Making the decision to quit drinking alcohol can be a difficult one. But with the right understanding of your relationship with alcohol, social support, and personal care, you can make it happen. To start, it's important to understand the symptoms of substance abuse and talk to your healthcare provider about your alcohol use. Your provider can help you find the best treatment for your individual needs. The mission of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is to lead public health initiatives that promote mental health, prevent substance abuse, and provide treatment and support to promote recovery.
For many people, quitting alcohol can bring immediate relief from uncomfortable symptoms, and they soon begin to feel the benefits of giving up alcohol. To stay on track with your decision to quit drinking, it can be helpful to keep a diary. This provides a useful space to list the reasons why you want to quit drinking and brainstorm activities that can replace alcohol consumption. You don't need to completely reinvent your life in order to stop drinking, but making some changes to your environment that help avoid alcohol triggers can make a big difference.
