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How to Stop Drinking

Experience clinician-run addiction treatment at Red Oak Recovery® in the pristine Blue Ridge Mountains
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Alcoholism is a disease as old as alcohol itself, affecting millions of Americans each year. As alcohol abuse progresses, it becomes life-threatening. If you’re a woman struggling with alcohol abuse and want to know how to stop drinking, keep reading. The Willows at Red Oak Recovery offers women’s alcohol rehab programs that help you beat the bottle for good. If you have a dual diagnosis of alcoholism and a mental health disorder, please check out our mental health treatment in North Carolina

How to Stop Drinking Alcohol

One of the first steps in learning how to stop drinking is admitting you have a problem. Acknowledging and accepting your alcoholism helps you focus on getting better rather than on feeling ashamed or guilty. Speak openly to family and friends while working through your alcohol abuse. Ask them or former users for advice on how to stop drinking. Build a support network that helps you work through the process of getting sober.

Seeking out proper resources is also essential. There are many different rehab centers available. How can you be sure you’re choosing the correct alcohol rehab for women? You’ll want to select an experienced and professional rehab center that has proven to be successful. The Willows at Red Oak Recovery offers successful alcohol addiction treatment for women, centered on a variety of evidence-based and holistic therapies.

How To Stop Drinking and Prepare For Detox

Withdrawal symptoms begin within several hours after your last drink. There are three stages of alcohol withdrawal, ranging from mild to severe. If your alcoholism is slight, you may only feel phase one effects. Long-term or heavy drinkers fall into stage three with the most severe withdrawal symptoms. 

Age, using other substances, and DNA also factors into your withdrawal. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms you may experience include: 

  • First stage: Nausea, anxiety, stomach cramps, and insomnia
  • Second stage: Confusion, sweats, irritability, and high blood pressure
  • Third stage: Fever, hallucinations, and severe agitation

The worst part of detox is usually between days one and three. After about a week, you will feel better. However, if you drank heavily for years, you may still feel some mild effects weeks later, including cravings.

How To Stop Drinking Through Therapy

Going to rehab is only the beginning of your recovery from alcoholism. At The Willows at Red Oak Recovery, we offer a variety of therapies, including: 

  • Dual Diagnosis: Dual diagnosis services are essential for women who struggle with alcoholism co-occurring with mental illness. Dual diagnosis is necessary to ensure you receive the full breadth of care you need to overcome substance abuse.
  • Trauma Therapy: Trauma therapy uncovers and treats the traumatic triggers from your past that led you to cope with alcohol. Discovering and discussing past traumas helps with overcoming alcohol.
  • Relapse Prevention: We advise relapse prevention therapy for anyone who has an addictive personality or has struggled with alcoholism in the past. Relapse prevention therapy ensures that you remain sober long after you have completed a thorough rehab program.
  • Group Therapies: Group therapy sessions are often invaluable for those working towards sobriety. Group therapy lets you meet others facing the same sobriety challenges you are without the fear of judgment. 
  • Experimental Therapy Activities: Gardeningarthikinghorseback riding, and even rope courses are activities available at The Willows at Red Oak.

Do you want to know how to stop drinking? Are you ready to live a sober life? The Willows at Red Oak Recovery wants to help you — contact us online or call us at 855.773.0614 today.