How to Stop Drinking Alcohol

Stopping drinking alcohol is one of the most important and challenging decisions you can make for your health and wellbeing.^[1] Whether you've been drinking for years or recently noticed your consumption increasing, taking steps to quit drinking requires commitment, strategy, and often professional support. This comprehensive guide provides evidence-based strategies for quitting alcohol, understanding the challenges you'll face, accessing appropriate treatment, and building a sustainable recovery.

The decision to stop drinking often comes after recognizing that alcohol is causing more problems than it solves. Perhaps your drinking has affected your relationships, work performance, physical health, mental wellbeing, or self-respect.^[2] Maybe you've tried cutting back unsuccessfully, or you realize you can no longer control your consumption. Whatever brought you to this decision, understanding that alcohol use disorder is a medical condition requiring appropriate intervention, not a moral failing, is the first step toward successful change.^[2]

There is no single "right" way to stop drinking. The most effective approach depends on the severity of your alcohol use, your physical and mental health, your support system, and your personal circumstances. Some people can quit with outpatient support, while others require intensive residential treatment. Some benefit from medications that reduce cravings, while others rely primarily on therapy and peer support. This guide explores all evidence-based options, helping you understand what level of care you need and what resources are available.

Most importantly, you don't have to do this alone. Attempting to quit alcohol without support significantly reduces your chances of success and increases safety risks.^[1] Professional treatment, medical supervision, therapy, support groups, and medications have helped millions of people achieve and maintain sobriety.^[7]^[8] By understanding your options and accessing appropriate support, you dramatically increase the likelihood of successfully quitting drinking and building a fulfilling life in recovery.

Medical Review & Editorial Standards

All content is written, edited, and medically reviewed by licensed professionals with expertise in addiction medicine and behavioral health.

Author

Benjamin Zohar

NCACIP

Nationally Certified Advanced Clinical Intervention Professional and recovery advocate in long-term recovery, specializing in intervention services and treatment coordination.

Editor

Ezra Zohar, M.S.Ed.

Educational Specialist

Educational Specialist with M.S. in Secondary Education, reviewing educational content focused on addiction awareness and recovery.

Medical Reviewer

Brandon McNally

Registered Nurse with specialized training in addiction medicine and behavioral health nursing.

Last Updated

November 2024

Critical Safety Information

If you have been drinking heavily or daily for an extended period, suddenly stopping can be dangerous and potentially life-threatening.^[3] Alcohol withdrawal can cause severe symptoms including seizures, hallucinations, and delirium tremens, which has a mortality rate of 5-15% without medical treatment.^[3]

Seek medical evaluation before quitting if you: drink daily or near-daily, have experienced withdrawal symptoms during previous quit attempts, have a history of seizures or delirium tremens, have significant medical conditions, or are uncertain about withdrawal risks. Consider medically supervised detox for safe alcohol cessation with 24/7 monitoring and medication management.

Step-by-Step Guide to Quitting Alcohol

1Assess Your Drinking Pattern

Take the WHO AUDIT test to understand the severity of your alcohol use. This validated assessment helps determine whether you can quit safely on your own or need medical supervision. Be honest with yourself about your relationship with alcohol.

2Consult a Healthcare Provider

Schedule an appointment with your doctor or call our helpline at (914) 594-5851. A medical professional can evaluate your physical health, assess withdrawal risk, discuss medication options, and create a personalized quit plan.

3Consider Medical Detoxification

If you drink heavily or daily, medical detox is the safest way to stop. Detox facilities provide 24/7 medical monitoring, medications to ease withdrawal symptoms, and support during the most difficult phase of quitting.

4Remove Alcohol from Your Environment

Dispose of all alcohol in your home, car, and workplace. Avoid situations, people, and places strongly associated with your drinking. Creating a sober environment reduces temptation and supports your commitment to change.

5Build a Support Network

Tell trusted friends and family about your decision. Consider joining support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, SMART Recovery, or other peer-led programs. Connection with others in recovery provides accountability, encouragement, and proven strategies for staying sober.

6Enter Treatment if Needed

Alcohol rehabilitation programs provide comprehensive treatment including therapy, education, coping skills training, and aftercare planning. Inpatient treatment removes you from triggers while outpatient programs allow you to maintain work and family responsibilities.

7Develop New Habits and Interests

Replace drinking with healthy activities: exercise, hobbies, volunteering, education, or creative pursuits. Establishing new routines fills the time previously spent drinking and provides purpose and fulfillment in sobriety.

8Manage Triggers and Cravings

Learn to identify situations, emotions, and thoughts that trigger drinking urges. Develop coping strategies like calling a support person, practicing relaxation techniques, or attending a meeting. Cravings are temporary—they peak and pass.

9Maintain Your Physical and Mental Health

Prioritize sleep, nutrition, and exercise. Address co-occurring mental health conditions like depression or anxiety with appropriate treatment. Take prescribed medications as directed. Self-care is essential for sustained recovery.

10Plan for Long-Term Recovery

Recovery is an ongoing process. Continue therapy, attend support groups, stay connected with your recovery community, and remain vigilant about relapse warning signs. Learn from setbacks and recommit to your sobriety goals. Read our guide on how to get sober and stay sober.

Medications for Alcohol Use Disorder

FDA-approved medications can reduce cravings, prevent relapse, and support your recovery.^[4] These medications should be prescribed and monitored by a healthcare provider as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.^[5]

Naltrexone

Naltrexone blocks the euphoric effects of alcohol and reduces cravings.^[4] It is available as a daily pill or monthly injection (Vivitrol). Research shows naltrexone significantly reduces heavy drinking days and helps maintain abstinence.^[4]

How it works: Blocks opioid receptors in the brain that are involved in the rewarding effects of alcohol.

Acamprosate (Campral)

Acamprosate helps restore normal brain chemistry disrupted by chronic alcohol use.^[4] It reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings, making it easier to maintain abstinence. Most effective when started after detox.^[4]

How it works: Modulates glutamate and GABA neurotransmitter systems to reduce post-acute withdrawal symptoms.

Disulfiram (Antabuse)

Disulfiram creates an unpleasant reaction (nausea, flushing, rapid heartbeat) if you drink alcohol. This deterrent effect helps maintain abstinence through accountability. Best suited for highly motivated individuals with support.

How it works: Interferes with alcohol metabolism, causing accumulation of acetaldehyde and uncomfortable physical symptoms.

Support Systems and Resources

You don't have to quit alone. Multiple support systems can provide guidance, encouragement, and accountability throughout your recovery journey.

Professional Support

Treatment specialists — Call (914) 594-5851 for confidential guidance
Therapists and counselors — Individual, group, and family therapy
Medical providers — Physicians, nurses, and addiction medicine specialists
Interventionists — Professional help from InterventionNY.com

Peer Support Groups

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) — 12-step fellowship with worldwide meetings
SMART Recovery — Science-based self-empowerment approach
Refuge Recovery — Buddhist-inspired recovery program
Women for Sobriety — Gender-specific support for women

Understanding Alcohol Withdrawal

Before attempting to quit, understand the symptoms and timeline of alcohol withdrawal. Withdrawal can range from mild anxiety and tremors to life-threatening seizures and delirium tremens. Medical supervision ensures your safety during this critical period.

Learn about withdrawal symptoms and safety

Frequently Asked Questions About Quitting Alcohol

Can I quit drinking on my own without professional help?

Whether you can safely quit on your own depends on the severity of your alcohol use. People with mild alcohol use disorder who drink occasionally or moderately, have no history of withdrawal symptoms, have no serious medical conditions, and have strong support systems may successfully quit with self-help resources and peer support. However, individuals with moderate to severe alcohol dependence, daily or near-daily drinking, history of withdrawal symptoms, co-occurring medical or mental health conditions, or previous unsuccessful quit attempts should seek professional help. The risks of unsupervised cessation for heavy drinkers include seizures, delirium tremens, and medical complications that can be life-threatening. When in doubt, consult a healthcare provider for assessment of your specific situation.

How long does it take to quit drinking?

Quitting drinking is both a single event and an ongoing process. The acute phase of stopping involves detoxification, which typically takes 5-7 days as your body clears alcohol and acute withdrawal symptoms resolve. However, achieving stable sobriety takes much longer. The first 90 days are considered early recovery and require intensive focus and support. Most people experience significant improvement in cravings, mood, and stability by 6 months, though full brain recovery can take a year or longer depending on the duration and severity of alcohol use. Long-term recovery is a lifelong process of maintaining sobriety, developing coping skills, and building a fulfilling life without alcohol.

What medications can help me quit drinking?

Three FDA-approved medications help people quit drinking and maintain sobriety. Naltrexone blocks the rewarding effects of alcohol and reduces cravings, available as a daily pill or monthly injection. Acamprosate helps restore normal brain chemistry disrupted by chronic alcohol use, reducing post-acute withdrawal symptoms. Disulfiram creates an unpleasant reaction if alcohol is consumed, serving as a deterrent. Additionally, some doctors prescribe gabapentin or topiramate off-label for alcohol use disorder. These medications are most effective when combined with therapy and support. Discuss medication options with a healthcare provider who can assess your specific situation and recommend appropriate pharmacological treatment.

Should I taper my drinking or quit cold turkey?

This decision should be made with medical guidance. Quitting cold turkey (immediate cessation) is dangerous for people with severe alcohol dependence and can trigger life-threatening withdrawal. Tapering involves gradually reducing alcohol consumption over several days to weeks to minimize withdrawal severity. However, tapering is difficult to execute successfully without supervision, as it requires discipline to stick to a decreasing schedule while experiencing cravings. The safest approach for most people with significant alcohol dependence is medically supervised detox, where medications manage withdrawal symptoms while you stop drinking completely. For mild drinkers without physical dependence, either approach may work, but medical guidance ensures safety regardless.

What if I relapse after quitting?

Relapse is common in recovery from alcohol use disorder, with approximately 40-60% of people experiencing at least one relapse. If you drink after a period of sobriety, stop drinking again immediately, don't let one drink turn into prolonged relapse, reach out for support from your sponsor, therapist, or support network, be honest about what happened rather than hiding it, analyze what led to the relapse so you can identify triggers and vulnerabilities, and adjust your recovery plan to address gaps that were exposed. Relapse is not failure but rather valuable information about what needs to change in your recovery approach. Many people who achieve long-term recovery experienced one or more relapses along the way. Each attempt teaches you more about maintaining sobriety.

How do I deal with social pressure to drink?

Social pressure is a significant challenge in early recovery. Strategies include: having a prepared response when offered drinks such as "I'm not drinking tonight" or "I'm taking a break from alcohol," holding a non-alcoholic beverage so people don't repeatedly offer you drinks, bringing a sober support person to events where alcohol is present, arriving late and leaving early from events to minimize exposure time, being selective about which events you attend, especially in early recovery, and being honest with close friends and family about your decision to quit so they can support rather than undermine your sobriety. Remember that you don't owe anyone an explanation for your choice not to drink. People who respect your decision belong in your life; those who don't may need to be kept at a distance while your recovery stabilizes.

Do I need to go to rehab to quit drinking?

Not everyone needs residential rehab, but many people benefit significantly from it. Rehab is particularly beneficial for severe alcohol dependence, multiple failed outpatient attempts, unstable home environment with triggers or alcohol access, co-occurring medical or mental health conditions requiring intensive treatment, lack of strong support system, need for structured environment during early recovery, or polysubstance use. Less intensive options like intensive outpatient programs or standard outpatient counseling may be sufficient for milder cases with good support systems and stable environments. The American Society of Addiction Medicine provides standardized criteria for determining appropriate level of care based on comprehensive assessment. Consult an addiction professional for evaluation and recommendations specific to your situation.

How much does treatment for alcohol use disorder cost?

Treatment costs vary widely, but most insurance plans are required to cover substance use disorder treatment under the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. Medically supervised detox typically costs $500-$1,500 per day, residential rehab ranges from $5,000-$30,000 per month for most programs, intensive outpatient programs cost approximately $3,000-$10,000 total, and standard outpatient counseling runs $100-$200 per session. Medicaid covers treatment in most states, Medicare covers certain treatment types, many facilities offer sliding scale fees based on income, state-funded programs serve those without insurance, and many facilities offer payment plans. The long-term costs of continued drinking typically far exceed treatment costs when considering medical bills, lost productivity, legal problems, and quality of life impacts.

Treatment Center Resources

Professional treatment provides structure, support, and evidence-based interventions to help you stop drinking and build a foundation for lasting recovery. To find treatment facilities in your area, call our 24/7 helpline at (914) 594-5851. Our treatment specialists can help match you with appropriate care options. For New York State residents, visit our NY Resources page for regional treatment information.