How to quit alcohol on your own and stay sober

Do seek professional help

Quitting alcohol isn’t a question of willpower. Alcoholism is a serious disease, and recovery is made possible through a number of treatment methods, including psychotherapy and sometimes medication. A professional treatment center can help you to prioritize your health and recovery in ways that you’d be unable to do at home, and there are a number of treatment types that can work with your lifestyle.

Do build a support network

Alcoholism rarely affects just the individual, and recovery is made easier with support. This could be trusted friends or family members, someone from a support group, a sponsor, or a therapist. Know who you can call upon when times are tough, and keep their phone numbers close at hand.

Do take a close look at your lifestyle

What parts of your life are contributing to your alcoholism? It could be a place, person, activity, or thought pattern. Recovery from addiction often means overhauling your life to learn and implement new, healthy habits. You may need to cut out some relationships, find new haunts (like a coffee shop instead of a bar), or even change jobs or locations.

Do purge your household of alcohol

Get rid of all the alcohol in your house. It can be tempting to keep a bottle on hand, just in case, but don’t do it. Make your house an alcohol-free zone that you can trust will be a safe haven for you as you strengthen your sobriety.

Do make a commitment to recovery

One of the biggest reasons why people relapse or are unsuccessful in their sobriety can be traced to a lack of commitment. You must be prepared to make recovery a priority, and all of your actions should support that commitment. This can be more difficult than it sounds, but remember you are taking steps toward sobriety for a reason.

Do not keep it a secret

Hold yourself accountable by letting people know that you’re in recovery. This can minimize the chances that someone will offer you a drink or put you in a trigger situation. You don’t have to tell everyone, but it’s a good idea to let those close to you in on the plan; they may be able to help.

Do not indulge in the occasional drink

For a recovering alcoholic, sobriety is the safest path to lasting recovery. Drinking in moderation is not a viable option, as it can easily spiral back into full-blown addiction. Total sobriety should be your goal when quitting alcohol.

Do not attempt a home detox

Detoxification can be a tough process and we don’t recommend trying it on your own. Look into detox clinics where you can safely detox under medical supervision. These clinics are often the first step toward recovery and are not considered treatment. Rather, they are the beginning of sobriety.

Do not expect it to be easy

Quitting alcohol isn’t about willpower. Understand that there is no cure for addiction; it can only be managed. That means that you’re likely to face challenges through your recovery, even after 20 years of sobriety. Of course, it will become easier over time as you learn more and practice sobriety, but it will not happen overnight. Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither will your new sober life, but it will be worth it.

Do not continue old patterns

Sobriety means changing your life, especially for addicts. You cannot continue to live exactly as you did when you were drinking and expect to stay sober in the long term. Take action to improve your overall health through physical activity, adequate sleep, and a healthy diet. Cultivate new friendships that reflect your goals in life. Repair relationships if possible, but learn to let go if not.