Thinking about drinking—is it time to quit?

Alcohol can be an effective painkiller, both physical and emotional. But the time always comes when booze doesn’t quite work the way it once did. Either it’s become too weak to knock out the discomfort, or life’s problems have become too intense to drown with a drink. Maybe because of that, or the problems it naturally causes, you may be considering whether to cut back, moderate or quit completely.

Certainly in my life, there was a time when a few drinks would bring about a greater sense of calm and ease, making social settings easier to navigate.

Then a few wasn’t enough. More seemed better.

Then I wasn't having the drink, it was having me.

IS NOW THE TIME?

When determining if now is the right time to cut back, moderate or quit drinking, it's essential to consider the motivations behind the decision and how they align with your goals and values.  In short, what do you want most in life right now?

Are you looking to smooth things over at home, with the wife and kids? Are you planning for school and/or a career change (as was my case), and you think you’re going to need a clear head for this venture?

Take some time to carefully consider what it is you want with this one precious life. Watch for intrinsic motivations (I want to live a life with meaning, I want to be here for my kids, etc.) rather than an extrinsic motivator (I want a new car, a bigger home, etc.). 

Hint: Don’t be afraid to dream big. If there was no possibility of failure, what exactly would you really (I mean really) want? When you discover what this is, it will grab you wholesale. If you have trouble finding it, there are resources available to you. One we like is On A Dime, which helps people find their career purpose.

When you’ve arrived at that goal, consider whether you alcohol use is interfering with your objectives. Doing this will help you stay focused when it comes time to start the journey toward a change in your relationship with alcohol.

My Experience

“In 1991, I decided I would make the leap from bartender at a downtown Vancouver hotel, to a career as a journalist (I wanted a life with meaning). Jobs in journalism, even at that time, were scant. I wasn’t even sure I could endure the intellectual rigours of school. I knew if I was going to have any chance at all, it would be without alcohol. My choice was to abstain completely. I trained, and worked for the next 22 years in a newsroom as a senior reporter.”

PROCEED SAFELY

If you've been drinking heavily, speak to a medical professional before stopping cold turkey. Alcohol withdrawal can have serious side effects and sometimes requires medically assisted detox.

Looking at the big picture, why do you want to stop drinking? Do you want to improve your physical and mental health, restore your relationships, live a richer life, or something else? Whatever it is for you, recognizing these goals will be essential for keeping yourself accountable when the going gets tough. 

Pay attention to how alcohol influences aspects of your life that matter most to you, and use this awareness to build healthier habits. Once you've identified those critical motivations for quitting drinking and feel ready to start taking action, it might be time to commit to reducing or stopping your intake.

Deciding to quit drinking isn't easy, but the rewards are worth it. A healthier lifestyle without alcohol can open you up to new experiences, better relationships, and a sense of control over your life. 

PLANNING FOR LASTING RECOVERY

Continuing to take the time to reflect on why you want to quit drinking is essential for long-term success — look not only at how it affects you but also at how it affects people in your life, including family, friends and coworkers. 

Understanding and respecting your limits can help take back that autonomy over addiction and remind yourself of your ultimate goals so that quitting drinking becomes easier over time.

And understand, putting down the booze is the easy part.

Living a life in recovery can be a bumpy ride.

NEED HELP?

We are professional, accredited recovery coaches. We have been there, and we can help.