10 Hacks to Help You Stop Drinking

Have you been thinking about quitting alcohol, but aren’t sure where to start?

Quitting drinking can help you become more focused on your work, as well as save more money. Not only is this a great move for your health, but it’s also great for your finances. You might just have the time and energy to start a side gig once you cut alcohol out of your life.

You just need a few tips and tricks that will set you up for success. We’ve put together the top hacks that will help you stop drinking, whether you plan to quit temporarily or for good.

Keep reading to learn what you need to know.

1. Don’t Keep Alcohol Nearby

How can you stop drinking when alcohol is always around you? Your first step is to quit keeping alcoholic drinks at home, at work, and anywhere else you spend your time.

You already know you’ll probably want an alcoholic drink. But if one isn’t around, you won’t be able to simply reach into the fridge and get one. Instead, stock up on tasty alternatives that will keep you satisfied without alcohol.

The transition might seem difficult at first. But soon, you’ll see how easy it is to keep healthy drinks nearby and grab those instead. When you take away the temptation of alcohol in the first place, it’s much easier to stop drinking.

2. Quit Skipping Meals

It may sound surprising, but skipping meals will actually make you more likely to reach for a drink.

When you don’t eat enough healthy meals every day, your body senses that it’s missing out on important nutrition. If you’re prone to drinking, though, that craving for nutrients can simply turn into a craving for alcohol.

Stay full, and you won’t want to turn to alcohol as much.

3. Empower Yourself

Remember, you are in control of the decision to stop drinking. When you feel empowered, you’re more likely to stick to it and meet your goals.

Do whatever it takes to help yourself feel empowered. Workouts, meditation, or picking up a new hobby might help you feel more in control.

4. If You Fall Off, Get Back On

Slip-ups and mistakes happen. If you start drinking again after you’ve made the decision to stop, that doesn’t mean you’re a failure. What matters is that you’ll start over again with new resolve.

No matter how many times you fail, you can always start over. What feels like small steps forward can actually make a huge difference in reducing your addiction.

Even if quitting completely feels too hard, find a small way to cut back and grow from there. Soon, you’ll be looking back on all your progress with pride.

5. Consume Healthy Things

Eating regularly is a great way to help yourself stop drinking. However, you have to be careful not to replace alcohol with another unhealthy vice, like fast food.

Healthy eating helps your mind and body function at their peaks, which gives you more power to fight off cravings.

6. Get Active

Even mild or moderate exercise can be a great way to stay away from alcohol. You’ll feel better, sleep better, and have a welcome distraction from seeking out alcohol.

Even if you start with just three short workouts every week, you’ll notice the difference. Working out doesn’t have to mean suffering through reps and cardio at the gym, either. If that’s not your style, sign up for a fun workout program like Zumba classes or Acro yoga.

Eventually, you’ll find yourself building up to more regular exercise, since when you stop drinking you’ll have much more time and energy to work with. When you love the way your body feels, you’re less likely to turn to alcohol.

7. Focus on the Future

Sometimes, the reason we decide to quit drinking is due to past mistakes. However, if you dwell on the past, it can become almost impossible to move forward.

Try to put the past behind you and focus on your present and your future instead. Learning from your mistakes is a positive thing.

Be grateful for the life lessons that have brought you where you are today–but don’t dwell on them too long.

8. Watch Out for Sugar Cravings

Sometimes, what feels like a craving for alcohol is really just a craving for sugar. Alcohol contains a lot of sugar, and when your body gets used to having that sugar from a number of sources, it can be difficult to quit having it.

However, if you cut back on sugar in your diet as well, your body will eventually stop feeling that need. Pay attention to your sugar consumption, and be aware of all the different things your body might be craving besides alcohol.

9. Stay Hydrated

When you feel thirsty, what your body really wants is water. You might be in the habit of reaching for a beer or cocktail, but replace these with water and you’ll find that your body desires alcohol less.

Your body needs hydration for everything. When you work out, go to work, or even when you just relax at home, your body is losing water all the time. You need to replenish that source regularly.

You can’t always drink juice, tea, soda, or coffee and expect it to have the same effect as plain water, either. Other healthy drinks can help you stay on track, but you should also aim to drink a number of glasses of water throughout the day. This is another way to reduce cravings for alcohol.

10. Seek Professional Treatment

There’s a lot you can do to quit drinking on your own. However, don’t be afraid to seek out professional help if you feel like you can’t do it on your own.

Trained professionals can make quitting much easier for you because they can show you exactly the steps you need to take. Many programs also introduce you to a new community of people who know exactly what you’re going through, so you’ll have the support you need.

A drug rehab center near you may also have an alcohol treatment program, so don’t wait to get started.

Ready to Stop Drinking?

Quitting drinking isn’t always easy, but we promise you can do it.

Whether you want to quit temporarily so you can focus on work, or as a permanent money-saving move, these hacks will help.

Once you quit alcohol, you’ll probably find yourself wanting to make other life improvements, too. For more tips on how to be more financially stable, check out this post.

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