Advice When, Quitting Drinking , Cold Turkey.
According to the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, over 17 million people in the United States suffer from an alcohol disorder.
'Newsweek' recently spoke with
an expert to offer readers some tips
for quitting drinking cold turkey.
"Cold turkey" means quitting
the use of a substance abruptly
as opposed to slowly tapering off.
According to Peter Finn, a professor of psychological and
brain sciences who leads the Behavioral Alcohol Research
Laboratory at Indiana University, planning ahead is key.
According to Peter Finn, a professor of psychological and
brain sciences who leads the Behavioral Alcohol Research
Laboratory at Indiana University, planning ahead is key.
Decide on what types of activities
will replace the regular drinking
and then initiate that activity before
stopping the drinking entirely, Peter Finn, Head of the Behavioral Alcohol Research
Laboratory at Indiana University, via 'Newsweek'.
The best options are regular exercise
and involvement in activities with
a social context and commitment, Peter Finn, Head of the Behavioral Alcohol Research
Laboratory at Indiana University, via 'Newsweek'.
Finn also recommends making a list of all
the cons associated with drinking
and all the pros of stopping. .
According to Finn, it can also help to alter
your environment and reduce exposure
to drinking situations or habitual cues. .
These cues and situations will
increase your desire to drink and general
inclination to drink—don't have alcohol
at home, don't go to bars, Peter Finn, Head of the Behavioral Alcohol Research
Laboratory at Indiana University, via 'Newsweek'.
Learn stress reduction techniques,
such as mindfulness meditation.
Tell the people close to you that you
are stopping drinking. They will
probably strongly support you, Peter Finn, Head of the Behavioral Alcohol Research
Laboratory at Indiana University, via 'Newsweek'.
Learn stress reduction techniques,
such as mindfulness meditation.
Tell the people close to you that you
are stopping drinking. They will
probably strongly support you, Peter Finn, Head of the Behavioral Alcohol Research
Laboratory at Indiana University, via 'Newsweek'