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Beach House Recovery Center » Blog » How to Stop Drinking
Excessive alcohol consumption is a societal problem of devastating magnitude. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), approximately 90,000 people die annually from alcohol-related deaths in the US, and alcohol is considered the third most preventable cause of death after tobacco and dietary/lifestyle factors. Alcohol is relentlessly promoted by lobbies and romanticized by an entire advertising industry that capitalizes on its mind-altering effects and considerable profits margins. This ongoing campaign paints a misleading portrait— normalizing and popularizing a beverage that remains a potentially deadly legal poison
Alcohol has a profoundly negative effect on the entire body, and is as psychologically disruptive as it is physically debilitating. Despite the well-known and scientifically established dangers associated with alcohol consumption, it remains highly popular and shows no signs of stopping. Although overcoming alcoholism is extremely challenging—especially when it has reached an advanced stage— becoming free of its devastating effects is entirely possible.
The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reported that in 2015 approximately 90 percent of people ages 18 or older consumed alcohol at least once within their lifetime. Within that majority, approximately 70 percent reported drinking within the past year, and approximately 60 percent within the past month. During the same year:
Beyond the negative health consequences related to excessive alcohol consumption is an overwhelming socioeconomic burden. For example:
For many people, overcoming addiction to alcohol is a long and perilous journey. Major roadblocks and constant temptations along the way can make it seem impossible, or at the very least, daunting. Fortunately, if you are truly motivated by a desire to quit drinking, you don’t have to hit rock bottom or suffer from any more self-created social, professional, legal or health-related problems. In the majority of cases, the decision to stop drinking does not occur in a single epiphany or “light bulb” moment—although it does happen. Rather, it is usually a gradual awakening process triggered by increasing self-awareness and realization.
The decision to quit drinking is preceded by personal motivation—a reason or reasons why one should quit. Alcohol is particularly devastating in terms of its psychological impact, which includes the need for instant gratification. Frequently, long-term benefits aren’t sufficient in themselves to motivate people to quit, although they can certainly help. One proven strategy known to help those struggling with alcoholism overcome their need for instant gratification is creating a list of immediate reasons for quitting. For example, short-term benefits may include:
Once the primary motivations for stopping drinking have been established, it becomes necessary to restructure your life so that drinking is no longer the main recreational activity. Many alcoholics in early recovery find that the following steps help add tangible structure to their newfound commitment to sobriety and improve long-term treatment outcomes:
For many clients, alcohol addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease that requires professional psychiatric intervention and medical management. A wide range of evidence-based options are available for those desiring sobriety and an improved quality of life. Although intensive outpatient (IOP) treatment and outpatient treatment (OP) are cost-effective options, inpatient treatment at a reputable residential facility is considered the preferred method—especially for clients suffering from advanced stage alcoholism.
Regardless of the treatment level chosen, all levels of care should include supervision by licensed medical professionals and qualified clinicians who work together to administer pharmacological interventions, develop comprehensive treatment plans, and evaluate progress. Fortunately, contemporary medical advancements allow clients to enjoy a wide range of medications that help maximize treatment outcomes. These medications, all of which are Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved, help reduce cravings, stabilize mental and physical function, and treat co-occurring anxiety and depression-related disorders. Throughout the course of treatment, the following therapeutic modalities are also incorporated into the protocol to address additional psychological factors involved in alcohol addiction:
Once a client has successfully completed initial treatment, relapse prevention becomes a primary focus and concern. A comprehensive, empirically proven relapse-prevention plan should include: participation in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), actively working the program with the help of a sponsor, maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, commitment to a spiritual purpose, and developing a strong network of sober friends and community support systems.
If you or someone you love is suffering from alcohol addiction, call a substance abuse professional today to begin to process of seeking help. Alcohol addiction may seem normal due to its prevalence in society, but it is a ticking time bomb waiting to explode. Like other mind-altering substances—alcohol addiction knows no personal, professional, religious, political, racial, or cultural boundaries. Any one, at any time, can find themselves in need of professional help.
For more about alcohol addiction and recovery, check out these related articles:
Sources:
PLOS one. Alcohol Use among Adolescent Youth: The Role of Friendship Networks and Family Factors in Multiple School Studies. March, 2015.
Journal of Clinical Oncology. Alcohol and Cancer: A Statement of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Nov, 2017.
The Journal of Neuroscience. Behavioral Neurobiology of Alcohol Addiction: Recent Advances and Challenges. May, 2002.
The Pharmacogenetics Journal. Alcoholism and alcohol drinking habits predicted from alcohol dehydrogenase genes. Oct, 2007.
The American Journal of Medicine. Moderate Alcohol Consumption: From Both Sides of the Atlantic and of the Channel. August, 2016.
Whether you’re researching for yourself or a loved one, Beach House can help. We understand that this is a serious time in your life and that the treatment center you choose matters. We want you to feel comfortable and empowered to make the right decision for yourself, a friend, or a family member. This is why a counselor is waiting and available to answer your questions and help put your mind at ease regarding the next steps. Many of the staff at Beach House have walked in your shoes. If you feel you’re ready or want more information about how to help a loved one, we can help today. You can also learn why we are voted the #1 rehab for addiction treatment in Florida.
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