10 Steps to Help You Stop Drinking

Oct 7, 2025

For many people, drinking starts to relax or socialize. But over time, alcohol can take more than it gives. It may harm your health, create distance in your relationships, or interfere with your work and daily life. If you are beginning to wonder whether alcohol is holding you back, you are not alone, and change is possible.

Quitting alcohol is not only about removing drinking from your life. It’s about giving yourself the chance to live with more health, balance, and purpose. Recovery happens step by step. Each small choice you make builds into something bigger and more lasting.

Here are 10 steps to guide you as you start your journey to stop drinking.

1. Talk to a doctor

Before you stop, speak with a healthcare professional. Alcohol withdrawal can be difficult, and sometimes unsafe, depending on how much and how long you have been drinking. A doctor can explain your options and help you choose the safest way to begin.

2. Know your reason

Knowing your reason for quitting is powerful. Maybe it’s for your family, your career, your health, or simply because you want to feel like yourself again. Write down your reason. Keep it where you can see it. On hard days, it will remind you why you started.

3. Set small, realistic goals

Recovery is a process. Instead of aiming for perfection, start with manageable steps. Examples include:

Going one day without alcohol
Skipping one social event where drinking is common
Attending your first support group
Reaching out to a supportive friend or family member

These small victories matter. Each one builds confidence and moves you forward.

4. Clear out alcohol at home

A safe environment makes it easier to succeed. Remove alcohol from your home and ask friends or family not to bring it around you. At the same time, avoid places where you feel pressured to drink. These changes may seem small, but they protect your progress.

5. Keep a journal

Writing down your thoughts and experiences is a powerful tool. A journal can help you track triggers, manage emotions, and celebrate progress. You don’t have to be a perfect writer — just be honest with yourself. Over time, you’ll be able to see how far you’ve come.

6. Learn your triggers

A “trigger” is anything that makes you want to drink. For some people, it’s stress or boredom. For others, it’s certain friends, places, or situations. Once you recognize your triggers, you can prepare healthier ways to handle them, like taking a walk, practicing deep breathing, or calling a friend.

7. Find support

Recovery is easier with help. Talk to people you trust. Join a support group or connect with a therapist who understands addiction. Being open about your struggles and victories creates accountability and encouragement, which can make the journey feel less overwhelming.

8. Be ready for cravings

Cravings are normal and do not mean you are failing. They are a sign that your body and mind are adjusting. Plan for these moments:

Call a supportive friend
Distract yourself with an activity
Listen to music, read, or exercise
Practice relaxation or mindfulness

Having a plan helps you feel prepared and strong when cravings come.

9. Try new activities

Quitting alcohol opens time and energy for other things. Explore activities that bring you joy or peace — exercise, painting, cooking, hiking, or volunteering. Building new routines not only keeps you busy but also gives your life more meaning without alcohol.

10. Get professional help

Sometimes, stopping alcohol feels too overwhelming on your own. That’s when professional treatment can help. Programs like detox, residential rehab, and therapy give you tools, structure, and support. Reaching out for help is not a weakness — it’s one of the strongest steps you can take.

California Recovery Center Can Support You

Choosing to stop drinking is one of the bravest decisions you can make. You don’t have to face it alone.

We provide compassionate, professional care for people across Northern California. Our programs are designed to meet you where you are and give you the tools you need for lasting change.