Today you can begin quitting drinking. The first step might be to see a doctor, contact a support group, or even set a date in the near future to quit. It is possible for some people to quit drinking on their own while others might need medical help to manage the physical process of withdrawal.

It is important to discuss with your doctor whether you will need to withdraw from alcohol under medical supervision. Your physician can give you medicine that will help you safely quit drinking alcohol. At times other medications might be prescribed to help maintaining sobriety. With your doctor’s help, withdrawal from alcohol is safer.

Stopping alcohol use can:

Prevent or reduce health problems that are made worse by alcohol use, such as liver damage. Prevent harm to your unborn baby if you are pregnant. Reduce related family concerns or relationship problems. Increase your ability to be productive at work, school, and home. Reduce legal problems that you might have as a result of misuse of alcohol.

What resources are available to help you cut down on or stop alcohol use on your own? You need education and emotional support when you stop drinking, especially if you abuse alcohol or are alcohol-dependent. Some resources that can help you stop drinking include:

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Alcoholics Anonymous helps those all over the world who have a desire to quit drinking by arranging meetings with other people who have this disease. The various groups are made up of people who have had alcohol problems. Family physicians or other medical practitioners, psychologists, or other health professionals. Inpatient or outpatient treatment centers or hospitals.

There are many local and national alcohol treatment hotlines available (check your local white and yellow pages). You can also search for these organizations and health professionals by accessing their Web sites online.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) arranges meetings all over the world to assist those who have a desire to quit drinking. You can also receive information, education, and assistance to help you quit drinking alcohol by talking with your doctor, calling an alcohol treatment hotline, or asking your local hospital or alcohol treatment facility.