Delirium tremens (DT), also known as alcohol withdrawal syndrome, is a severe form of withdrawal that can happen when a person gives up alcohol. It affects between three and five percent of people who are quitting drinking and can be fatal. If you’re a long-term, heavy drinker, you may need medically supervised detoxification.
Reach Out to Healthcare Providers
- For more information on finding an effective path to recovery, check out Overcoming Addiction, a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School.
- However, deep reflection may help uncover where internal triggers arise.
- Replacing alcohol with healthy activities that do not encourage drinking can be a healthy alternative.
- After the individual receives personalized feedback, the counselor will work with them to set goals and provide ideas for helping to make a change.
Around 40% to 60% of people working to overcome a substance use disorder will relapse at some point. However, it is important to recognize that this rate is comparable to relapse rates for other chronic health conditions such as hypertension how to overcome alcoholism and asthma. Though addiction recovery is challenging, addiction is treatable. With supportive resources and the right treatment approach, you can overcome the physical and mental challenges you face in order to recover.
Setbacks Are Part of the Process
Find a supportive friend or family member to be with you while you withdraw and support your new non-drinking lifestyle. People with alcohol use disorder should be monitored by a medical professional when withdrawing from alcohol. Moderate to heavy drinkers can also benefit from medical supervision in the acute withdrawal stage. Marisa Savic, PMHNP-BC is a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who received her nursing and master’s degrees at the University of Pennsylvania.
How do I stop drinking?
People may also decide to speak with a doctor about effective strategies. In addition, local or virtual support groups can help by providing an environment to safely discuss tips and challenges. 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.
How to stop drinking alcohol: Tips for quitting, support, and more
He or she may not needself-help tools, but those resources might work for you. Others may want one-on-one therapy for a longer time to deal with issues like anxiety or depression. https://ecosoberhouse.com/ Alcohol use can have a big effect on the people close to you, so couples or family therapy can help, too. The one that’s right for you depends on your situation and your goals.