Tell family and friends that you want to stop drinking alcohol and explain why. In the early stages, it's a good idea to avoid situations where you might be tempted to drink. To reduce the number of drinks you drink each week, start with a daily limit. The federal government's Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend not drinking anything, but they suggest that if you do, keep it below two drinks a day for men and one for women.
Talk to your doctor about how that goal might work for you. Sunnyside uses a psychology-based approach to help you drink more consciously, no matter what your goal is. You'll get a 100% personalized plan, and then use daily text messages to track your progress and help you stay on target. A standard glass of wine is 5 ounces, which contains approximately 12% alcohol.
A shot of distilled spirits such as vodka is 1.5 ounces and equal to 40% alcohol. A 12-ounce can of beer contains approximately 5% alcohol, and a standard glass of sherry is 3 to 4 ounces and contains approximately 17% alcohol, according to the NIAAA. The urge to drink will inevitably come, so make a plan for it. Remember why you want to reduce, talk to a friend about it, and distract yourself with a hobby or exercise, suggests the NIAAA.
Accept that you have the impulse and that it will happen. If you're having difficulty controlling your alcohol use, you may wonder if it's time to stop drinking. Being sober is a courageous step that can change your life for the better. But to quit smoking as safely as possible, you'll want to see a doctor first.
Each person's physiology is unique, and dropping cold alcohol can be life-threatening. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that women drink no more than one alcoholic beverage a day, while men should drink no more than two a day. If you struggle to drink within these guidelines, or you frequently consume more than recommended, it's probably time to talk to your doctor. You may have some negative stereotypes about people who drink too much, but addiction and binge drinking are health problems that can affect anyone.
Don't be ashamed to seek treatment. Because of stigmas around addiction, Dr. Prylinski says, some patients may be nervous about broaching the topic. Rest assured that doctors will offer help without judging them.
The doctor will adapt the treatment plan to your needs. If your body is physically dependent on alcohol, you may be in danger of withdrawal. To handle it as safely as possible, your doctor may refer you to a detoxification clinic or other specialized treatment center. Alcohol addiction is more than just a physical problem and often has psychological roots in family history or past trauma.
Prylinski recommends that people in recovery seek ongoing support, which may include counseling, medication, and support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous. Even in the first few days after you stop drinking, your mind and body are already healing. You'll probably notice that your mood stabilizes, Dr. Your anxiety will decrease, your skin will look better and you can lose weight.
One of the most significant changes will be the improvement of sleep quality. During the first few months of sobriety, Dr. Prylinski says, patients often report an explosion of dreams.
