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Planning to quit alcohol? Here’s a beginner’s guide to get started
If you are planning to quit alcohol – do so today. Although it may not be easy, drinking too much or too often can have serious effects on your health. And since quitting is also no easy task, you may be tempted to return to your addiction, or even succumb to peer pressure, but a strong resolve and constant support from family and friends will help you get rid of it. Can help. Read on to learn some ways to do this.
It is important to make the right decision to stop alcohol because it is a highly addictive substance that causes chemical changes in your brain or body.
Are you worried about your alcohol consumption but can’t seem to stop it? Alcohol addiction is not only harmful for health but it also affects your bank balance and relationships. According to the Dietary Guidelines, drinking alcohol daily can lead to liver damage, heart disease, obesity, kidney failure, cancer, and even mental health problems.
Making the right decision to stop drinking alcohol is important, as it is a highly addictive substance that causes chemical changes in your brain or body when used consistently over time. As you become addicted to drugs and develop tolerance, changes in your body make you physically dependent on alcohol.
And so, to stop addiction, you need a strong determination and some steps, which include:
set goals
According to doctors, it is important that you set a limit on your alcohol consumption. While many people believe you should quit immediately, experts recommend setting small goals with a limit on how much you can drink per day.
Keep your drinking below recommended guidelines: no more than one standard drink per day for women and men age 65 and older, and no more than two standard drinks per day for men younger than 65. These limits may be too high for people who have certain medical conditions or for some older adults. Your doctor can help you determine what’s right for you.
drink very slowly
It’s important to sip your drink, not just gulp. Sip it down and enjoy the drink with soda, water or juice to dilute it. Never drink on an empty stomach.
remove all temptation
Be sure to remove all types of alcohol, including beer and wine, from your home so there are no temptations you need to resist.
Also, avoid meeting people who may encourage you to drink alcohol or may not support your decision to stop. It may be easy to meet up with your drinking friends at your rehab.
manage stress
Although it’s not easy, it’s extremely important to keep your stress down to help reduce withdrawal symptoms and control cravings. This can be done by making your environment soothing and doing activities you enjoy, such as reading a book, listening to music, exercising, meditating, getting a massage, gardening or even cooking.
take care of yourself
Start by eating healthy, nutritious and seasonal foods, which can ease any alcohol withdrawal symptoms – like mood swings. Additionally, you can take supplements such as multivitamins or drink beverages rich in electrolytes.
stay strong
According to experts, people who successfully stop drinking do so only after several attempts. Therefore, never give up on failures and do not let them stop you from reaching your long-term goals. There is really no final endpoint, as the process usually requires sustained and strong efforts.
Be open about seeking support
Quitting alcohol is no small feat. Ask your friends and family members for open support in helping you overcome addiction. Also, be honest with your doctor, counselor or therapist who can give you positive information.
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