What can assist me to decrease or quit alcohol consumption? – No one can make you quit or decrease drinking. You should be devoted and determined to do it yourself. But, it could be challenging, and one or more of the following might help…
Realizing the issue
Some people reject to themselves that they’ve a problem. The type of thoughts that some people deceive themselves with include: “I can manage”, “I am only drinking what my mates drink”, “I can stop at any time”. Accepting that you might have a problem, and looking for aid where needed, are often the greatest steps to decreasing alcohol, or cutting it out completely.
Self-help
Some people are assisted by books, websites, leaflets and their own determination. It is thought that about one in three people who have difficulty with alcohol return to reasonable drinking or stop drinking without any specialist. Look at end of this leaflet for a list of resources.
Talking treatments
Lots of people are helped by guidance and advice from a doctor or practice nurse. Sometimes a referral to a specially skilled counselor may be recommended. They may help you to talk through the problems in more detail and aid you to plan how to control your drinking.
Often, more extensive talking treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), inspirational interviewing, or inspirational enhanced therapy may be appropriate. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy enables you to change particular ways that you think, feel and behave and may assist many people with alcohol issues.
Talking treatments are specially useful for children with alcohol-related problems who’re aged between 10 and 17. Children might also be offered family therapy in which other members of their family might be involved in a treatment course.
Treating some other illnesses
Alcohol might seem to be a rapid answer to the alleviation of stress, panic, depression, or other mental health issues. However, the effect is short-lived and drinking a lot of alcohol often makes these conditions even worse.
If you think that these conditions are the underlying problem then see your doctor. Medication and talking treatments such as CBT usually work well for these conditions and are a much better long-term option than extreme drinking.
Detoxification (detox)
This is an option if you are alcohol-dependent.
What’s detoxification?
Detoxification, or detox, involves taking a short course of medicines that helps to prevent withdrawal indications when you stop alcohol consumption. Benzodiazepine medicines like chlordiazepoxide or diazepam are used for detox.
Many GPs are very happy to prescribe for detox from alcohol. A standard plan is to prescribe a high dose of medicine for the 1st day that you quit alcohol consumption. You then gradually decrease the dose over the next 5-7 days. This usually prevents or drastically reduces, the withdrawal signs or symptoms.
You have to agree not to drink any alcohol when you are taking the detox medication. Your GP or practice nurse will usually see you regularly during the time of detox. Furthermore, during this time, support from friends or family can be of great help.
Read: Alcoholics With Drinking Problems – Indications, Symptoms, And Detoxing Part 2