Is alcohol intake bothering you? Do you want to quit? The issue is that if you drink less alcohol for years, you will face physical and mental problems when you cut down on it. Some people face mild problems, and some might have to confront serious issues. For people who drink only occasionally, it’s pretty unlikely that they will have withdrawal symptoms when they stop. Alcohol affects your nervous system. It also slows down your brain’s function and changes how your body and nerves receive messages. Hence, when the alcohol level goes down, the body is in a fixed position, leading to withdrawal symptoms. Mild symptoms include shaky hands, vomiting, nausea and insomnia, sweating, and headache.
Among them, the most severe withdrawal symptoms include hallucinations, where some might even have seizures. Delusions sometimes might accompany hallucination. Some people might also face other issues like high blood pressure, a lot of sweating, fever, and a racing heart.
Ways to reduce alcohol with fewer withdrawal symptoms
Many people want to reduce drinking, but they feel scared about withdrawal symptoms. It is your willpower that can help you overcome this. You can also go to addiction centers where people can help you fight this battle mentally and physically. Write on the list of reasons you want to give up drinking, such as fostering healthy relationships, sleeping better, or feeling better. These things will encourage you, and you will never feel weak. You can look at it when you feel helpless.
Moreover, you can start gradually by setting drinking goals. Try to make small goals and achieve them. Talk to a doctor; they can help you determine what is best for you. Keep a record of your drinking in a diary, and you can gradually reduce it. Try to talk to a health professional because they can help you do it without facing withdrawal symptoms. Stop keeping alcohol in your house when you start limiting your drinking habits. Try to have some alcohol-free days. See how your body reacts to and how you feel mentally, emotionally, and physically without alcohol. Taking an occasional break from alcohol is an excellent way to start reducing your drinking.
Distract your mind
Stay busy by involving in anything that you like, be it a movie, sports, or even a walk. If you are at home, try to pick up a new hobby or revive an old one. Activities like playing musical instruments, board games, painting, and woodworking are great alternatives to keep your mind busy and away from drinking. Cutting down on drinking is not easy. You will need help from your friends and family, who can give you the proper support. A good therapist, doctor, or counselor at Moving Mountains Recovery near Randolph can offer you professional service.
In the end, you have to guard against drinking temptation. Don’t interact with those people with whom you used to drink. Try to associate your drinking with specific events, such as vacations and holidays, and plan to drink only during those events. You have to monitor your feelings. Device new ways to cope with stress, so you do not fall back on alcohol again.
Most people who cut on alcohol don’t do it overnight. They have to make several attempts. You will face setbacks but don’t give up and realize it is a long-term goal. When you think of quitting alcohol, there is no final endpoint; it is a continuous ongoing process where constant efforts can help you from relapsing. You may also meet those people who have given up alcohol. Try to understand their journey. Through continuous efforts from you and the people around you, quitting alcohol will not be a distant dream.