How to Stop Drinking Alcohol: Home Remedies
The realization hits like a car crash - you’ve got an alcohol problem.
It may have flown under the radar for a while, but now that you’re recognizing of your struggles with drinking, your life may seem like it’s crashing down around you.
Some of the biggest questions on your mind: “How can I afford to solve this?” “I don’t want to go to rehab - I don’t have the time or money for that!”
Naturally, you’re turning to the most simple solution: home remedies to stop drinking alcohol.
Home remedies aren’t for everyone, but for many people who don’t have an extreme chemical dependency on alcohol, home remedies can be an easier and better alternative or addition to treatment to help you discover how to stop drinking and maintain sobriety forever.
What are home remedies?
When you first hear “home remedies”, you may think more about traditional (non-science-based) medicine techniques to overcome pain and illness. But in 2024, home remedies to stop drinking aren’t magical mumbo jumbo — they are real, tested, evidence-based practices that you can employ at home to learn how to stop drinking.
Using home remedies doesn’t mean you can’t get professional help; these remedies can support and complement professional treatment options. Ultimately, home remedies help people reduce alcohol consumption, manage withdrawal symptoms, and maintain sobriety in the long term.
Why consider home remedies to stop drinking alcohol?
While there are various treatment options available for alcohol addiction, many individuals prefer to explore home remedies as a first step towards recovery. Home remedies provide a more private and comfortable setting to address the issue. They can be particularly beneficial for individuals who are not ready or able to seek professional help. Home remedies can also be used as a complement to other treatment methods, enhancing the chances of success in overcoming alcohol addiction.
While seeking professional help is always recommended for alcohol addiction, home remedies can be a valuable addition to the recovery process, for a few reasons:
- Home remedies provide a more private and comfortable setting to address the issue
- They can be particularly beneficial for individuals who are not ready or able to seek professional help
- Home remedies can also be used as a complement to other treatment methods, enhancing the chances of success in overcoming alcohol addiction.
One of the main advantages of home remedies is that they can be easily incorporated into daily life. They offer the flexibility to address alcohol addiction in the comfort of your own home. Home remedies also provide a sense of empowerment and self-control, as you actively engage in the recovery process.
Effective home remedies to stop drinking alcohol
While there are many home remedies to stop drinking alcohol, these three are perhaps the most common and have the strongest evidence base in research:
- Healthy alternatives: Replace alcoholic beverages with healthy and refreshing alternatives. Try incorporating herbal teas, infused water, or sparkling water with a squeeze of citrus into your routine. These alternatives can help satisfy cravings and reduce the desire for alcohol. Some of the most popular alternatives include the following:
- Nonalcoholic beer, cider, or wine
- Virgin Bloody Mary or pina colada
- Mocktails
- Kombucha
- Sparkling water with flavorings
- Ginger beer
- Meditation and mindfulness: Engage in meditation and mindfulness practices to promote self-awareness and emotional balance. These techniques can help you better understand the underlying causes of your alcohol addiction and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
- Exercise and physical activity: Regular exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Engaging in physical activity not only distracts you from cravings but also improves your overall well-being. Find an exercise routine that suits your preferences and make it a part of your daily routine.
Tips for using home remedies to stop drinking alcohol
While home remedies can be effective, it's important to approach them with the right mindset and strategies. Here are some tips to maximize the benefits of home remedies in stopping alcohol consumption:
Tip #1: Set realistic goals
When using home remedies, it's crucial to set realistic goals for yourself. Trying to quit alcohol cold turkey may not be feasible for everyone, so starting with smaller steps like reducing the frequency or quantity of alcohol consumption can be more manageable. Remember that progress is progress, no matter how small. Celebrate each milestone along the way.
Tip #2: Seek support
Reaching out for support is essential when using home remedies to stop drinking alcohol. Talk to trusted friends and family about your goals and seek their understanding and encouragement. Consider joining support groups or online communities where you can connect with others who are going through similar experiences. Support from others can provide invaluable motivation and guidance throughout your journey.
Tip #3: Track your progress
Keeping track of your progress can be a powerful tool in staying motivated and accountable. Use a journal or a mobile app to record your alcohol consumption, cravings, triggers, and the effectiveness of different home remedies to stop drinking alcohol. By monitoring your progress, you can identify patterns and make necessary adjustments to your approach.
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Lifestyle changes to complement home remedies to stop drinking
In addition to home remedies, making certain lifestyle changes can significantly enhance your chances of successfully stopping alcohol consumption. Here are three lifestyle changes that can complement your home remedies:
- Avoid triggers: Identify and avoid situations, places, or people that trigger your alcohol cravings. This may involve making changes to your social circle or finding alternative activities to engage in. If you need help identifying your triggers, take our survey to get a personalized recovery plan.
- Practice self-care: Prioritize self-care activities such as getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in hobbies that bring you joy. Taking care of your physical and emotional well-being is crucial for maintaining sobriety.
- Engage in therapy: Consider seeking professional therapy or counseling to address the underlying causes of your addiction. Therapy can provide valuable insights, coping mechanisms, and support throughout your journey to recovery.
The best home remedy to stop drinking alcohol: Relay, a recovery program in your pocket
While home remedies can be effective, it's important to remember that alcohol addiction is a complex condition, and you may need help beyond a Google search. To get that additional help without resorting to expensive therapy or time-consuming rehab, check out Relay, our app-based recovery program. Our platform offers a comprehensive solution for people seeking to stop drinking alcohol. With Relay, you can access training, support, and a community of peers right from the comfort of your home.
Relay provides evidence-based techniques, a personalized recovery plan, and a support network to help you navigate the challenges of alcohol addiction. The app offers a range of resources, including training modules, interactive exercises, and progress tracking tools. With Relay, you can take control of your recovery journey and find the support you need to achieve long-term sobriety.
Conclusion
If you’re one of the many people who don’t have time or money for in-depth professional help but still want to know how to stop drinking alcohol, home remedies are a simple solution to enable you to moderate alcohol consumption without leaving your daily routine.
When you get started with home remedies, don’t let early struggles stop you from trying these new ways to stop drinking. Remember, recovery is a journey, and with the right support, you can stop drinking alcohol and regain control of your life.
Try our app-based alcoholism recovery program for free to get the training you need and a support group of peers, all from the comfort of your home.
Sources
Medical News Today - Top 10 Alcohol Alternatives
The Mayo Clinic - Meditation and Mindfulness
National Institutes of Health - Exercise as a Potential Treatment for Drug Abuse
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Find Effective, Evidence-Based Treatment in the Relay Program for Alcohol Addiction
There is help available to you if you or a loved one has a physical dependence or psychological dependence on alcohol. These urges and compulsive behaviors can control your life, but you can take back control. Relay's addiction recovery program provides a comprehensive, outpatient approach to behavioral change - at home, at your own pace. To each new program member, we provide a personalized recovery plan, a peer support group, progress tracking, journaling, and intelligent insights about your behavior patterns, all within a simple and secure mobile app Our proven approach helps program members achieve the best chance at long-term recovery without the time or expense of rehab or therapy. Try the Relay program for free here; if you need help as you get set up, contact us now at hello@joinrelay.app.
A better way to recovery, right in your pocket.
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