How to stop drinking alcohol

If you’ve been thinking about taking a break from alcohol, now could be the perfect moment. Whether you’ve noticed you’re drinking more frequently or just want to see how life feels without it, taking a step back can offer a much-needed reset. In this help guide, we’ll explore signs it’s time to take a break when quitting for good might be worth considering and what to do if cutting back feels harder than expected.

When is it time to take a break from alcohol?

Taking a short break from alcohol gives you the chance to reset. Maybe you’ve noticed you’re drinking more frequently than you used to, or perhaps you’re curious about how it feels to go without. Either way, it’s an opportunity to check in with yourself. When you stop drinking, even temporarily, you can start to evaluate things like energy levels, sleep quality and mood shifts. Plus, it’s easier to pinpoint how much of your social life revolves around alcohol.

For example, during a two-week break, you might start to feel more alert in the mornings or notice that you don’t miss drinking as much as you thought. On the other hand, a month or longer gives you time to settle into a new rhythm and assess whether alcohol was playing a bigger role in your life than you realised.

Example scenarios where taking a break might be beneficial:

• You’ve noticed that after a night of drinking, it takes you a lot longer to recover than it used to.
• You’re questioning whether alcohol is adding any value to your social interactions or if it’s just become a habit.
• You’re feeling anxious or low more frequently, and you wonder if cutting back on alcohol might help improve your mood.
• You’ve set some personal or professional goals and want to see if removing alcohol gives you more energy and focus.

I’ve decided to take a break from alcohol- what do I do now?

Deciding to take a break from alcohol is a great step, but it’s understandable if you feel unsure about what comes next. In many societies, alcohol is part of life, so you might find yourself wondering how to fill the gaps it leaves behind. Should you shut yourself away to avoid temptation? Not at all. It’s all about finding new ways to engage with life, enjoy yourself and stay committed to your break.

Here are some tips to help you navigate this period and make the most of it:

1. Keep a journal

One of the best ways to stay connected with your decision is by keeping a journal. Write about how you’re feeling each day, what’s challenging and what’s getting easier. Track your moods, energy levels and any cravings. Not only does this help you reflect on how alcohol might have been affecting you, but it also serves as a reminder of how you feel with and without it. Over time, you’ll have a clear picture of whether alcohol was helping or hindering you, which can guide your decisions moving forward.

2. Find new social activities

It’s tempting to avoid social settings altogether when you’re on a break from alcohol, but isolation isn’t the solution. Instead, seek out activities that don’t revolve around drinking. Try things like hiking, going to the cinema or attending a local art event. You can also plan get-togethers with friends where alcohol isn’t the focus, similar to a brunch, game night or even a coffee meet-up. You might be surprised by how much fun you can have without alcohol being involved.

3. Be open about your break

There’s no need to keep your decision to take a break from alcohol a secret. Letting people around you know can take some of the pressure off and might even lead to more supportive environments. If someone offers you a drink, simply saying you’re taking a break helps them understand your choice. You don’t need to over-explain but being upfront allows others to respect your boundaries and may even encourage them to rethink their own habits.

4. Set new routines

Alcohol can often be a part of a routine, whether it’s that evening glass of wine or drinks after work. By creating new routines, you can break the association between certain times of day and drinking. Try replacing that time with something you enjoy, whether it’s going for a walk, reading a book or cooking a new meal. Developing fresh habits can make your break easier to stick to and more enjoyable.

5. Stay active

Physical activity can be a great distraction and mood booster when you’re taking a break from alcohol. Exercise releases endorphins, which can improve your mood and reduce the urge to drink. Whether it’s taking up yoga, hitting the gym or simply going for daily walks, staying active can keep you focused on your health and give you something positive to channel your energy into.

When is it time to consider quitting alcohol altogether?

While taking a break is a great first step, there are situations where quitting alcohol for good may be a better option. For some, the warning signs become clear during a break. For others, these signs are harder to spot until alcohol becomes more than just a casual indulgence.

One of the key red flags is when alcohol starts to take priority over other aspects of life. If you’re regularly drinking to the point where it affects your relationships, work or health, that’s a major sign that quitting altogether might be necessary. People who find themselves needing a drink to cope with stress or those who often drink alone might also be on a slippery slope. It’s also worth considering how much of your life revolves around alcohol and whether this is something you’d want to keep long-term.

Example scenarios where quitting alcohol for good may be beneficial

• You’ve tried taking breaks before but always end up going back to drinking more heavily than before.
• You’ve noticed that you can’t enjoy social events without alcohol, and it’s become a crutch in these situations.
• You often drink alone or use alcohol to deal with stress, sadness or boredom.
• Your family, friends or colleagues have expressed concern about your drinking habits, and it’s starting to cause tension in relationships.
• You’ve experienced health issues or have been advised by a doctor to reduce or quit drinking but find it difficult to follow through.

The decision to quit alcohol altogether often stems from realising that alcohol is having a negative impact on more areas of life than just social gatherings or the occasional hangover. If you’re noticing these warning signs, it might be worth asking yourself if alcohol is doing more harm than good in your life.

I’ve tried to quit alcohol and feel like I can’t – what can I do?

If you’ve tried to quit alcohol but feel like you can’t, it’s possible that alcohol has a stronger hold on you than you realised. It’s not uncommon to feel lost, especially when it seems like there’s no way out. But you don’t have to go through this alone.

At Oasis Runcorn, we offer an alcohol addiction programme designed to help people in your situation. Our medical detox ensures your safety during the withdrawal process while our therapies work on changing your mindset and outlook. When it feels like there’s no way forward, our programme can provide the support you need to break free from alcohol finally. Reach out to Oasis Runcorn today; you deserve the chance to rediscover life without alcohol’s grip.