How to Fix a Drinking Problem

At first, a drinking problem is often unrecognizable. People drink at social events and can't imagine a gathering without beer or wine nearby. Gradually, a few drinks a week turns into a few drinks a day. Drinking alone, often, and especially at times of crisis can trigger dependency and addiction. Jobs and relationships become increasingly less important than finding that next drink. If a person cannot get through a few hours without alcohol, intervention and treatment is often necessary to get back control. Here are some ways you can fix a drinking problem.

Instructions

How to stop drinking

• 1

  Join Alcoholics Anonymous or another support group. According to NIH, recovering people who attend groups regularly do better than those who attempt to quit on their own. Different people have different needs, so shop around for a group that feels right. Make the weekly or daily meetings, find a sponsor, and help others who need assistance.

• 2

  Consult your doctor. Modern medication can assist in the effort to quit drinking without the usual side effects associated with older drugs. Physicians can also offer therapy, support, and recommendations for more intensive counseling and rehabilitation, depending on the needs of the patient.

• 3

  Avoid people and places that trigger drinking. Find a different way home if you often stop by a bar each day. Foster new relationships where drinking is not the primary focus. If you drink at home, don't purchase alcohol or keep it in the house. Plan an activity to keep busy during those times where you find yourself feeling the urge to drink.

• 4

  Find something to do that doesn't involve drinking. Take up a new hobby, go to a preferred house of worship to volunteer, exercise regularly, or join a social club that promotes a worthy cause. This helps to take your mind off drinking and focus energies elsewhere in a more constructive and helpful way.

• 5

  Educate friends and family about alcoholism. Tell them not to offer you a drink or drink around you. Ask for help when you need it and don't be afraid to demand encouragement and positive words of support rather than criticism. Suggest support groups for your loved ones as well. Alcoholism is often a group problem and your loved ones might benefit from help as well.