Dr. Streem suggests starting with the World Health Organization’s Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). It can be a particularly helpful way to help you get a clearer understanding of your drinking habits and your relationship with alcohol. It’s a 10-question screening test that gives you research-backed, personalized advice for quitting or reducing your intake of alcohol. But if you’re living with alcohol use disorder, drinking is more than a habit.

Admit that you’re afraid

Or maybe you’re just looking to improve your health, wake up hangover-free and give your liver (and your heart and brain) a break. If you feel like alcohol helps you in a social setting, whether it’s by making you more calm or confident, just know that there are other, potentially healthier options for getting that effect, says Gardner. We’ve arrived at a time when consumers are increasingly more attuned to wellness—and when I say that, I mean in terms of sugar and calories, and also mental health—but that doesn’t mean we want to skimp on flavor. The quality of American spirits, beers, and wines has improved over the past couple of decades, so I’m so glad this is finally reaching the non-alcoholic realm. Quitting can still be tough (if it weren’t, drying out for a month wouldn’t be offered up as a challenge).

The fact that I could continue drinking while gradually reducing my intake felt like a gentle and realistic approach to change. When you consider how to go about giving up alcohol, account for factors like how much you drink and your reasons for drinking. The Brown University Health Blog Team is working to provide you with timely and pertinent information that will help keep you and your family happy and healthy. heroin addiction Please share your best tips and takeaways here, and they may be used in a future article. You’ll have to find what works for you, but it starts with identifying what you’re perceiving alcohol to help you with and finding something else that does the same, says Gardner. At the end of the day, remember that drinking is just one of the many activities you can do with loved ones, says Gardner.

Dry January: How to take a break from alcohol so you’ll actually stick with it

Care home fees have risen to an average of nearly £1,400 a week, research by a leading healthcare market data firm has found. That being said, each airline sets its own rules, and because there is no one standard it can be really confusing. This also isn’t the first time Turkish Airlines has done something like this. In 2022, a family told The Independent they were all kicked off the flight because of their six-year-old daughter’s allergy. The dire performances on Monday built on earlier losses that have seen US stock market values fall well below those seen at the start of Trump 2.0. Support groups provide a sense of community with others who are facing similar experiences.

What is too much alcohol?

According to the CDC, all forms of alcohol are linked to increased risks of certain cancers, including colorectal and breast cancers. A small study published in the British Journal of Medicine showed a remarkable reduction in cancer-related markers in participants who refrained from drinking alcohol for one month. “Some people who drink for a particular purpose (e.g., to reduce social anxiety) may benefit from learning relaxation techniques or seeking therapy,” Stockwell says. If your plan is to cut back on drinking rather than give it up entirely, decide in advance “when you would most enjoy one or two drinks rather than seeking the pleasure routinely,” Stockwell says. And if you’re going to an event where you know there will be drinking, plan how long you’ll stay or how many drinks you’ll have so that you aren’t tempted to overdo it in the moment. Yahoo Life asked several experts in addiction and substance abuse for their top tips on how to cut back on alcohol.

It’s important to remember that you have the power to choose,” she adds. Yes, that’s why and how I was able to put together my book, Good Drinks! I was in search of alcohol-free mixed drinks at a time when, serendipitously, they were starting to be taken more seriously.

Symptoms can develop at different stages, making the process unpredictable. This is why many choose an alcohol rehab programme for professional support. One month without alcohol is a major milestone, and the benefits are starting to show.

Whether you’re struggling with alcohol dependence or simply want to cut back, knowing how to stop drinking successfully requires planning, support, and commitment. Fortunately, there are practical steps you can take to regain control and build a healthier, alcohol-free life. My story isn’t about white-knuckling through cravings or declaring alcohol the enemy.

Day by day: the first week

By the end of the first week, most of the physical symptoms will have faded, though cravings can still be strong. Emotionally, you might feel like you are on a rollercoaster, but you are also beginning to experience moments of clarity and relief. By the 12-hour mark, blood sugar levels may drop, leaving you dizzy or irritable. Some people struggle to sleep, while others experience nausea or mild hallucinations. As your body works to restore balance, symptoms can feel unpredictable.

Health Conditions

• If it’s all you’ve known and you give it up out of fear, your desire for familiarity will win in the long run.
• I did it, but I wish someone had warned me about the emotional challenges I’d face when I quit drinking.
• It’s important to remember that labeling yourself is not necessary to take a step back and reconsider alcohol’s role in your life.

My name is Katie Lain, and I’ve been alcohol-free since the middle of 2018. I started a unique, neuroscience-based treatment approach in 2017 that transformed my relationship with alcohol without the need for traditional programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). In order to change your drinking habits, your first step is to take a close look at your current behaviors and find patterns.

Why abstinence if your goal is to moderate your use?

Talk with a doctor to learn more about the safest ways to quit drinking alcohol. You can also learn about the options for in-patient recovery in this article. By day three, physical symptoms like nausea and headaches often start to settle, but anxiety and irritability may linger. Some people struggle with sleep, while others feel emotionally drained.

Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss…from exercises to build a stronger core to advice on treating cataracts. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts. If you’re already feeling overwhelmed by the sheer amount of news to ingest on Donald Trump’s tariffs plans in recent weeks, well, you’re not alone. The period between six months to one year is the long-term recovery phase. Reaching the one-year mark is more than just a personal victory.