there are now many apps that can help you monitor or manage your quitting process. These include drink trackers, daily reminders, and even bluetooth breathalyzers that record your blood alcohol content. Finally, online communities are springing up that make it possible to socialize with others who are quitting, exchange support, and even build a new community. Finally, having the support of family and friends can make a big difference.
Remember, those who struggle with alcohol use disorder want to be able to reduce or moderate their alcohol intake, but it’s not always something they can control despite their best efforts. Verywell Mind’s content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Not serve or provide alcohol to those who should not be drinking, including people under the age of 21 or those who have already drank too much. Check your drinking, and learn more about the benefits of drinking less alcohol.
Symptoms
Even if you don’t want to quit through an existing program, you should still tell others what you’re doing. If other people can check in on you, or if you have an ally to talk to, you’ll be in a much safer situation. This option is increasingly popular—especially during the pandemic era. Online programs let you consult with doctors and recovery coaches over video chat, access anti-craving prescriptions, join virtual support groups, and track your progress digitally. Putting treatment on your phone eliminates commuting time, and makes it easier to fit appointments into your schedule.
- Putting those intentions out in the world can help you be more accountable.
- And you don’t have to wait until you hit rock bottom; you can make a change at any time.
- Studies show that strong family support through family therapy increases the chances of maintaining abstinence , compared with patients undergoing individual counseling.
- Since the 1990s, naltrexone has been approved by the FDA to treat alcohol use disorder.
- Often they struggle withdepressionoranxietyand drink as a way to self-medicate.
And there are as many kinds of drinkers along the continuum as there are personality types. You can receive 24/7 text support right away and at your convenience.