Five top tips to stop drinking

Stopping drinking doesn't happen by chance - being organised with a strategy and the right support is crucial.

So, you think you have a problem with alcohol, and want to know how to stop for good?

Here, the specialist alcohol and mental health clinicians at Ocean Hills Rehab share five top tips to stop drinking.

Five top tips to stop drinking

1 Take the How Do I Know If I Have A Drinking Problem test: Answering these 10 easy questions will help you decide if you have a problem with alcohol that needs professional help. Generally, if you think you have a problem with alcohol, you probably do have a problem.

2. Tell someone who will support you. Admitting that you’ve got a problem that you can’t solve is a huge relief, and is a crucial step in getting well. Make sure you tell someone who is not a ‘drinking buddy’ - you may not get the support you need. Talking to right person makes all the difference.

Seeing a doctor before you stop drinking is important.

3. Get medical advice: Before you put down the bottle, you need to make sure you’re medically safe, so seeing a doctor is important. Many heavy drinkers are physically dependent on alcohol and could need medical support to stop drinking alcohol safely. Check out the What Happens When I Detox From Alcohol blog for more info.

4. Clear the decks: Prepare to make big changes to your life. In recovery from addiction there’s a saying, “Nothing changes if nothing changes”. This will mean reviewing the people, places and things that trigger you, and being willing to make brave decisions to get and stay sober. Here’s some practical advice in our How To Get And Stay Sober: 10 Top Tips that can get you started.

5. Do the work: We’re not going to lie – sobriety is hard in the beginning – but it can be done, with the right support. With professionals by your side, learning the new skills and tools that you need to keep sober will dramatically increase the chances of creating your successful, sustainable life of sobriety. Take a look at our Staying Sober With Your Recovery Toolbox article for more.

Getting the right support to get and stay sober will give you the best chance of success. Staying at Ocean Hills could provide the new start you need. Our guests usually stay from 2-4 weeks and tell us how much they love the professional, compassionate team of qualified clinicians.

Like podcasts?

Listen to the 10 Reasons to Stop Drinking episode of the Ocean Hills podcast, Addicted to Recovery, below.

ATR 10 reasons to stop drinking

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If you're worried about your drinking or that of someone you love, give Elaine Atkinson - Ocean Hills Rehab founder - a call on 027 573 7744 for a confidential chat or contact us here.