How can I stop drinking?

There are a lot of different reasons why people drink so that s difficult to say for any one person. However, in general, if you want to stop drinking you should consider removing yourself from situations and people that encourage drinking. In other words, it is hard to stop drinking if you go to parties and bars or hang out with people who like to drink a lot. If you have alcohol in your home or easily accessible that is also not a good thing. So removing yourself from high risk situations or people who encourage drinking is one way to help yourself break the habit. You can also work on any issues you might have that contribute to your drinking. For example, if you are dealing with past abuse issues the drinking might mask that pain but in order to heal you need to confront those issues head on which would then alleviate your need to drink. Some people find support groups like AA helpful. Getting outside assistance is crucial for many and some go into inpatient rehab because that totally removes them from access to alcohol for a time to "dry out." Everyone is different. I personally did not go to AA, rehab, or talk to a counselor but I did a lot of "self help" type work on the issues that caused me to drink. I also got away from friends who drank on a constant basis and stopped frequenting places where alcohol was being consumed like bars/parties. I realized that I had gotten in quite a bit of trouble at times through my drinking and that ranged from the terrible hangovers and vomiting the next day to serious injury. I realized that drinking never made me safer but always put me at more risk. Now, I have some beer for when friends might come over but we might have one or two with dinner. It's been in the fridge for months because the last friends who have come do not drink. I simply cannot comprehend why I used to drink so much or what I got out of it. Partly, I have learned to enjoy life without it and to be silly and expressive on my own and not rely on alcohol to let myself be socially free. Now if I drive by an area with lots of bars at night and see the behaviors of the people I see it as risky and frightening instead of "fun". Also, when I take a drink now I feel what it is doing much more...I notice that even drinking one beer will somewhat interfere with my sleep, can aggravate sinuses/cold symptoms, makes the acid flow or otherwise creates a burning feeling in my stomach. Plus it's full of carbs and calories. For me, it also helped that I got married and had children and for me my family became a lot more important than booze. I realized that if I were inebriated while something happened...say a fire or any sort of emergency...that I was putting not only myself but them in danger. I mean think about it...you think "it's the weekend so I can get drunk," but when you have kids there are no safe times when it is "okay" to "pull over" and get wasted. You need to be able to function no matter what. I then further realized that the same was true anytime for myself as well. Whether you need to drive a car or walk down the street - being drunk increases the likelihood of bad things happening. For me this realization took many years and has reached a deep gut level so...I understand that approach does not work to those who still see alcohol in a positive light. Part of why I stopped was also due to my getting a job for a time treating drug addicts and alcoholics and really getting an eye full of what the costs really are for those "good times." Seeing folks die from what alcohol does to their bodies, seeing people you know commit suicide, having them be murdered by "drinking buddies", knowing the stories of misery the patients related such as living in cardboard boxes and time in prison due to their addictions really does not make drinking seem like a fun and harmless activity. I guess what I'm saying is that I realize that one drink does not automatically make you go running down the street like a wild man but at the same time it is to be respected because a few drinks will indeed do that. Anyway, like I say, there are lots of different reasons people drink so a short answer to "how can I stop drinking" is really tough. Just like the question "What can I make with hamburger?" is answered by countless recipe books there are many strategies and tactics that can help people stop drinking. Try many of them and see what ones are valuable for you!!! Good luck!!!

This is not a simple question to answer. There is no way to "stop drinking." First is admitting you have a problem drinking and second is admitting you need help. If you drink all the time and it is ruining your life, you may need inpatient or outpatient rehab. Sometimes, some people reach out to the AA community, go to local meetings, and get a sponsor. There are no guarantees with alcoholism and addiction. It is a disease. It can be a process. Everyone's process is different. There are some who can "get help" the first time, such as rehab the first time and stay sober the rest of their life. Others struggle with relapses. Sometimes there are also "problem drinkers" who binge once in a while or have issues during college. They still need to reach out and get help through AA or therapy/rehab, but their drinking patterns may be different than an everyday drinker. They both need help though. Once you admit you have a problem and ask for help, those are the first steps to stop drinking.

If you desire to stop drinking it may be helpful to contact a center for rehab, and once sober perhaps attend therapy or AA meetings. Remember, your not alone in this and you can do this.

The best way is to have a support group such as Alcoholics Anonymus. There you can learn better how to cope. Also if you have a "Sponser" at AA who you stay in close contact with. They can help you attend meetings and phone you in between to help cope. Also keeping a diary if times and places you may feel like a drink. This will help you to see if there is any pattern happening. Such as a certain place or time of day you most feel the urge. Then you can avoid that place or if it be a time of day, perhaps after work you can be aware and this help you.

by avoiding social situations where liquor is present, if there is a physical dependency on alcohol, seek professional help

By drinking a lot of water. Avoid people you usually drink with and those who challenge you to drink.

First things first, well done for taking the first step! Next, if you haven't already you need to make an appointment with your doctor, They will be able to put you in touch with the right people who will be able to support you through this time. I'd advice getting rid of all the alcohol in your house. And if you have friends that drink, you might want to stay away from drinking sessions or nights out, until you feel stronger enough to fight the urges. There are support groups out there, like AA for example. Also, have a look online for helplines & website that provide advice, tips, & support. Surround yourself with those you love & who love you. It won't be an easy journey, but it will be worth it. Distraction is the key, so whenever you have cravings, do something you enjoy doing. There is always someone here at 7 cups ready to help support you if you need it. Good luck!

Question is, do you wish to? Can you find one thing that is more important to you than drinking? Anyhow, drinking is just hiding your weakness from yourself.

By seeking help from a trained professional. They are also many programs out there that can help you

There is honest to god no easy answer to this except to just... stop drinking. Start by not buying anymore drinks, as quick access to a drink at home is the easiest way to go overboard. Addiction is legitimately a very serious problem that is best done with help. Otherwise, you're on your own going cold turkey or slowing down the pace. Some people drink a lot because they have nothing else to do, especially during the quarantine where a lot of people are just stuck at home. Try to find a hobby you can pass the time with. Heck, even video games are less debilitating than alcohol.

Maybe try working with an addiction counselor. They might have was of helping you to stop drinking. Maybe go to some AA meetings. Try going to 7Cups Sharing Circle. Try working with a listener here at 7Cups. Choose your friends wisely. If your friends drink,then stay away from them, all together. Find new friends, who do not drink. Stay away from the bars. Find new places to hang out at. Join a club. Stay busy. Go place tennis. Read a book. Become a leader in your community. Offer to speak to high school aged youth. Be a listener/leader at 7cups. 7cups never has enough listeners or leaders. Maybe try writing about your struggles with drinking. I hope this helps you. I wish you all the best.