Tools to Stop Drinking

Alcoholism, or alcohol addiction, is a mental health condition in which an individual experiences a continuous urge to drink. Many people who suffer from alcohol addiction are not always aware that they have a drinking problem. It can take an intervention or the persuasion of a loved one to bring the problem to light. Resources and treatment options are available to those who want to change their habits and acquire a healthier lifestyle of sobriety.

Counseling

• Substance abuse counselors specialize in helping people who wish to stop drinking. They conduct assessments of the individual to determine their degree of alcoholism, such as mild or chronic, which helps to tailor a treatment and recovery plan for the individual. A substance abuse counselor works with the individual in a one-to-one atmosphere to discuss why he drinks, what makes him want to drink and how to stop the act of drinking. Counselors also provide community resources to individuals and their families, such as recovery support groups.

AA Groups

• Alcoholics Anonymous is the most notable support group available for people who want to stop drinking. In Alcoholics Anonymous, group members discuss their experiences and stories, and stick to a recovery model that uses a step-by-step approach to achieving sobriety. During group meetings, participants watch movies, listen to guest speakers and do group activities that are focused on the serious issue of alcoholism. Because this is a support group, members rely on one another for support, encouragement and inspiration. AA meetings are free and the organization is nondenominational.

SMART Recovery

• SMART Recovery is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people recover from serious addictions. The SMART Recovery program uses a four-point program that includes enhancing and maintaining motivation, coping with urges, problem solving and lifestyle balance. More than 600 SMART Recovery groups are sponsored around the world and online meetings are also available. Live and online meetings aim to support individuals while they move toward a life of sobriety.

Close Support Systems

• Having a close support system is a tool to help people stop drinking. Your support system can be composed of whomever you choose, such as your family, friends, neighbor, teacher, pastor or sports coach. When you have a close support system, those individuals share your goal for you to stop drinking. They are available to you when you have urges to drink, or when you need help staying sober. A support system gives people motivation to succeed and they are encouraging throughout the sobriety process.

Medication

• Certain types of medication can help people with serious alcohol addictions reduce the cravings that they have for alcohol. Medication is not a cure for alcoholism, but it can help urges subside so that a patient has a more successful recovery from alcohol withdrawals. Campral, Antabuse and ReVia are three of the substance abuse medications on the market that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Each medication has a unique way of controlling alcohol cravings, as well as its own set of side effects. To obtain medication, you must have the permission and prescription from a psychiatrist who oversees your condition.