If you have decided that you want to go beyond merely trying to control your drinking then it is time to make a decision and attempt to quit drinking entirely. Now this might sound like a death sentence at first but it really is not so bad once you get past the initial detox and start living a real life again.
Please note that the physical detoxification from alcohol is extremely dangerous and can actually be fatal, so do seek out medical supervision if you are serious about quitting drinking. It is actually safer to continue drinking alcohol than to go through a serious withdrawal from it because the withdrawal can produce life threatening seizures.
If you are serious about quitting drinking altogether then one of the best choices you can make is to go attend a local rehab in your area. There are numerous benefits to going to a treatment facility
1) A detox center with medical staff
2) Residential program – to learn about recovery
3) Peer support – in treatment you will have the support of a peer group with similar problems and goals as yourself
4) Professional help – therapists and counselors can give you guidance
5) Medical help – doctors might prescribe certain pills that can help with cravings or long term withdrawal symptoms, etc.)
6) Aftercare – the treatment center can provide you with additional programs and tools for after you leave to help you out in the “real world”.
So do consider treatment if you are truly want to stop drinking.
An option for anyone who is hesitating on quitting drinking can always try some more moderation and see how that works for them too. There is no rule against doing so but you must exercise extreme caution while doing so. But be honest with yourself about how well the moderation strategy is working for you. If you can stop your drinking for a week or two then this does not prove much for you. If you can limit your drinking without going overboard for a full year then that is quite good.
There is a lot to learn regarding sobriety and if you truly want to change your life then you should do whatever you can to learn more as the payoff is really tremendous.
