Can a Problem Drinker Quit on Their Own?

If you have started questioning your relationship with alcohol, there is a good chance some degree of intervention has become necessary. This doesn’t necessarily mean you need to jump right into a 90 day inpatient treatment program. The right level of care for you will depend on your unique needs and personal circumstances.

One of the best indications that it is time to consider treatment is an honest assessment of whether or not you’ve been able to quit or cut back on your own. Maybe you have started experiencing consequences as a direct result of your drinking, or you have suffered through one too many hangovers, and you have sworn off for good.

“That’s it. I’m done. I’m never drinking again.”

Less than a week later, you are right back where you started.

Maybe you decide to cut out hard liquor, sticking to beer and wine. Soon, you find that drinking more than a couple bottles of beer leads you straight back to the liquor cabinet. Maybe you vow to only drink on special occasions, and you successfully manage to do so for a while. In a couple of months, however, special occasions start to include weekends, and soon they include Thursdays and Fridays, and soon every day of the week is fair game.

If you have had a difficult time quitting on your own, there is a good chance you are more than a problem drinker — you might be struggling with a diagnosable alcohol use disorder.

What is a Problem Drinker?

It is important to understand the distinction between a problem drinker and someone who is struggling with a diagnosable alcohol use disorder. If you are a problem drinker, your drinking habits have started to negatively impact your overall quality of life. Maybe you have been finding it difficult to stay motivated throughout the day, and you are beginning to neglect personal responsibilities. When a good enough reason presents itself, however, you are able to stop and stay stopped.

If you simply cannot quit or cut back for longer than a few days, weeks, or months, you might require some degree of professional treatment. It can be difficult to come to terms with the reality of your drinking habits. Downplaying the severity of the issue at hand is common practice among those with alcohol dependencies. If you are still unsure, feel free to reach out to us directly, or sit down with a licensed addiction specialist in your area. We are happy to offer recommendations and point you in the direction of additional resources.

What Should I Do If I Can’t Quit On My Own?

If you can’t quit on your own and you are ready to take the first step towards recovery, make the decision to seek support on some level. This might mean checking out a local Alcoholics Anonymous meeting for the first time, just to see what it’s all about. This might look like checking yourself into a medical detox center — a step that is particularly important for those who have been drinking heavily and for a long time.

If you are unsure of what your initial step to be, we are available to help. Contact us directly and we will offer you our professional insight and guide you through the first steps of the alcohol addiction recovery process. Speak with one of our Treatments Advisors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling 1-877-508-2278.