A standard glass of wine is 5 ounces, which contains about 12% alcohol. A shot of distilled spirits like vodka is 1.5 ounces and equally 40% alcohol. One 12-ounce can of beer contains about 5% alcohol, and a standard glass of sherry is 3 to 4 ounces and contains about 17% alcohol, according to the NIAAA. If you identify with any how to stop drinking at home of the scenarios above, try the expert tips below for reducing your alcohol consumption (or even eliminating it altogether). The compensation we receive from advertisers does not influence the recommendations or advice our editorial team provides in our articles or otherwise impact any of the editorial content on Forbes Health.

Here’s some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and what to expect from your health care provider or mental health provider. Treatment for alcohol use disorder can vary, depending on your needs. Treatment may involve a brief intervention, individual or group counseling, an outpatient program, or a residential inpatient stay. Working to stop alcohol use to improve quality of life is the main treatment goal. Perceived social support can play an important part in alcohol use recovery. In addition to therapy, support groups, and self-help options, you should consider some of the medications that are available which may improve your chances of quitting alcohol successfully.

Coping and support

If the person is incapable of even being honest with themselves, it may not be reasonable to expect them to be honest with you. What might seem like a reasonable expectation in some circumstances might be totally unreasonable when it comes to someone with an addiction. When your loved one swears to you and to themselves that they will never touch another drop of alcohol, you might believe them. If you’re still unsure of how to find help in your community, contact your local hospital or health department. Most health
care organizations can direct you to helpful resources near you. Those seeking assistance while working to overcome alcoholism can talk to a therapist or expert in person or on the phone.

how to stop drinking at home

Some people may be prescribed medication to help achieve abstinence. You may also choose to attend self-help groups, receive extended counselling, or use a talking therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). If you choose moderation, you’ll probably be asked to attend further counselling sessions so your progress can be assessed, and further treatment and advice can be provided if needed. If you are worried about your drinking or have had an alcohol-related accident or injury, you may be offered a short counselling session known as a brief intervention.

Residential treatment programs

You might slowly begin to accept more and more unacceptable behavior. Before you realize it, you can find yourself in a full-blown abusive relationship. You just happen to love someone who is probably going to need professional treatment to get healthy again.

how to stop drinking at home

They see the pain and struggles and reality of addiction that you may feel others can’t begin to comprehend. For others, it’s their careers that have taken a hit due to the effects of their drinking. And for others it’s a combination of factors that motivates their move to sobriety. For some drinkers, cutting down on the amount of alcohol they drink simply does not work.

Get online support.

It’s easier to blend in with a glass in your hand, even if it’s just a Coke. And if you find yourself in a situation where someone offers you a drink, just politely decline. Most of the time, people will back off, and if they don’t, stand firm and say you’re not drinking tonight. You don’t owe anyone your reasoning behind why you’re refraining.