How to Stop Drinking
You can change your relationship to alcohol and take control of your life
If you’ve started to think you’d like to reduce or quit using alcohol completely, but you don’t know how to stop drinking, you’re not alone. It’s estimated that over 10% of adult Americans may have a drinking problem. Unfortunately, only a small percentage of people each year seek help, often because of the difficulty and fear associated with doing so.
Affect’s program is designed to help address the barriers that keep people from getting the support they need, so that they can lead healthier and happier lives. Affect ranks in the top 1% of all treatment providers and is more than twice as effective as traditional treatment programs in helping people break free from alcohol dependency.
It also works for people who are becoming concerned about their drinking habits and the amount of alcohol they are consuming. The negative effects of alcohol and heavy drinking impact physical health and worsen mental health conditions.
Do I need to go to alcohol rehab?
“Rehab” or “rehabilitation” is short-hand for a variety of traditional treatment options, usually offered in physical locations that range from residential hospitals to outpatient facilities with daily scheduled sessions. While these types of programs offer intensive care, they can be difficult for people to attend, due to work, childcare, transportation, or financial limitations.
Affect was designed to make treatment accessible to anyone, anywhere, without going to “rehab.” Our program is entirely digital and delivered through a smartphone app, which means you can do it from home or work, in the city or in the country. We accept both employer and Medicaid insurance, so you don’t have to worry about high healthcare costs. It’s convenient and cost-effective, but it’s also complete, ensuring you get care that is supported by science and is customized for your needs.
What’s the best way to quit drinking?
You may have tried using a sober app or going to a support group like Alcoholics Anonymous if you have started to question your drinking habits. Support from licesened and experienced professionals in addcition treatment helps people stop drinking and achieve sustained sobriety.
Decades of research have shown that an integrated, comprehensive program helps people get sober and stay sober. Affect’s program was designed by the best researchers and scientists in the field. Our members dramatically decrease the number of drinks they consume and increase their number of sober days in just the first month, which in turn improves their energy and health as the side effects of heavy drinking get better. The Affect program includes:
- Medication for alcohol use disorder
- Group and individual counseling
- Behavioral therapy, including contingency management
- Support for employment and housing
- Affect’s 5-star rated app, that includes progress tracking, appointment management, daily inspiration, and useful tools to help you in your journey
What is alcohol use disorder?
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a pattern of problematic drinking that runs on a spectrum from mild, moderate to severe, and generally includes negative social, work, or health consequences. Historically, this condition has also been called alcoholism.
There are many causes for AUD, including family history of alcohol use, mental health conditions or trauma, and drinking at an early age. Often, people may be heavy drinkers for many years (known as alcohol misuse) before their brain chemistry changes, resulting in dependence and alcohol abuse.
Am I an alcoholic?
That’s probably the wrong question to ask, but if you’re wondering, you may have done some searching online, or even taken a few quizzes. Labels can often be harmful, especially if you’re worried about what others may think. However, it’s important to understand that alcohol use disorder is a medical condition that can be diagnosed and effectively treated.
Our team will work with you to understand how drinking may be affecting your life and assess any increased risk factors. However, if you’ve tried to quit and failed, seen that your drinking is hurting your relationships or health, or found yourself choosing drinking over other fun or important events in your life, you likely need a change. We’re here to help.
Is it risky to go “cold turkey?”
About half of individuals with an alcohol use disorder who suddenly stop drinking or drastically reduce their alcohol intake experience a set of symptoms known as alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
The signs and symptoms of alcohol withdrawal may include:
- Sweating
- Rapid or irregular heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Nausea and vomiting
- Hallucinations
- Anxiety
More rarely, if left untreated, or inadequately managed, withdrawal can progress to violent seizures, delirium tremens (DTs), and death.
What you’ll experience when you stop drinking depends on a variety of factors, including the amount you typically drink, how frequently you drink, and how long you’ve been drinking. In addition, older adults, those with a past history of seizures or stroke, and individuals with other serious health conditions may be at risk of experiencing more severe withdrawal symptoms.
Physical withdrawal from alcohol can be life threatening. Our team will help assess the possibility of you experiencing withdrawal and will recommend a treatment plan for your specific needs.
How do I get started?
If you are asking yourself how you can stop drinking and searching for the answer, talking confidentially with a non-judgmental addiction treatment specialist is the place to start. Reach out to us and we’ll set up a time that works for you. Or, you can download our app and sign up.
When you enroll, you’ll start to realize the rewards of recovery immediately. Our members reduce their use by more than half in the first month, and with insurance coverage, it is one of the most affordable treatment options available.