How to Stop Drinking: Taking a First Step Toward Long-Term Sobriety
How to Stop Drinking: Taking a First Step Toward Long-Term Sobriety
Alcoholism is a serious illness that’s difficult to overcome. Knowing how to stop drinking isn’t always obvious, and it’s not as simple as just deciding to stop. Learn how to stop drinking once and for all, and discover the first steps to take when moving toward long-term sobriety.
Acknowledging the Problem
A pivotal first step for anyone ready to stop drinking is simply admitting that there’s a problem. This acknowledgement might seem like the easiest and most straightforward step in recovery, but those addicted to alcohol know that it’s often anything but. No matter what, remember that you aren’t alone. More than 16.3 million adults in the United States alone struggle with alcohol abuse and addiction, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
Deciding to Seek Help
After acknowledging that you need to address the problem, the next step in recovery is deciding to seek help. All too often, individuals struggling with alcoholism believe that they can handle their own rehab and recovery. The reality, of course, is that attempting this alone is both ineffective and often dangerous.
Deciding to seek help for addiction means never having to go through recovery alone. Trained professionals in treatment facilities can guide you through the process of detoxing, undergoing therapy and creating healthy habits. This process can help stave off relapse and contribute to a healthier, happier life.
Understanding the Recovery Process
Before diving into recovery, it may be smart for prospective patients to get a better idea of what to expect throughout the process. Typically, the journey begins with an alcohol detox. This is a medically supervised alcohol withdrawal that can be unpleasant. However, a professional team will be able to ease the symptoms and monitor a safe detox process.
After detox is complete, rehab can begin. Alcohol rehabilitation may be inpatient or outpatient, but it will always focus on breaking ties to addiction and creating healthier patterns of behavior. This can be accomplished in many ways, some of which include the following:
- Individual behavioral therapy
- Group counseling and 12-step meetings
- Fitness, music and art therapies
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Pharmacological treatment
Beginning the Journey to Lasting Sobriety
Finally, you’ll choose the program and facility that can best help you achieve and maintain sobriety. Since there’s no shortage of rehab and detox options available, narrowing down the choices and selecting the right one can be tricky. Some of the top factors to keep in mind include accreditation, program availability, facility size, evidence-based treatment methods and available amenities.
If you’re ready to stop drinking, don’t wait. Call 866-812-8231 to speak with someone at Recovery Connection who can help you choose the right treatment center where you can thrive, work toward long-term sobriety and take control of your life.