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