The Worst Things To Do When You’re Trying To Quit Alcohol
There are many things you can do to improve your chances of quitting alcohol successfully, but there are also some things that you should avoid. Here are the worst things to do when you’re trying to quit:
1: Don’t try to do it on your own
Quitting alcohol is a difficult process, and it’s much easier to do it with the help of a support group or therapist. You can always browse this site or a similar clinic in your own state. But either way, there’s no shame in seeking external help and support to help you quit alcohol for good.
2: Don’t try to quit when you’re in a particularly bad state
For example, don’t try to quit alcohol if you’re sick or stressed out. Both of these conditions make your body feel fatigued and drained, which can trigger cravings for alcohol. That said, there are always exceptions to the rule. If you’ve been feeling stressed out for months, quitting alcohol can be a good idea because it will help you get rid of all the pent-up tension that’s adding to your problems.
3: Don’t try to quit cold turkey
This is often one of the worst things you can do because it increases your chances of relapse. If you try to quit alcohol cold turkey, you’re likely to experience intense cravings and withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening seizures, so it’s best to avoid them by gradually tapering off your alcohol consumption.
4: Don’t avoid social activities
One of the main dangers of quitting alcohol is the temptation to become a hermit. When you’re trying to quit, it’s important to continue participating in social activities so you don’t feel isolated or alone. This can be difficult if you’re quitting alcohol because some of your social activities involve drinking. But it’s important to try to find alternatives, such as attending sober parties or events, joining a sports team, or meeting new people.
5: Don’t replace alcohol with other dangerous substances
It can be tempting to quit alcohol and then start drinking other substances, such as energy drinks, prescription medications, or over-the-counter drugs. But this is a dangerous practice that can quickly lead to addiction. It’s much better to find healthy ways of dealing with your stress and emotions, such as exercise, meditation, or therapy.
6: Don’t give up if you relapse
Some people quit alcohol for a month or a year and then relapse. This can be frustrating, but it’s important to remember that relapses are very common when it comes to addiction. The best thing you can do is treat your relapse as a learning experience and try again the next day. Never give up.
7: Don’t stop taking care of your physical health
When you’re quitting alcohol, it’s tempting to eat whatever you want and skip exercise because you feel too tired or sick to do it. But this is a mistake because it undermines the rest of your recovery efforts. You should still make an effort to get eight hours of sleep per night, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly.
8: Don’t give up on your mental health
Just as it’s important to take care of your physical health when you’re quitting alcohol, it’s also important to take care of your mental health. This means seeking treatment for any underlying mental health conditions you might have, such as depression or anxiety. It also means making an effort to relax and unwind by practicing mindfulness exercises or other stress-reducing techniques.
