How To Know When It’s Time to Stop Drinking

Deciding when to stop drinking can be challenging. Many people enjoy alcohol socially and do not experience negative consequences, but for others, drinking can spiral into dependency, affecting their health and relationships. At NorthStar Transitions in Boulder, Colorado, we understand the difficulty of recognizing when drinking turns into a problem, and we're here to help you identify the signs that it might be time to reconsider your relationship with alcohol.

Moderate vs. Harmful Alcohol Use

Before identifying the signs of problematic drinking, first, it’s important to understand the differences between “normal” or typical alcohol use and harmful behaviors. Unlike other substances, alcohol is widely accepted and even expected in certain situations, which can blur the lines between casual drinking and alcoholism. Levels of alcohol use include:

  • Moderate Drinking: According to U.S. Dietary Guidelines, moderate drinking is categorized as up to one drink a day for women and two for men. This level of drinking is generally considered acceptable and carries minimal health risks for most adults.
  • Binge Drinking: Binge drinking occurs when a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) reaches 0.08% or higher. This typically happens when a person consumes four (women) or five (men) drinks or more within a two-hour period.
  • Heavy Drinking: Consuming more than four drinks per day or eight drinks per week for women — and more than five drinks per day or 15 per week for men — is considered heavy drinking, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). This level of drinking increases the risk of addiction and health issues.

It can be difficult to tell when someone has a problem with alcohol, so understanding the differences between moderate and heavy use can help individuals evaluate their drinking patterns. It is also essential to consider how even moderate drinking can escalate into harmful use if used as a crutch to cope with mental health issues or stressful life events.

Recognizing the Signs of Problematic Drinking

To assess whether it's time to reconsider your relationship with alcohol, there are sure signs or behaviors you can look for that may indicate problematic drinking. These signs can be subtle and evolve gradually, making them easy to overlook. Paying attention to how alcohol affects various aspects of your life and health is key to identifying these red flags:

  • Increased Tolerance: The need to drink more to feel the same effects can be an early warning sign of developing tolerance, a hallmark of alcohol dependency.
  • Withdrawal Symptoms: Experiencing withdrawal symptoms like shaking, sweating, nausea or irritability when you haven't had a drink could indicate physical dependence.
  • Neglecting Responsibilities: If drinking is causing you to neglect professional, social or family obligations, it’s time to re-examine your drinking behavior.
  • Failed Attempts to Cut Back: Repeatedly trying and failing to stop or cut back on your drinking is a common trait of alcohol use disorders.
  • Negative Consequences: Continuing to drink when it causes issues in your life — such as health concerns, financial strain or relationship troubles — can signal a problem. 

Many people get hung up on the word “alcoholic” and obsess over the “nevers” to rationalize their drinking: “I’ve never gotten a DUI,” “I’ve never been arrested,” or “I’ve never lost custody of my kids.” However, the absence of extreme consequences doesn’t mean you don’t have a problem, as everyone’s story is different. It also doesn’t matter what you call it — alcoholism, a substance use disorder, or something else entirely. What’s important is recognizing when alcohol use is detrimental to your well-being and taking proactive steps to address it. 

Other Signs You Should Stop Drinking

Apart from the clear indicators of problematic drinking, there are other reasons to consider quitting alcohol altogether. The NIAAA recommends complete abstinence when:

  • You’ve been diagnosed with alcohol use disorder or show signs of dependence 
  • You have certain medical conditions, including hepatitis C, cirrhosis of the liver, heart disease, and mental health concerns such as bipolar disorder 
  • You are currently taking medication(s) that are adversely impacted by alcohol use
  • You’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the near future

Taking Action to Stop Drinking

Deciding to stop drinking is a courageous step toward better health and well-being. However, making this change and staying sober for the long term involves a strategic approach to ensure your success. If you’re serious about quitting drinking, here’s how you can get started.

Seek Professional Help

For many people, the path to sobriety often involves professional help, especially during the initial stages of recovery. Entering a treatment program at a rehab facility like NorthStar Transitions can provide you with the tools, resources and support you need to manage triggers or cravings, develop new coping skills and make a plan for your long-term success. 

Build a Support Network

Connecting with support groups is essential for achieving lasting recovery. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), SMART Recovery and peers in your chosen treatment program can provide a sense of community and accountability while giving you the opportunity to connect with others who understand what you’re going through, helping you stay on track with your goals. 

Develop New Coping Skills

You’ll need to replace old habits with new, healthier ones to maintain your sobriety. Finding better ways to cope with stress, anxiety and other triggers without alcohol can help you recognize the negative thoughts or behaviors that lead to drinking and reduce the risk of relapse. Activities like mindfulness, exercise and journaling also support your recovery and overall well-being.

Moderate Your Drinking

If you’re not ready to completely stop drinking yet, it can still be helpful to moderate your alcohol intake. Making small adjustments can add up to big changes. Try not to drink without food, keep track of how much you drink and set goals to decide how many days a week you’ll drink (and how many you’ll have). If these steps feel too difficult or impossible, it might be a sign that it's time to re-evaluate your relationship with alcohol and seek professional help.

Not Sure What the Right Move Is?

Sometimes, reducing your alcohol consumption can be a good choice, but there are times when you should consider quitting completely. If you’re thinking about stopping drinking, it’s recommended that you talk to your doctor first or seek help from qualified professionals — especially if you’re dependent on alcohol. Suddenly stopping might lead to unpleasant withdrawal symptoms that could be dangerous if not managed properly. If you’re not sure what your next steps are, reach out to NorthStar Transitions for support, guidance and expert advice. 

Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment at NorthStar Transitions

At NorthStar Transitions, we offer comprehensive treatment options to help individuals stop drinking and build a strong foundation for lasting recovery. We provide a number of flexible options to meet you where you’re at in your journey, including day treatment (PHP), an intensive outpatient program (IOP), outpatient care and alumni support. We also have treatment programs tailored to the unique needs of veterans, professionals and young adults. We understand that each client's path is unique, and our programs reflect this, combining evidence-based therapy with personalized support to help you overcome alcohol dependency.

Our programs are designed to address the mental, emotional and physical aspects of alcohol addiction, providing you with the tools and strategies necessary for a successful recovery. We utilize various holistic and evidence-based therapies to equip clients with new coping skills, build resilience against relapse and address the underlying causes of their drinking. From your initial assessment to aftercare planning, our team will support you every step of the way.

Get Help Today

Recognizing when it's time to stop drinking is the first step toward recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol use, don't hesitate to reach out. Contact NorthStar Transitions for a confidential conversation about our treatment options and how we can help you on your journey to recovery. Begin your path to a healthier life today by calling us at (866) 407-2240 or completing our online contact form. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.

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