There are many different reasons why you might consider quitting drinking, including your health, personal finances, the safety of yourself and others, or you’re just tired of wasting your time at parties without actually having any fun. Whatever your reason for quitting alcohol is, there are some things that make quitting easier. So here are some tips on how to quit alcohol the smart way.
1: Make a plan
The first step is to make a plan. Figure out what your goals are, and how you’re going to achieve them. This might include things like finding new activities to replace drinking, setting a budget for yourself so you’re not tempted to spend money on booze, or making arrangements with friends so you don’t have to go out and party when you’re trying to quit.
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2: Use the support of others
Getting support from other people can make a big difference when you’re trying not to drink alcohol. People who stop drinking on their own often relapse, while those that get support from close friends or family members are more likely to succeed. This is because it’s a lot more difficult to get drunk when you’re around supportive people who will help hold you accountable and encourage you to not slip up.
3: Stay away from situations that tempt you
Now that you don’t want alcohol anymore, all the places where you used to enjoy drinking might begin to tempt you. Don’t go! If you have a favorite pub or bar where you used to grab a drink, stay away for as long as possible, at least until your willpower is stronger. It might be hard not going out with the guys from work on Friday night, but those moments will be over before they even happen if you avoid them altogether.
4: Set a goal for yourself
One of the best ways to stay motivated when quitting alcohol is to set a goal for yourself. This could be something like not drinking for a month, or going an entire week without having a single drink. When you have something to aim for, it’s easier to stay on track.
5: Reward yourself
When you reach your goals, reward yourself! This could be something like going out to dinner with friends, buying a new book, or taking a weekend trip. The key is to make sure your rewards are something you really enjoy, and won’t tempt you to drink alcohol.
6: Avoid triggers
There are certain things that might trigger you to want to drink alcohol. This could be a certain place, person, or activity. If you can identify your triggers, then you can work on avoiding them. This might mean not going to the bar with your friends, staying away from happy hours, or skipping out on the poker night.
7: Understand you might relapse
There’s a good chance you’ll relapse at some point when trying to quit alcohol. This is normal, and it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Just make sure you don’t give up if this happens, and keep working on your goals. Figure out what made you relapse, and try to avoid that situation next time. And if you need more support, consider visiting The Process Recovery Center Maine.
8: Be honest with yourself about your drinking habits
When you quit alcohol, you might realize some things about your drinking habits that surprise you. This could be anything from how much money you’ve spent on alcohol over the past few years, or how much of a problem your drinking really was all along. Whatever it is, make sure you’re honest with yourself about the role alcohol played in your life.
