How to Quit Drinking

Eliminate Alcohol in a Healthy Way

Drinking alcohol daily can profoundly impact our lives, affecting our physical and mental well-being. While alcohol consumption in moderation may not cause significant harm, the line between social drinking and alcohol addiction can easily blur. Knowing when to seek treatment for alcohol addiction is crucial for reclaiming control and restoring health. If you cannot limit or stop your alcohol intake despite adverse consequences, experiencing withdrawal symptoms when trying to quit, or if alcohol has started interfering with your relationships, work, or personal life, it may be time to consider seeking professional help. Recognizing the signs of alcohol addiction and the importance of early intervention can pave the way to a brighter future free from alcohol dependency.

What happens when you drink alcohol everyday?

Drinking alcohol daily can cause damaging effects on both the brain and body, short-term and long-term.

The short-term effects of drinking alcohol every day can vary depending on factors such as age, weight, and gender, as well as the amount and frequency of alcohol consumption. However, some of the short-term effects of daily alcohol consumption can include:

Negative Effects on the GI Tract: Alcohol irritates the lining of your GI tract, which may lead to inflammation and swelling. While inflammation in the GI tract may help heal damaged tissues, inflammation caused by alcohol use may cause damage to the tissues and lead to various diseases, such as cancer or gastroesophageal reflux disease. 

Negative effects on the Heart: When you consume alcohol, the heart has to work harder because of the decreased fluid in the body leading to the heart. Because of this, it can lead to increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and irregular heartbeat. 

Kidney Function: Kidneys are critical in filtering waste products and excess fluids from the blood. One of the primary ways alcohol can damage the kidneys is by causing dehydration. Alcohol is a diuretic that increases urine production, leading to frequent bathroom trips and less fluid in the body. Dehydration can impair kidney function and cause kidney damage over time. Additionally, alcohol can increase blood pressure and cause inflammation of the kidneys, which can lead to a condition called glomerulonephritis.

Inflammation of the Liver: When we hear the word jaundice, we commonly assume it is only prevalent in newborn babies. However, even adults can develop jaundice. Alcohol can cause inflammation of the liver which can lead to pain and discomfort. In some cases, the inflammation can cause jaundice, a condition in which the skin and eyes become yellowish due to the buildup of bilirubin. In addition, daily alcohol consumption can cause adverse side effects such as nausea, abdominal pain, and fever. 

What are the benefits of avoiding alcohol?

Avoiding alcohol can have many benefits for both physical and mental health. By abstaining from alcohol, individuals can reduce their risk of developing various health problems, including liver disease, heart disease, certain types of cancer, and neurological disorders. Alcoholic beverages can be high in calories and sugar, so avoiding alcohol may help maintain an ideal weight or encourage weight loss. Additionally, avoiding alcohol can improve mental health and reduce the risk of developing or worsening depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Not drinking alcohol can also lead to better quality sleep, increased energy levels, and improved overall mood. Finally, avoiding alcohol can reduce the risk of consequences associated with excessive drinking, such as impaired driving and accidents.

How can one  stop drinking on their own?

If someone wishes to stop drinking alcohol on their own, they can take several steps to achieve this goal:

• Acknowledge why you want to stop drinking and set achievable goals for yourself. Before attempting to quit drinking, it’s important to understand why you want to quit and what you hope to accomplish. Set achievable goals. Sometimes it may be helpful to start with small victories and work up to more significant achievements. 
• Keep a journal of your alcohol consumption and track your progress toward your goals. Keeping a record of how much you drink and when can help you identify habits and triggers that may lead to excessive drinking.
• Reach out for support from family, friends, or a therapist. Creating a support group of people who care about your well-being can provide the emotional support and motivation you need to stay sober. 
• Stay active and find new hobbies or interests. Drinking alcohol can take up a lot of time and energy, and quitting can leave a feeling of emptiness. Finding new hobbies or interests can help fill that void and provide a healthy outlet for stress and anxiety.
• Gradually reduce the amount of alcohol consumed over time. Going “cold turkey” can be difficult and even dangerous for some heavy drinkers. Gradually reducing the amount of alcohol consumed over time can make the transition to sobriety easier and less overwhelming.
• Use mindfulness techniques to manage cravings. Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, can help manage cravings and triggers. Practicing mindfulness can help you stay present in the moment and resist the urge to drink.
• Seek professional help if necessary. Quitting alcohol can be challenging, and some people may need professional help to overcome their addiction. This may include counseling, medication-assisted treatment, or a stay at a rehabilitation center.

Everyone’s journey to sobriety is different; what works for one person may not work for another. The most important thing is to stay committed to your goals and seek help when needed.

What happens to your body when you stop drinking?

When you stop drinking alcohol, your body goes through numerous changes as it adjusts to the lack of alcohol. Here are some of the things that may occur:

1. Improved hydration: Alcohol is a diuretic which contributes to dehydration. Your body can more easily maintain a healthy hydration level.
2. Better sleep: You may find that you sleep better and wake up feeling more rested.
3. Improved digestion: You may notice less bloating, gas, and diarrhea. 
4. Weight loss: Alcoholic drinks are often high in calories, so cutting them out of your diet can lead to weight loss over time.
5. Lower risk of disease: Your chance of various health issues may decrease, such as liver disease, heart disease, and certain types of cancers. 
6. Improved mental health: You may notice an improvement in your overall mood and mental well-being.

Alternative to drinking: What can I replace alcohol with to relax or sleep?

If you’re looking for alternatives to drinking alcohol to relax or sleep, several options exist. Some people find that exercise, meditation, or deep breathing can help them relax and unwind. Others may benefit from engaging in creative activities like writing, painting, or playing music. Taking a warm bath or shower, drinking herbal tea, or listening to calming music can also help promote relaxation and restful sleep. It’s important to find what works best for you and to make self-care a regular part of your routine.

When should you consider rehab to stop drinking?

Deciding to seek help for alcohol addiction can be challenging, but it’s an important step toward a healthier and happier life. You should consider rehab to stop drinking if your alcohol use is interfering with your daily life and you’re unable to stop on your own. Rehab can provide you with the tools and support you need to overcome addiction and start living a fulfilling life in recovery. Whether you’re struggling with mild or severe alcohol addiction, rehab can help you build the skills and confidence to stay sober long-term. 

Why choose Recovery Beach for alcohol addiction treatment?

Recovery Beach is an outstanding choice for alcohol addiction treatment, offering a compelling and transformative journey toward recovery. With a holistic and personalized approach, Recovery Beach is committed to providing compassionate care and support throughout your healing process. Their team of highly skilled professionals has extensive experience in addiction treatment, ensuring that you receive the highest standard of care. The serene location creates a tranquil and rejuvenating environment, allowing you to focus solely on your recovery without distractions. Recovery Beach offers evidence-based therapies, tailored treatment plans, and a range of therapeutic modalities to address addiction’s physical, emotional, and psychological aspects. In addition, the strong emphasis on relapse prevention equips you with essential skills to maintain long-term sobriety. By choosing Recovery Beach, you are choosing a path toward rediscovering a life filled with joy, purpose, and lasting recovery.

Conclusion

In the journey of alcohol addiction, recognizing when and how to stop drinking is an essential turning point. It is important to understand that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but strength and courage. Whether you are experiencing mild or severe addiction, reaching out for professional support can make a significant difference in your recovery. Recovery Beach Rehab Treatment Center offers a comprehensive and compassionate approach to alcohol addiction treatment. Their dedicated team, personalized treatment plans, evidence-based therapies, and serene location provide the ideal environment for healing and growth. Remember, recovery is possible, and taking that first step towards a better, sober life is an investment in your well-being and happiness.