Deciding to cut back on drinking can deliver many health benefits, including lowering your risk of cancer. Drinking less can improve your sleep and help you feel better in the mornings. It also reduces your risk of accidents, high blood pressure, and liver disease.
Alcohol causes seven different types of cancer. Even small amounts can damage your body’s cells. So, cutting down on alcohol is good for your health and lowers your cancer risk, no matter how much you drink.
Read on to learn why cutting down on drinking is so hard and how to get help from professionals to achieve this.
If you or a loved one needs help overcoming alcohol addiction, call our friendly recovery experts today at (800) 994-2184.
Why Is Cutting Back on Drinking So Hard?
Cutting back on drinking can be very difficult for several reasons:
Habits
Drinking can become a habit, something you do automatically without thinking. Breaking this habit takes effort and time. Habits are powerful and can be hard to change once deeply ingrained in your daily routine.
Social pressure
Friends or family might encourage you to drink, making it harder to say no. You might feel left out if you don’t join in. Social situations often involve alcohol, and it can be tough to resist when everyone around you is drinking.
Stress relief
Many people use alcohol to relax or cope with stress. Finding other ways to deal with stressors can be challenging. Alcohol can seem like a quick fix for stress, so it can be hard to give up if you don’t have other stress-relief strategies.
Cravings
Your body might crave alcohol, making it hard to resist. These cravings can be strong and uncomfortable. Cravings are a physical reaction and it can take a lot of willpower to resist them.
Enjoyment
You might enjoy the taste of alcohol or how it makes you feel. Giving up something you like is always tough. Alcohol can enhance social experiences and make you feel good, so it’s hard to cut back on something that pleases you.
Dependence
If you’ve been drinking a lot for a long time, your body might depend on alcohol to feel normal. Cutting back can cause withdrawal symptoms, which can be hard to handle. Dependence means your body has adapted to alcohol and stopping can lead to uncomfortable physical symptoms.
Understanding these challenges can help you find ways to overcome them. If cutting back on drinking is hard for you, remember that it’s okay to ask for help from friends, family, or a healthcare professional. They can offer support and tips to cut back on drinking.
Tips for Cutting Back on Drinking
If you want to know how to cut back on drinking alcohol, here are 10 great tips to help you:
- Set a goal: Decide how many days a week you want to drink and how many drinks you will have. Stick to your goal.
- Keep track: Write down every time you have a drink. This helps you see how much you drink and where you could cut back.
- Choose alcohol-free days: Pick a few days each week to go without drinking. This gives your body a break.
- Drink slowly: Sip your drink slowly and take breaks between each one. This helps you drink less over time.
- Eat before and while drinking: Eating food can slow down the absorption of alcohol, helping you feel full and drink less alcohol.
- Switch to lower-alcohol drinks: Choose drinks with less alcohol, like light beer or wine instead of stronger options.
- Stay hydrated: Drink water or non-alcoholic drinks between alcoholic ones. This keeps you hydrated and can reduce your desire for more alcohol.
- Avoid triggers: Stay away from situations or people that make you want to drink more. Find new activities that don’t involve alcohol.
- Find other activities: Do things you enjoy that don’t involve drinking, like sports, hobbies, or spending time with friends and family.
- Get support: Talk to friends, family, or a counselor about your plan to cut down. Having support can make it easier to stick to your goals.
By following these tips, you can cut back on drinking and improve your health and well-being. Remember, small changes can make a big difference.
Getting Professional Help for Alcohol Addiction
If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol addiction, getting professional help is very important. Here’s what’s involved:
Assessment
The first step is to see a doctor or counselor who will ask questions about your drinking habits and health. This helps them understand your situation and plan the best treatment for you.
Detox
Detox is the process of safely removing alcohol from your body. This might be done in a hospital or a special clinic where doctors can help manage withdrawal symptoms like shaking, sweating, and nausea.
Therapy
Talking to a therapist can help you understand why you drink and teach you new ways to cope without alcohol. Types of therapy include talk therapy, individual counseling, group therapy, and family therapy.
Medications
Sometimes, doctors prescribe medications to help reduce cravings or manage withdrawal symptoms. These medications can make it easier to stop drinking.
Support groups
Joining a support group like AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) can provide encouragement and advice from others who have faced similar challenges. Support groups offer a sense of community and ongoing support.
Aftercare
After initial treatment, ongoing support is important to stay sober. This might include continued therapy, support group meetings, and regular check-ins with a healthcare provider.
Getting professional help for alcohol addiction provides the support and tools needed to recover and lead a healthier life. If you or someone you know needs help, don’t hesitate to contact a healthcare professional.
Get Insurance-Covered Treatment for Alcohol Addiction at Gratitude Lodge
We can help you tackle alcohol addiction at Gratitude Lodge in Newport Beach, California. We offer a free insurance coverage check to help you determine whether your health insurance covers the cost of treatment.
Begin your recovery with our medical detox program. Access medications and 24/7 care to make the withdrawal process safer and more comfortable. After about a week, you’ll love into ongoing inpatient treatment.
All alcohol addictions are unique, so treatment programs are personalized. Therapies include:
- Medications
- Talk therapies
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- One-on-one counseling
- Holistic treatments
- Aftercare
For alcohol addiction treatment covered by insurance, call our recovery experts at 800-994-2184.
