Why Can’t I Stop Drinking? Contact Our Alcohol Treatment Center In Denver

According to scientists at the Stanford University School of Medicine, up to one in four adults in the US have engaged in binge drinking within the past month. Binge drinking – defined as the consumption of a large quantity of alcohol in a single session – can significantly increase risk of developing an addiction to alcohol. 90% of the alcohol consumption of underage drinker happens during incidents of binge drinking. In general, it’s better to put time and effort into sobriety than to try to do the bare minimum. If you’ve struggled to quit drinking, you should consider support groups, counseling or rehab.

What are the four steps of addiction?

There are four levels of addiction: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. We will discuss each level in-depth and provide tips for overcoming addiction. Most people who try drugs or engage in risky behaviors don't become addicted.

It may help to seek support from others, including friends, family, community, and support groups. If you are developing your own symptoms of depression or anxiety, think about seeking professional help for yourself. Remember that your loved one is ultimately responsible for managing his or her illness. Because AUD can be a chronic relapsing disease, persistence is key. It is rare that someone would go to treatment once and then never drink again. More often, people must repeatedly try to quit or cut back, experience recurrences, learn from them, and then keep trying. For many, continued follow up with a treatment provider is critical to overcoming problem drinking.

Handling setbacks in your recovery

Spend time coming up with some coping strategies for alcohol cravings, and self-care ideas for days when you feel depressed or uneasy. Write down some reminders and work some rituals into your day that let you touch base with yourself.

how to overcome alcoholism

AA meetings are held all over the country, in virtually every city. They offer a group centered approach to treating alcoholism. Alcohol counseling is so important for those who wish to recover from alcoholism. The key is to understand why the alcohol addiction occurred. Counselors are specially trained to be able to do this. Having friends or loved ones who are worried about you because of your drinking habits. Research shows that most people who have alcohol problems are able to reduce their drinking or quit entirely.

Related to Substance Abuse and Addiction

People with minor alcohol problems or people who have already received treatment for moderate or severe alcohol problems usually benefit from AA. Our community offers unique perspectives on lifelong recovery and substance use prevention, empowering others through stories of strength and courage. Alcohol abuse and addiction doesn’t just affect how to overcome alcoholism the person drinking—it affects their families and loved ones, too. Watching a family member struggle with a drinking problem can be as heartbreakingly painful as it is frustrating. But while you can’t do the hard work of overcoming addiction for your loved one, your love and support can play a crucial part in their long-term recovery.

how to overcome alcoholism

Since the 1990s, naltrexone has been approved by the FDA to treat alcohol use disorder. This drug limits the pleasurable effects of drinking without making you feel sick. Naltrexone is a key component in the Sinclair Method, which uses targeted doses of this drug to help people moderate or quit over time. It is also available as a monthly injection , or as a daily pill. This option is increasingly popular—especially during the pandemic era. Putting treatment on your phone eliminates commuting time, and makes it easier to fit appointments into your schedule. It also reduces cost—even if you pay out of pocket it’s usually much cheaper than regular rehab.

Is it safe to stop drinking by myself?

Medications also can deter drinking during times when individuals may be at greater risk of relapse (e.g., divorce, death of a family member). Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step programs provide peer support for people quitting or cutting back on their drinking. Combined with treatment led by health professionals, mutual-support groups can offer a valuable added layer of support. While getting sober is an important first step, it is only the beginning of your recovery from alcohol addiction or heavy drinking.

  • Brief Interventionsare short, one-on-one or small-group counseling sessions that are time limited.
  • Are you trying to drink less or stop drinking completely?
  • It’s possible to develop a better relationship with alcohol and make more mindful, informed choices about drinking without total sobriety.
  • MHA Screening is an educational program intended to help inform people about options they have in getting help for mental health issues.
  • Family and friends can provide encouragement and support when you stop drinking.

“I never could have envisioned what a lifetime of sobriety would look and feel like, until I got there.” Here are some recovery quotes to keep you motivated on the path ahead. Taking a break for a month can give you some perspective on how much you drink, and what it feels like when you don’t. For some people, this can be a motivating step towards sobriety or moderation.