How to Quit Alcohol Abuse

Drinking alcohol when you suffer from an alcohol addiction is a condition that takes over you; not something you want to do. Instead of controlling the alcohol, the alcohol controls you. Alcohol abuse runs in families and is often used as a coping mechanism to deal with stress, emotions and personal issues. Excess alcohol consumption can lead to liver and brain damage and has been linked to heart disease, stroke and high blood pressure. To avoid having to deal with these conditions, there are various steps you can take to quit abusing alcohol and gain control of your life.

Instructions

• 1

  Admit that you have a drinking problem. If you don't accept the fact that you are abusing alcohol, you are not ready to seek treatment. To fight the disease of alcoholism, you have to realize that you have the disease.

• 2

  Enter an in-patient detox program at a hospital or treatment center. Detox can take up to seven days. During this period you cannot drink alcohol and experience withdrawal symptoms such as shaking and hallucinations. Medications to combat withdrawal symptoms are administered.

• 3

  Undergo therapy to deal with underlying issues that triggered you to drink and learn how to handle temptation. In some cases couples or family therapy are beneficial because alcohol abuse affects the entire family.

• 4

  Allow medication to help with your alcohol treatment. Oral and intravenous medications are available to help you stay away from alcohol and avoid relapses. There are medicines that discourage you from drinking alcohol by making you sick after consuming it. Other medications reduce the cravings for alcohol in the brain.

• 5

  Seek out-patient follow-up care in the form of recovery programs. Alcoholics Anonymous, for example, sets up regular meetings for recovering alcoholics and their friends and families. During meetings you meet people in the same predicament. You get support and you realize that you are not alone.

• 6

  Visit your doctor to treat medical problems that you may suffer from due to your alcohol abuse. Heart disease, high blood pressure, liver disease and high blood sugar may all occur in people that abuse alcohol.

• 7

  Adjust your new lifestyle. Inform your family and friends that you are not drinking anymore. Take on new hobbies that don't involve drinking alcohol and take care of yourself; get eight hours of sleep daily, start exercising regularly and eat a healthy diet.