Alcoholism is a struggle. Millions of Americans grapple with their drinking. They blackout, suffer from memory loss, and get into accidents.

But alcoholism is a struggle that anyone can win. Millions of Americans learn how to quit alcohol and live successful, full lives. You can, too.

Many people don’t know where to begin. You can start right here and right now. Here is a quick guide on how to stop drinking.

The First Steps

The first step is to recognize that you want to stop drinking. The next step is to consider your relationship with alcohol.

Alcoholism is a dependency on alcohol. A person has trouble controlling their drinking, they become preoccupied with alcohol, and they keep drinking even after it causes problems.

You do not have to be an alcoholic to recognize you have a drinking problem. The only thing that matters is that you want to stop drinking. Delve into the reasons why.

Determine how much you drink. Maybe “one quick drink” turns into three drinks.

Understand why you drink. You may turn to alcohol to numb pain, decrease anxiety, or bolster your courage. You may find it easier to socialize when you’re drunk.

Then consider what your overall approach may be. You may want to stop drinking entirely. But you can also reduce your drinking or change the social situations during which you drink.

You don’t have to have a clear end goal in mind. You just need to understand that you have options. There isn’t one plan that works for everybody, but everyone can find one plan that works for them.

Talk to Someone

Loop other people in on your decision. You do not have to talk to everyone. Pick a few friends and loved ones, and tell them about what you’re going to do.

Ask them questions about your drinking habits. Understand where they are coming from, and build mutual trust with them.

If you don’t want to talk to your family, you don’t have to. You can talk to a doctor, therapist, or medical professional. Doctor-patient confidentiality binds them, and you can receive advice you can trust.

If you don’t want to talk to someone you know, you can find a community. You can meet new people who avoid alcohol, or you can go to a community that advises people on how to quit alcohol.

Take some time practicing what you are going to say. You can say a simple “No, thanks” when someone offers you a drink.

When you’re talking with loved ones, try to keep your explanations simple. Express what reason you have to quit drinking, and what you want to accomplish. “I drink when I get anxious, and I want to learn how to manage my anxiety without alcohol” is one example of something you can say.

Drink Something Else

Get rid of the alcohol in your home. Replace the alcohol with nonalcoholic drinks. Ask your roommates and partners to keep alcohol out of sight.

You have many nonalcoholic beverages to choose from. Plain water is the healthiest drink you can have. You can enliven water with chopped fruits and herbs.

Sparkling water comes in a variety of flavors. You can mix juice, lemonade, and sweeteners with sparkling water for added flavor.

Tea and coffee also work. You can choose noncaffeinated tea, with rich flavors like rooibos and cinnamon.

You can also make plenty of non-alcoholic soft drinks. Cordials, mocktails, and smoothies taste similar to alcohol without the side effects.

Do Something Else

If you drink at a certain time every day, do something else during that time. Go for a walk, meet with friends, and cook for yourself. Keep your mind off of alcohol with a productive task.

If you drink to avoid a certain feeling, develop some coping methods. Deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can all help with anxiety and depression. Listen to music, watch a movie, or read a book.

Take time every day caring for yourself. Withdrawal can be difficult. Feeling the best you can possibly feel will let you keep going.

Eat nutritious and regular meals. Eat whole grains, fruits and vegetables, and lean meats.

Go out and exercise. Do cardio, build muscles, and stretch regularly. Get at least eight hours of sleep every night.

Find a hobby for yourself. Keep a journal to record your thoughts and track your progress.

Reach Out to Stop Drinking

You do not have to stop drinking on your own. You can get help whenever you see fit. Contact someone as soon as you notice a problem with your recovery.

Twelve-step programs are available in most major areas. Alcoholics Anonymous is the most popular twelve-step program, but others exist.

Doctors and therapists can also help. They can prescribe medications for you to take. They can recommend self and group therapy sessions.

Alcohol rehab programs are also available. There are several different programs you can try.

Inpatient treatment involves living in a rehab facility. Doctors and nurses take care of your immediate needs, letting you focus on your recovery.

Outpatient treatment takes place for a couple of hours every day. You visit an inpatient facility for therapy and medication sessions, and then you can go home. You can continue on with your life while receiving confidential treatment.

You have many different options at your disposal. Consider how you learn and talk to people. Then pursue the treatment plan that aligns with your personality the best.

Get Started Today

You want to stop drinking. That is a terrific decision to make. The next step is to learn how to quit drinking.

Determine how much and why you drink. Talk to someone you can trust about what you want to do. Drink something else, and do something else to keep your mind off alcohol.

Pursue a twelve-step program, therapy, or alcohol rehab program. Consider what your individual needs are, then get started.

You can get help. Addiction Answers offers a number of services to help you withdraw from alcohol. Contact us today, or call us at 844-311-6980.