Quitting Alcohol: Tried Everything?By Michaela

There is no doubt that alcohol addiction, or alcoholism, is a debilitating way of living, characterized by a lack of control over one’s alcohol intake and a strong craving for the drink. If you have been struggling to quit alcohol and feel like you have tried everything without success, it is important to remember that recovery is possible.

In this article, we will explore a range of common and alternative approaches to quitting alcohol, as well as tips for staying sober. We will discuss methods such as AA and other support groups, medications, therapy and counseling, holistic approaches, exercise and nutrition, and outdoor activities and hobbies. We will also provide tips for setting goals, avoiding triggers, seeking support, and seeking professional help when needed. 

By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of the various options available for quitting alcohol and how to find a method that works for you.

Common Methods For Quitting Alcohol

If you are struggling with alcohol addiction or drinking alcohol and are looking for ways to stop drinking or reduce consumption, there are a number of common approaches that can be helpful. These include attending meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or other support groups, taking medications such as Antabuse and naltrexone, and participating in therapy and counseling. 

Each of these methods has its own unique benefits and drawbacks to help you in your process of quitting drinking, and what works for one person may not work for another. It is important to consider your own needs and circumstances when deciding which approach to take and to seek the guidance of a healthcare professional or other qualified professional when appropriate. 

It’s also important to note that when you utilize these methods, you might experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Some of these are minor, but most people experience severe withdrawal symptoms, such as raised blood pressure, when they quit drinking cold turkey without a plan.

In the following sections, we will explore these common methods in more detail and discuss how they can be used to support recovery from alcohol dependence.

AA and other support groups

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a well-known and widely available support group for individuals struggling with alcohol addiction. AA meetings typically involve a group of people who are in recovery or working towards recovery and who come together to share their experiences and offer support to one another. Many clients who come to work with Michaela have already tried AA. Often our female clients find the approaches outdated, humiliating, disempowering and ultimately unhelpful is enabling them to break free from alcohol.

In addition to AA, there are many other support groups available, such as SMART Recovery, which utilizes a cognitive-behavioral approach, and Women for Sobriety, which is specifically for women. The most common problem with programs like AA is that it perpetuates harmful labels and assumptions that accompany alcohol dependency. Most people fail to stop drinking alcohol when using programs like AA.

Medications such as Antabuse and naltrexone

In addition to support groups, there are a number of medications that can be helpful in quitting alcohol. Antabuse, also known as disulfiram, is a medication that helps to reduce the desire for alcohol by causing unpleasant side effects when alcohol is consumed. 

Naltrexone, on the other hand, is a medication that can help to reduce the pleasurable effects of alcohol and can be used as a deterrent to drinking. These medications can be an effective way to reduce the temptation to drink and to support recovery, but they should be used under the supervision of a healthcare professional and are not appropriate for everyone.

Therapy and counseling

Therapy and counseling can be an effective way to address the underlying causes of alcohol addiction and to develop coping strategies for remaining sober. Therapy can take many forms, such as individual therapy, group therapy, or family therapy, and may involve techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, which helps individuals to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. 

Counseling can also be helpful in providing support and guidance for individuals looking to quit alcohol, and may involve techniques such as motivational interviewing, which helps to increase motivation and confidence in the ability to change. Therapy and counseling can be an important part of the recovery process, and can help individuals to develop the skills and strategies needed to maintain sobriety over the long term.

Alternative Approaches To Quitting Alcohol

In addition to more traditional methods, there are a number of alternative approaches that may be helpful in quitting alcohol. These can include holistic practices such as acupuncture and meditation, which can help to reduce stress and improve overall well-being. Exercise and nutrition can also play a significant role in recovery, as they can help to improve physical and mental health and provide a sense of accomplishment and purpose. Engaging in outdoor activities and hobbies can also be a helpful way to find enjoyment and fulfillment without relying on alcohol.

Hiring an alcohol coach can be an alternative approach to quitting alcohol for individuals who are looking for a more personalized and comprehensive approach to recovery. An alcohol coach works with clients to address the underlying causes of their addiction and to develop a plan for lasting recovery. This can include a range of activities such as setting goals, identifying and avoiding triggers, developing coping strategies, and building a support network.

One company that offers alcohol coaching services is The Alcohol Coach. The Alcohol Coach works with individuals to solve alcohol dependency gradually through tested and proven approaches. The program is designed to be flexible and adaptable to the unique needs of each client and can be customized to fit into their busy lives. The Alcohol Coach also provides ongoing support and guidance to help clients stay on track and achieve their recovery goals. Michaela Weaver works with clients through group, empowering coaching and executive, one-to-one support as an alternative to rehab.

Tips For Avoiding Alcohol Abuse

Maintaining sobriety can be a lifelong process, and it is important to have strategies in place to help support and maintain recovery. Setting specific goals and tracking progress can be a helpful way to stay motivated and stay on track. Identifying and avoiding triggers, such as certain people or situations that may lead to the desire to drink, can also be helpful in preventing relapse. 

Seeking support from friends and family can provide a sense of accountability and can help to provide a strong foundation for recovery. It is also important to remember that seeking professional help when needed, such as through therapy or addiction treatment programs, can be an important step in maintaining sobriety.

Improve Your Physical and Mental Health by Conquering Alcohol Dependence

Quitting alcohol is a difficult but achievable goal, and there are a variety of approaches and resources available to support those looking to overcome addiction. It is important to find a method that works for you and to seek support when needed. 

If you are struggling with alcohol addiction and are looking for a new approach to quitting, hiring an alcohol coach like The Alcohol Coach may be a good option to consider. With the right help, it is possible to solve alcohol dependency and take back control of your life. It is important to remember that recovery is a journey and that it may take time and effort to achieve lasting results. 

However, with the right approach and support, it is possible to overcome alcohol addiction and build a healthier, happier, and more fulfilling life.

Editor’s Note:

In this article, you might notice that we use ‘labels’ such as “alcoholic”, “disease”, and other identifiers that are used to link individuals together by their habits with alcohol. Though they are used colloquially, we believe them to perpetuate limiting beliefs.  

A key tenet of The Alcohol Coach is that the way to overcome alcohol addiction is through empowerment, not retreating into a space of powerlessness or victim status. 

So, even though we may use these terms to communicate a point as it is known by the general public, keep in mind that our core beliefs dictate that these terms be avoided as much as possible.