HOW CAN I BEAT ALCOHOLISM ? HOW CAN I STOP DRINKING?

No-one can make you stop or cut down drinking. You have to be committed and determined to do this yourself. It is difficult, but these tips may help.

Accept the problem
Many alcoholics deny to themselves that they have a problem - "I can cope", "I'm only drinking what my mates drink", "I can stop anytime". Accepting that you may have a problem, and seeking help where necessary, is the biggest step to cutting back on alcohol, or cutting it out completely.

Self help
1 in 3 people who have a problem with alcohol return to sensible drinking, or stop drinking, without any professional help. They follow advice in books and on websites, and combine it with their own determination.

Talking treatments
Some people are helped by counselling and advice from a practice nurse or doctor. Sometimes a referral to a specially trained counsellor may be advised. They can help you to talk through the issues in more detail and help you to plan how to manage your drinking. In some cases, more intensive talking treatments such as cognitive-behaviour therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, or motivational enhanced therapy may be appropriate.

Treating other illnesses
Alcohol may seem to be a 'quick' answer to the relief of stress, anxiety, depression, or other mental health problems. However, the effect is short-lived and drinking a lot of alcohol often makes these conditions worse. If you feel that these conditions are the underlying problem then consult a doctor. Medication and talking treatments such as CBT often work well for these conditions, and are a much better long-term option than heavy drinking.

Detoxification ('detox')

Detoxification or 'detox' involves taking a short course of a medicine which helps to prevent withdrawal symptoms when you stop drinking alcohol.

Benzodiazepine medicines such as chlordiazepoxide are used for detox.

A common plan is to prescribe a high dose of medication for the first day that you stop drinking alcohol. You then gradually reduce the dose over the next 5-7 days. This usually prevents, or greatly reduces, the unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

During this time, support from family or friends can be of great help. Many people choose to detox at a specialist drug and alcohol facility where trained specialists can help them through the process.

NB: The medication does not make you stop drinking. You need determination to stop.
The medication simply helps you to feel better whilst your body readjusts to not having alcohol. Even after the period of detox you may still have some craving for alcohol. So you will still need willpower and coping strategies for when you feel tempted to drink.