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Have you ever woken up in the morning after a night on the town and said to yourself, “I’m going to stop drinking” or had that fear of uncertainty, worried that you might have done or said something after one too many drinks. Let’s face it, it’s happened to many of us.
But of course, so frequently we do drink again. Often the following weekend, beginning the cycle all over again. And while we may feel it’s harmless, actually it is quite problematic and as you wake up that morning, you might want to listen to your own, slightly hungover advice.
More and more of us are giving up the booze these days, whether as a result of pushing consumption to its limits and now having to deal with addiction treatment, or making that decision a little more consciously, to enjoy a healthier and happier lifestyle.
Of course, giving up alcohol isn’t easy and it can take a lot of help along the way, but if you’ve said “I’m going to stop drinking” that one time too many, here are five top tips to help you actually stop drinking.
So, why not put your money where your mouth is? You’ll certainly feel the benefit…
Set Clear and Achievable Goals
First and foremost, it can be really tricky to just say you’re going to give up and then stop completely. You want to set clear and achievable goals that can allow you to regularly recognise your progress.
Goals can vary from improving your physical health to saving money on alcohol, reducing anxiety to improving relationships with friends. It may even be that you want to hit targets on days and months of being sober. In which case, this can help you turn one day into two, two to three, onto a week, fortnight and beyond.
It’s important to understand why you want to quit, as this will help you stay committed to the cause and keep reaffirming your decision.
Change Your Social Environment
One of the hardest challenges faced when giving up alcohol is beginning to navigate the social situations in which drinking is the norm, such as going to the pub, social gatherings or parties.
It may be that you need to change your social environment in order to commit to your new-found sobriety. This could be suggesting different activities to enjoy with friends, perhaps going for a walk or a coffee.
Unfortunately, in some cases, it may mean leaving your social circle if you believe they are one of the enabling factors of drinking and an unhealthy influence on your life. But at the same time, don’t be afraid to decline and stick to your decisions.
Replace Drinking with Healthy Habits
When you give up alcohol, you may find yourself with extra time and energy that used to be spent drinking or recovering from its effects. Use this opportunity to cultivate healthier habits that will enhance your wellbeing and fill the void left by alcohol. Exercise, for example, is a fantastic way to boost your mood and energy levels. Whether it’s running, cycling, yoga, or swimming, regular physical activity helps release endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers.
In addition to exercise, try incorporating mindfulness practices like meditation, journaling, or deep breathing exercises into your daily routine. These activities can help you manage stress and anxiety, which are common triggers for alcohol consumption. By replacing drinking with healthy habits, you’ll create a positive cycle that benefits both your body and mind.
Seek Support
Going it alone when giving up alcohol can be tough, so it’s important to seek support from others. This can come from friends and family who understand your decision and encourage you to stay sober. Let them know about your goals so they can offer their help when you need it, whether it’s by attending social events where alcohol isn’t the focus, or simply by being there to listen when you’re struggling.
If you feel that you need more structured support, consider joining a group such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or a similar organisation where you can share your experiences and challenges with others going through the same journey. These groups can provide invaluable advice, encouragement, and accountability.
Be Kind to Yourself
Quitting alcohol is a significant life change, and it’s important to be patient and kind to yourself throughout the process. There may be moments when you feel tempted or even experience setbacks, and that’s okay. The key is not to view these moments as failures but as opportunities to learn and grow.
Understand that it’s normal to experience cravings or emotional ups and downs during this journey. Practice self-compassion by acknowledging your feelings without judgement and reminding yourself of the positive reasons you decided to quit. If you do slip up, don’t let it derail your progress. Instead, reflect on what caused the lapse and how you can avoid similar situations in the future.