Ten tips to help you stop drinking alcohol
Here are just 10 of our top tips to help you to stop drinking alcohol. It’s not an exhaustive list but should help prompt you to think about what you need to do.
Set a goal: Decide on a specific reason for wanting to stop drinking and make it your goal. This could be for your health, to improve your relationships, or to save money, for example.
Make a plan: Decide how you will go about achieving your goal, including how you will handle social situations where alcohol is present and what you will do instead of drinking.
Seek support: Surround yourself with people who support your decision to stop drinking and consider joining a support group or seeking the help of a therapist or counselor.
Avoid triggers: Be aware of situations that may trigger your desire to drink and try to avoid them.
Find alternative activities: Find new, healthy ways to cope with stress and have fun, such as exercising, spending time with friends and family, or engaging in hobbies.
Keep track of your progress: Keep a record of your days sober and the positive changes you experience as a result of stopping drinking. This can help you stay motivated and on track.
Expect challenges: It's normal to have challenges and setbacks when trying to stop drinking. Be prepared for them and don't be too hard on yourself if you have a slip-up. Just get back on track as soon as possible.
Seek professional help: If you are unable to stop drinking on your own or if you feel like your drinking is causing problems in your life, consider seeking the help of a healthcare professional. They can help you determine the best course of treatment for your situation.
Take care of yourself: Make sure to get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, and engage in activities that help you relax and reduce stress.
Don't give up: Stopping drinking is a process and it may take time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you have a hard time at first. Keep working at it and you will see progress.
We have some groups available if you need peer support, see how Groups page to find out more.
