Most people who consume alcoholic beverages don’t know how hard it is to quit drinking. In fact, it’s pretty common to hear someone say that they can stop drinking any time they want to. This is especially true if you are concerned about a loved one’s drinking. If that’s the case, contact the alcohol addiction treatment center at Promises Behavioral Health today.
How Hard Is It To Quit Drinking?
For someone who is a casual drinker who only drinks occasionally, the answer to the question of how hard is it to quit drinking will be different than the person who drinks on a regular basis. Society in the United States depicts drinking as a fun and social activity that helps people have a better time.
In reality, though, even casual drinking can veer into problem territory very easily. The experience of drinking for many people is both relaxing and enjoyable. Any brain changes are temporary for those people who drink occasionally.
When a person starts drinking consistently, larger amounts are often necessary in order for them to feel the same euphoric effects. This can eventually lead to changes in their brain chemistry. These changes can make it difficult for a person to effectively manage their drinking patterns.
How Does Alcohol Change The Brain?
The more alcohol is consumed, the effects on the brain become more ingrained as well. The brain begins to crave alcohol in order to function. Eventually, it becomes difficult for an individual to function at all unless they have a drink.
How To Stop Drinking Alcohol
The first step in discovering how hard is it to quit drinking is to understand that it’s not your fault. Alcohol use disorder is a valid medical condition just like heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure. It’s not something that you can help, but it is a condition that can be treated with the right approach.
The second step is to be completely honest with yourself and examine your drinking habits, as well as the thoughts and actions surrounding them. Some signs that you might need help with your alcohol consumption include the following:
- Your family, friends, coworkers, or other loved ones have expressed concerns about your drinking.
- You’ve tried to stop drinking before but had physical, mental, and/or emotional side effects that prompted you to start again.
- You’ve had issues with workplace performance or brushes with law enforcement.
- You spend a lot of time looking forward to drinking and you sometimes get frustrated or angry if you can’t drink when you want.
- You’ve engaged in risky behaviors such as drinking excessively around your children or having unsafe sex while you were drunk.
Recovery Challenges
For nearly everyone who struggles with alcohol use disorder, quitting has been challenging. Relapsing into old drinking habits is often easier than trying to manage the many difficulties that can arise when you try to stop drinking.
It’s important to understand that alcohol, unlike some other addictive substances, significantly affects the physical aspects of the body and brain. This means that when you try to stop drinking, your body could have a severe physical reaction.
In some cases, side effects like seizures can be life-threatening. It’s always a good idea to be assessed by addiction counselors to determine if you are a good candidate for medically-supervised detox.
At Promises Behavioral Center, we focus on providing the support and services that each individual needs in order to successfully recover. Our services include:
- Family therapy treatment program
- Anger management therapy program
- Individualized treatment programs
- Art therapy program
If you or a loved one are surprised at how hard is it to quit drinking, then contact us today at 844.875.5609 for assistance.