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How can I stop drinking or taking drugs?

141 Answers
Last Updated: 05/04/2022 at 9:21am
How can I stop drinking or taking drugs?
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Michael White, LICSW

Clinical Social Work/Therapist

I pride myself on letting you decide which issues are most important while providing some guidance to find your own answers.

Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
May 9th, 2018 10:58pm
Support, self determination, self love, new group off friends, affirmations, self forgiveness...…..
Anonymous
May 23rd, 2018 12:50am
First step it to accept that you need help. Seek the help and maybe start setting yourself goals to reach so you have something to look forward too
silverForest36
June 14th, 2018 1:43pm
Admit you have a problem. That’s the first step. You can go to the hospital and say you need to go to a rehab center. They will send you to one that has room. Don’t get your hopes up though because sometimes there isn’t one available and you’ll have to come back another day. Just work hard everyday. And remember that it’s one day at a time.
StWilson
July 14th, 2018 10:23am
Discipline. Start setting goals. Start with 12 hours and then continue the trend till months. I am clean for 7 years now.
LimitlessSDCA
July 18th, 2018 4:05am
In simple terms, stop! Real talk, it's not that easy. Firstly stop associating yourself with those if a likemindedness. Secondly, distract yourself in times when you would go to the drink or drugs. You have to WANT to stop though. Otherwise, you will keep going back.
Understandingempath
July 29th, 2018 4:45am
Understand first that these substances only provide a way to cope with other matters amd that they cause more harm than they help. Determining the key issue which leads one to seek substances to abuse is the first step. Treating that issue in a more affective way will likely reduce the urge to use substances, however there is the chance that the person has become dependent on the substances as well. In this case one would benefit best by seeking treatment for substance abuse.
Panther7
August 1st, 2018 7:16am
You can do it by just thinking right, or to find alternative hobbys, like music, fitness or at the end meditation or finding your own, to change things is about changing mind,so you need strong or dynamic will and minds
Anonymous
August 10th, 2018 8:39pm
The first step is asking someone for help. It can be hard to do things on your own. Having good support helps.
anthonybackus
August 24th, 2018 8:49am
Avoid speeches. Instead, listen to your teen's views and questions about drugs. Comfort your teen that he or she can be truthful with you Pay attention to your teen's situations. Find out what adult-supervised activities your teen is interested in and reassure him or her to get engaged You should Speak peacefully and rapid that you are coming from a place of concern If your teen admits to mistreating drugs, let him or her know that you're saddened and impose the penalties you've established. Some television programs, movies, websites or songs exaggerate about drug use. Talk about what your teen sees and hears. If your teen's friends misuse drugs, your teen might sense pressure to test, too If you think your teen is elaborate in substantial drug use, contact a doctor, counsellor or other health care provider for help. Abuse of treatment or OTC tablets can cause respiratory distress Thank You
Anonymous
September 5th, 2018 4:48pm
Most people tend to need to hit some kind of a crisis before they stop taking drugs or drinking, unless they decide to embark on a spiritual path which is incompatible with becoming intoxicated. For some people, it's as simple as deciding that life is great as it is, and drugs and drink are no big deal, it's just healthier to live a cleaner life. For others, drinking and taking drugs can be such a big problem that they find themselves on a path of complete self-destruction; in this case, with luck, there may come a point where one reaches such a point of desperation that a stark choice emerges to either change or die. Most certainly what is required is literally a change of mind, a change of character, a change of habits, a change in thinking patterns; be prepared to look at yourself honestly and look at the damage you are causing to others; seek support - twelve step programs come free of charge and can be enormously successful - and good luck!
Anonymous
October 14th, 2018 5:50pm
The most ideal approach to quitting drinking and taking medications is to see an expert and get help as fast as could be allowed. The initial step is obviously to concede that you do have an issue with both of those and after that go to the understanding that it is best for you to stop it and look for help. Coming here or anyplace for help is one of the greatest advances. and I stayed away from your friends who do drugs because friends force you to do drugs I'm still struggling but I'm getting better. Finding an interesting hobby can also help the process.
professionalcallie23
March 22nd, 2019 9:35pm
It's a very easy process on paper, but in reality it's much more complicated than that! I think the best step if you're thinking about quitting would be to go to a drug abuse or alcohol abuse meeting! In most places they have morning & evening classes! Being surrounded by peers who understand + a professional who can better guide you would be the first step! If you want to do something as another small step, there are apps that you can download to track how long since you've used, which can be a good incentive for some people!
LittleMissMeow
June 7th, 2019 10:44pm
Its not easy! it takes time and patience! Try to always keep you mind busy and if you're getting cravings fight through them try to get some fresh air. Like i said its not going to be easy and it will be really frustrating and there will be times where youll feel drawn to it but youve to remember that you're not alone and its okay not to be okay. Every sober day is a day to be proud of yourself and your achievement cause even if it dont look huge now one day you'll look back and this wow, i got out of that hole
xoxAlwaysherexox
June 21st, 2019 12:55pm
It is very hard for what i can imagain and what you have to do is find the will power inside of you to be able to say no, it is hard and im not telling you its going to be easy, itll be worth it. Ask soemone to help you throough this tough time if you need any help im here for you to talkmore into detail about this situation that you are stuck in, belive me on this your not just hurting other people its yourself! If you ever wan to talkmore tell me and ill book you in xox
benevolentShoe2448
July 26th, 2019 4:32pm
Part of changing a habit is your thinking, but the less talked about part of it is also changing your circumstances and surroundings (which is harder!). You have to try to get rid of everyone and everything that is enabling you to drink/take drugs. The friend that says "just one won't hurt" or the places that you go to get drugs. It's hard to heal when you keep going back to things that hurt you, which is why many mental illnesses have relapses. But to prevent relapse, you have to recognize both the environmental and biological factors playing into your addiction.
Anonymous
August 21st, 2019 4:45pm
By realising the risk you're putting yourself through, and how much it has already destroyed of you. One overdose on accident when you're high and can't think straight and you'll be dead.
Kennedywithlove
August 22nd, 2019 12:07am
Seek connection with other human beings. Join AA, NA or any other support group in your local area. Staying connected to others who are walking a similar path while getting connected back to your spiritual and emotional connections to self. Find someone to walk you through what is coming up for you emotionally that the drugs and alcohol are being used to cope with. Ensure you are supported by a medical professional and begin the excavation of the deeper connection to self and the world around you that is missing. You are courageous and it is in the vulnerability and healing our emotional pain where life's true gifts are found.
Suitaker1
September 15th, 2019 7:11pm
First find your triggers, this means what inspires substance abuse. Once these triggers are found you can avoid or manage the cravings much easier. Second find fun in sobriety, drawing, music (playing/listening), or any other hobbies. When a craving flares up use your hobbies to avoid alcohol or drugs. Journaling can help to cope, after the first week its easy moving from there. Any negative journals can be written then burned or thrown away. If these don't work you can detox at a rehabilitation center or seek IOP services. Youtube: Suitaker For mental illness/addiction support
brianna67
October 11th, 2019 5:41pm
Get help! There are substance abuse counsellors who you can speak with to navigate this. The first step is realizing you do need help so I am proud of you for making it there already! It is not going to be an easy journey, but it will be worth it. If you do feel you are endangering yourself, a rehabilitation facility might be helpful as well. I would ask a doctor or substance abuse counsellor about that option too. It's also important to surround yourself with friends and family who support this goal and to avoid environmental triggers that would make you want to partake in drugs and alcohol.
Anonymous
November 21st, 2019 1:05am
There are many things a person can to to better their relationships with a substances. The first thing you could do is talk to a medical professional about your desire to quit. Dr's have many rescues to make your journey to a clean life as easy and safe as possible. Another thing that can be helpful is thinking about the times you engage in these behaviors. You can do this by wright down every time you have/had reached for the substance and make sure to note the way you where feeling, what was happening right before, and what your intention was/is when you reached for it. This can allow you to look back and see some potential patterns that my be happening. With a better understanding of your behavior patterns you can avoid your triggers lowering your urge to use. Another thing that can be helpful is slowly limiting your intake over time. This allows you to take part in the substance but back away from it slowly keeping your body out of major withdrawal (Dr.'s can help with this). I would suggest that you start limiting your self to only using 3 day a week, then the next week only 2 days a week... and thought out time you should get to the point where you don't need to use at all. This may makes quitting less scary and may allow for slow growth away from the substance.
SnowyStrawberries
February 1st, 2020 12:28pm
It all starts with knowing that you have a problem. Once you’ve recognized that their is an issue in your life caused by substance abuse, you’re already halfway there. Your next step is making sure you want to quit. If you don’t want to quit, it’s going to be a dance back and forth. I was an alcoholic by the age of 17 and it took me hitting rock bottom 4 years later to realize that one, I had an issue, and 2, I wanted help. The path to stopping that is completely up to you. AA is an option, though they do tend to be religious. If this seems like a good fit for you, google “AA meetings in my area” to get a contact for them. If a religious approach isn’t your thing, then may I suggest what I did which is have someone close keep you accountable. Just having someone to check in on you and make sure you haven’t bought another pack helps a lot. If you’re finding that your impulse control is too poor, you do have the option of talking to our therapists on here for some extra help. I’ve been sober with the help of my spouse for four years now and I know you can to if you’re ready to work for it. 🙂
XBOXambassador106
February 20th, 2020 11:37pm
You can try to stop on your own cold Turkey or try getting help at a rehab facility some places offer more services than others if you need any advice on addiction you could try asking your doctor for help to stop drinking or using drugs or you could try taking a look online for drink or drugs help or rehabilitation assistance in your local area there is information available it's just about knowing where to look for it and how to look or you could ask the advice of an experienced listener here on 7 cups we are here to help
Anonymous
March 7th, 2020 6:11am
There are several different paths - but the most important in my opinion is support. This can be friends, family, or, if necessary, professions. There are many resources for people struggling with substance abuse issues, and they are there to be used! AA works for a lot of people, private detox programs, rehabilitation centers, etc. It really depends on you and on your situation. There are lots of different variables, but the most important thing is finding a way, whatever way that works for, to not take that substance that you are addicted to. It's most important to take it one day at a time!
Anonymous
April 5th, 2020 7:24am
Think about how it is affecting you and those around you. It's hard because you become used to it in many ways. So take small steps, cut down day by day instead of going cold turkey completely. Think of all the things that taking drugs and drinking does, and see how the consequences affect you. The first step is almost always self-realization and then second is to create a plan. An additional way to do this can be if you get someone in your life who you can hold yourself accountable to. This way you can control what you take.
JennMarie2
April 19th, 2020 8:16pm
Addiction is a very real thing and I am so glad that you came here seeking help for it! Along with various listeners who have direct experience with addictions, there is a sub community that has forums directly related to addictions of various kinds. Aside from that, there are many programs and resources in the US that are dedicated to helping people overcome their addictions to various substances. If you were to attempt to tackle addiction on your own, there are various methods that can be used to help you quit your addictions, depending on if you wanted to quit cold turkey or slowly. If you quit all at once, then obviously you would completely stop. The other option is to quit slowly and to do that, you could set goals for yourself that decrease the amount of the substance that you use each day or week.
exquisiteSea58
May 1st, 2020 9:39am
Keep track of your drug use, including when and how much you use. This will give you a better sense of the role the addiction is playing in your life. List the pros and cons of quitting, as well as the costs and benefits of continuing your drug use. Consider the things that are important to you, such as your partner, your kids, your pets, your career, or your health. How does your drug use affect those things? Ask someone you trust about their feelings on your drug use. Ask yourself if there’s anything preventing you from changing. What could help you make the change? Preparing for change: 5 key steps to addiction recovery Remind yourself of the reasons you want to change. Think about your past attempts at recovery, if any. What worked? What didn’t? Set specific, measurable goals, such as a start date or limits on your drug use. Remove reminders of your addiction from your home, workplace, and other places you frequent. Tell friends and family that you’re committing to recovery, and ask for their support. Explore your addiction treatment options Once you’ve committed to recovery, it’s time to explore your treatment choices. While addiction treatment can vary according to the specific drug, a successful program often includes different elements, such as: Detoxification. Usually the first step is to purge your body of drugs and manage withdrawal symptoms. Behavioral counseling. Individual, group, and/or family therapy can help you identify the root causes of your drug use, repair your relationships, and learn healthier coping skills. Medication may be used to manage withdrawal symptoms, prevent relapse, or treat any co-occurring mental health condition such as depression or anxiety. Long-term follow-up can help to prevent relapse and maintain sobriety. This may include attending regular in-person support groups or online meetings to help keep your recovery on track.
Chebbie
May 20th, 2020 5:16pm
Firstly, i think you are strong for talking about this and you are on a great path. It is okay to feel a little scared. I would too. 2 years ago i went through a drinking phrase too and i had to stop due to my health issues. I struggled along the way but i eventually made it and i am now 18 months without a drink. So you will make it too. I think you are great for wanting to stop drinking and you are strong enough to see it through. What do you think is the best scenario post drinking?
Anonymous
July 1st, 2020 11:12am
A GP is a good place to start. They can discuss your problems with you and get you into treatment. They may offer you treatment at the practice or refer you to your local drug service. If you're not comfortable talking to a GP, you can approach your local drug treatment service yourself. If you're dependent on heroin or another opioid, you may be offered a substitute drug, such as methadone. This means you can get on with your treatment without having to worry about withdrawing or buying street drugs.As well as the NHS, there are charities and private drug and alcohol treatment organisations that can help you.
Anonymous
July 5th, 2020 9:23am
Recovered addicts say that they’ve never felt better after quitting drugs, although this can take time. Knowing why you want to quit drugs can help you to stay motivated during the withdrawal process ,When you reduce or quit using drugs your body goes through a detoxification process (detox) or withdrawal. Symptoms vary between people, and between drugs, and range from mild to serious. They can last from a few days to a few weeks — it's different for every person — but they are temporary. Cravings for the drug will sometimes be weak and at other times very strong. Learning how to manage them is important for staying drug-free. Making a plan and writing it down can help you commit to quitting. Setting goals for your recovery helps you stay motivated and can make the process less stressful. It’s important to set realistic goals — both short and long-term. Be specific and make them measurable. Some examples of realistic, short-term goals are: I will see my doctor this weekI’m going to walk for half an hour 3 times this weekI want to be drug free for 2 weeks straight Long-term goals might include: being drug-free for a yearhaving friends that are healthy and sober and provide supportrebuilding family relationships by having regular get-togethers Reward yourself for success — with an enjoyable, drug-free activity such as going to a movie, or planning a holiday — and take it easy on yourself if you mess up. It’s OK to fail, just don’t give up trying.
Ioana05
August 2nd, 2020 6:35pm
A method that helps many people in this situation is thinking about the reason why this is affecting the quality of your life and others. One good first and easy step is reading a book or an article about this situation, from specialised people. It might not sound much, but it fan take you on the right path. Going for a total detox from the first time is a harsh step. If you decide on this, the people around you might help, by keeping you motivating and supporting your decision. It is awesome that you decided to reach for help, and I am sure that you will get the support