Strategies to Quit Drinking: Which Is Best for You?

quit drinking

Are you hoping to quit drinking, but aren’t quite sure how to do it?

Quitting drinking can be extremely difficult, especially if you’re someone who consumes alcohol on a regular basis and in large quantities. Luckily, there are plenty of effective strategies out there that can help you say goodbye to alcohol once and for all. 

What do you need to do?

Check out this guide to discover the top strategies to quit drinking. 

1. Know Your Triggers 

In order to quit drinking, you need to know what’s triggering you to drink in the first place. The next few times you drink, pay attention to how you’re feeling, who you’re with, and what you’re doing. 

Most people who struggle with alcohol have at least one or two triggers that cause them to reach for the bottle. For example, you may find that you drink when you’re feeling really stressed out. 

Once you know that stress is your trigger, you can work on ways to combat it that don’t involve drinking. For example, you can practice yoga, journal, or meditate. 

2. Set Goals 

For many people, quitting drinking cold turkey isn’t necessary. 

If you’re looking to cut back on how much you drink, one of the best ways to do it is to set goals for yourself. For example, if you’re currently drinking three nights per week, maybe you can make it your goal to only drink one night per week for a month straight. After you’ve reached this goal, you can take it one step further and make it your goal to only drink once every two weeks. 

Before you know it, you’ll have kicked your habit altogether. 

3. Find a New Hobby 

Many people drink out of boredom and out of habit. If you feel like habit and boredom are to blame for your drinking, then it’s time to change things up. 

For example, if you’re used to pouring yourself a drink right when you get home from work, go for a walk instead or call a friend. It can also help to find a new hobby to replace your drinking. You could take up a new sport, learn a new instrument, or join a book club.

There are so many valuable ways you can spend your time that don’t involve drinking. You just need to find what’s right for you.

4. Seek Help 

If you feel like you can’t stop drinking no matter how hard you try, then you may want to seek professional help. 

For some people, this may mean going to an inpatient rehab center. For others, it may mean going to AA or attending counseling sessions. You don’t need to have a severe drinking problem or be an alcoholic to seek help for your drinking. Professional help can benefit anyone who is looking to kick their habit. 

Strategies to Quit Drinking: Are You Ready to Quit? 

Now that you’ve read these strategies to quit drinking, it’s time to put them to use. Before you know it, your drinking will be a thing of the past. 

Be sure to check back in with our blog for more tips and tricks on how to quit drinking.