How to Stop Drinking Alcohol: A Medical Guide to Quitting Safely
Evidence-based guide on how to stop drinking alcohol safely practical strategies, medical detox options, and expert-reviewed recovery steps for Indian families.
MBBS, DPM (Psychiatry),Abhasa Rehab and Wellness
Clinical Lead with 20 years of experience in addiction psychiatry
MBBS, MD,Abhasa Rehab and Wellness
Residential Medical Officer with 20 years experience
- Medically Reviewed: 2026-02-16
- Published: 2026-02-16
- Last Updated: 2026-07-11
- 15 min read
Key Takeaways
- Alcohol withdrawal can escalate from mild to life-threatening within 24–72 hours without care.
- Three FDA-approved medications Naltrexone, Acamprosate, Disulfiram can support safe alcohol addiction treatment.
- About 40–60% of people relapse during recovery, per NIAAA, so ongoing support matters.
- Learning how to stop drinking alcohol safely requires medical supervision and support systems.
Introduction: The Question That Changes Everything
Across India from Tamil Nadu’s industrial towns to Maharashtra’s urban centres, millions of people are quietly asking themselves the same question: How do I stop drinking alcohol?
It’s a question that takes courage to ask. And if you’re reading this, you’ve already taken that step.
Here’s what we want you to know right away: wanting to stop is not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign that something inside you recognises things need to change. That recognition? It matters more than you might think.
According to a survey by the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (AIIMS) and NIMHANS, approximately 5.7 crore Indians experience harmful or dependent patterns of alcohol use.[1] That’s nearly 1 in every 20 adults. In states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Punjab, the numbers are even higher with state-level prevalence reaching 10-15% of adult males.[2]
But here’s the part that rarely gets talked about: only 2.6% of people who need help for alcohol problems actually receive any form of treatment.[1] The gap isn’t because people don’t want to stop. It’s because most people don’t know how to stop safely, or where to begin.
This guide is here to bridge that gap. Whether you want to cut back, quit entirely, or simply understand your options, we’ll walk through it together. Step by step. No judgement.
Why Stopping Alcohol Is Harder Than People Think
QUICK ANSWER
Let’s be honest about something most people misunderstand: quitting alcohol isn’t simply about “deciding to stop.” If willpower alone could fix this, you probably would have done it already.
When someone drinks regularly over time, the brain actually changes. Alcohol affects a neurotransmitter called GABA, which calms the nervous system. With regular drinking, the brain adjusts it produces less of its own calming chemicals and becomes more excitable to compensate.[3]
So when you suddenly stop drinking, your brain is left in an overexcited state. That’s why people experience anxiety, shaking, insomnia, and in severe cases, seizures during withdrawal. It’s not a character flaw. It’s neurochemistry.
The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) classifies Alcohol Use Disorder as “a chronic relapsing brain disorder characterised by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse consequences.”[4] The key word there is brain disorder not moral failure, not lack of discipline.
What Makes Alcohol Particularly Tricky
There are a few reasons alcohol is harder to quit than people expect:
- It’s everywhere. Unlike other substances, alcohol is legal, socially encouraged, and woven into celebrations, business meetings, and family events across India.
- Tolerance builds gradually. You don’t wake up one morning dependent. It happens slowly two drinks become three, weekends become weekdays, and by the time you notice, the pattern is deeply set.
- Withdrawal can be dangerous. Unlike many other substances, alcohol withdrawal can be medically serious and even life-threatening in severe cases.[5] This isn’t true of most drugs.
- Psychological dependence is real. Even after physical withdrawal passes, the brain’s reward system has been rewired to associate alcohol with relief, pleasure, or coping. That psychological pull can persist for months.
Understanding this isn’t meant to discourage you. Quite the opposite. When you understand why stopping feels so hard, you can stop blaming yourself and start approaching recovery with the right tools.
Honest Self-Assessment: Where Do You Stand?
QUICK ANSWER
Before deciding how to stop drinking alcohol, it helps to honestly assess where you are. Not everyone who wants to cut back has Alcohol Use Disorder. And not everyone who has AUD needs inpatient treatment.
Behavioural Signs to Watch For
Look at your behaviour over the past 12 months. Be honest with yourself this isn’t about judgement it’s about clarity.
- Have you missed work, appointments, or responsibilities because of drinking or hangovers?
- Has your performance or productivity noticeably declined?
- Do you find yourself making excuses to leave events early so you can drink?
- Have family members or friends expressed concern about your drinking?
- Have you started avoiding people who don’t drink?
- Has drinking caused arguments, broken trust, or damaged relationships?
- Do you drink more than you planned to, more often than you intended?
- Have you tried to cut back or stop and found you couldn’t?
- Do you spend significant time drinking, recovering from drinking, or thinking about your next drink?
- Do you need more alcohol than before to feel the same effect? (This is tolerance.)
- Do you feel shaky, anxious, or unwell when you haven’t had a drink for several hours? (This may be withdrawal.)
- Have you experienced health problems related to drinking but continued anyway?
The DSM-5 and ICD 11 diagnostic criteria for Alcohol Use Disorder include 11 specific indicators. Meeting 2-3 suggests mild AUD, 4-5 moderate, and 6 or more severe.[6] For a detailed breakdown of diagnostic criteria, see our Diagnosis and Treatment guide.
A Simple Framework
| Where You Might Be | What It Looks Like | Suggested Approach |
|---|---|---|
|
Where You Might Be
Concerned about your drinking
|
What It Looks Like
You're questioning whether you drink too much, but no major consequences yet
|
Suggested Approach
Self-monitoring, gradual reduction, lifestyle changes
|
|
Where You Might Be
Mild dependence
|
What It Looks Like
Some loss of control, drinking more than intended, mild consequences
|
Suggested Approach
Structured reduction plan, counselling, support groups
|
|
Where You Might Be
Moderate dependence
|
What It Looks Like
Regular heavy drinking, clear consequences, some withdrawal symptoms
|
Suggested Approach
Professional assessment, outpatient therapy, possibly medication
|
|
Where You Might Be
Severe dependence
|
What It Looks Like
Daily drinking, significant withdrawal symptoms, failed quit attempts
|
Suggested Approach
Medical detox required, residential treatment recommended
|
Talk to Abhasa’s clinical team confidentially.
Call info@abhasa.in or +91-73736-44444. We’re here to help.
Can You Stop Drinking on Your Own?
This is the question most people start with. And the honest answer is: it depends.
For people who are concerned about their drinking but not physically dependent, gradual reduction with self-management strategies can work. Research from the World Health Organization shows that brief interventions even a single counselling session can reduce hazardous alcohol consumption by 10-15%.[7]
But for people who are physically dependent on alcohol meaning they experience withdrawal symptoms like tremors, sweating, anxiety, or insomnia when they stop trying to quit alone can be genuinely dangerous.
Here’s the critical distinction:
- You drink regularly but don’t experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop
- You can go 48-72 hours without alcohol without physical discomfort
- You haven’t experienced seizures, hallucinations, or severe anxiety from not drinking
- You have a stable support system around you
- You experience tremors, sweating, or rapid heartbeat when you miss a drink
- You’ve had withdrawal seizures before
- You drink every day and have been drinking heavily for months or years
- You have co-occurring mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, PTSD)
- You’ve tried to quit before and relapsed within days
The SAMHSA guidelines are clear: anyone with moderate-to-severe alcohol dependence should undergo medically supervised detoxification.[8] This isn’t overcautious. Alcohol withdrawal kills people every year. It doesn’t have to.
Practical Steps to Reduce or Quit Drinking
Whether you’re cutting back or quitting entirely, these evidence-based strategies give you a concrete starting point.
Related Reading: Practical Tips to Stop Alcohol Cravings
Vague intentions (“I’ll drink less”) don’t work. Specific commitments do.
Research on goal-setting in behaviour change shows that people who set concrete, measurable targets are significantly more likely to follow through.[9]
Examples of specific goals:
- “I will not drink on weekdays only on Friday and Saturday evenings”
- “I will limit myself to 2 standard drinks per occasion, maximum 3 days per week”
- “I will stop drinking completely starting [date]”
- “I will reduce from 5 drinks per day to 3 this week, then 2 next week”
- Write your goal down. Tell someone you trust. Having accountability makes a measurable difference.
For the next two weeks, write down every drink you have. Time, place, how much, and what triggered it. No editing, no minimising.
This isn’t about shame. It’s about data. Most people are genuinely surprised when they see their actual consumption on paper. The NIAAA defines “low-risk” drinking as no more than 14 standard drinks per week for men and 7 for women, with no more than 4 on any single day for men and 3 for women.[4]
Tracking also reveals patterns. You might notice that you drink more when you’re alone, or after work, or during social events. These patterns become the targets for change.
Your environment shapes your behaviour more than your intentions do. This is backed by decades of behavioural science.[10]
Practical changes:
- Remove alcohol from your home. All of it. If other family members drink, ask them to store alcohol out of sight.
- Avoid bars, parties, or social situations where drinking is the primary activity at least for the first 30-60 days.
- Change your route home if it passes a liquor shop.
- Stock your fridge with alternatives: sparkling water, fresh juice, buttermilk, tender coconut water.
- Tell the people you drink with that you’re taking a break. You don’t owe them an explanation, but you might be surprised by how supportive people are.
Alcohol fills a role in your life, stress relief, socialisation, boredom management, reward. You need to replace it, not just remove it.
Evidence-based alternatives:
- Physical exercise: Even 30 minutes of walking reduces alcohol cravings significantly. A meta-analysis of 21 studies found that exercise interventions reduced alcohol consumption across diverse populations.[11]
- Mindfulness and meditation: A systematic review of 54 randomised controlled trials showed that mindfulness-based interventions reduced substance dependence and cravings.[12]
- Engaging hobbies: Creative activities, sports, cooking, gardening—anything that gives you a sense of flow and accomplishment.
- Social connection without alcohol: Join a gym, a cooking class, a walking group, or a volunteer organisation. Rebuild your social life around activities, not drinking.
You will be offered drinks. That’s just the reality in India, whether it’s a colleague at a dinner, a relative at a wedding, or a friend at a weekend gathering.
Have responses ready:
- “I’m on medication, can’t mix with alcohol” (simple, no further questions)
- “I’m driving tonight”
- “Not today, thanks. I’ll have a soda.”
- “I’m taking a health break”
You don’t need to announce your recovery journey to everyone. A simple, confident refusal is enough.
When You Need Medical Help to Stop Drinking Alcohol
This section is critical. Please read it carefully.
If any of the following apply to you, do not attempt to quit alcohol without medical supervision:
- You drink daily and have been doing so for more than a few weeks
- You experience physical withdrawal symptoms (tremors, sweating, nausea, rapid heartbeat, anxiety) when you stop or reduce drinking
- You have had withdrawal seizures or hallucinations in the past
- You have a history of delirium tremens (DTs)
- You have other medical conditions (liver disease, heart problems, diabetes)
- You have co-occurring mental health conditions (depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder)
- You’ve tried to stop on your own and relapsed
Alcohol withdrawal can begin within 6-12 hours after the last drink and can progress from mild symptoms to life-threatening complications within 24-72 hours.[5]Delirium tremens characterised by severe confusion, hallucinations, and cardiovascular instability, occurs in approximately 5% of people undergoing withdrawal and carries a mortality rate of up to 37% without treatment.[13]
This is not said to frighten you. It’s said because medical detoxification saves lives. With proper medical supervision, withdrawal can be managed safely and comfortably.
For a detailed timeline of what to expect during withdrawal, read our Alcohol Withdrawal and Detox guide.
Need Help Deciding?
If you’re unsure whether you need medical supervision to stop drinking. Call info@abhasa.in or +91-73736-44444. We’re here to help.
Medical and Therapeutic Support for Quitting Alcohol
When personal strategies aren’t enough or when physical dependence makes self-management unsafe professional support makes a real difference. Here’s what evidence-based treatment actually involves.
Three FDA-approved medications are specifically designed to help people stop drinking alcohol and maintain sobriety. SAMHSA recognises these as core components of effective alcohol use disorder treatment.[8]
Naltrexone (oral or injectable)
- Blocks the pleasurable effects of alcohol in the brain
- Reduces cravings and the urge to drink
- Can be taken as a daily pill (50mg) or monthly injection (Vivitrol, 380mg)
Research shows naltrexone reduces heavy drinking episodes significantly[14]
Acamprosate (Campral)
- Reduces alcohol cravings by restoring the balance between GABA and glutamate, two brain chemicals that become disrupted with prolonged drinking
- Reduces the ongoing discomfort, anxiety, and insomnia that make people relapse
- Typically started after 5 days of abstinence
- Most effective for maintaining abstinence in people who have already stopped drinking
Disulfiram (Antabuse)
- Creates an unpleasant reaction if you drink alcohol (nausea, flushing, headache)
- Acts as a deterrent knowing you’ll feel sick makes the decision to drink harder
- Requires commitment and honesty with your prescribing doctor
- Must not be taken within 12 hours of last drink
These medications are not “crutches.” They’re evidence-based tools that correct brain chemistry disrupted by chronic alcohol use. They work best when combined with therapy and counselling.[8]
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) CBT helps you identify the thought patterns, emotions, and situations that trigger your drinking—and develop healthier responses. A large-scale meta-analysis of 30 randomised controlled trials demonstrated that CBT is more effective than no treatment or minimal treatment for alcohol use disorders.[15]
At its core, CBT teaches you to recognise the automatic thought that says “I need a drink” and replace it with a more accurate response.
Motivational Interviewing (MI) MI is a non-confrontational approach that helps you find your own reasons for change. It doesn’t lecture or pressure. Instead, it strengthens your internal motivation. SAMHSA recognises MI as a core evidence-based approach for substance use treatment.[16]
If you’re ambivalent about quitting—part of you wants to stop, part of you doesn’t—MI is particularly effective. It meets you where you are.
Family Therapy Alcohol addiction doesn’t just affect the person drinking. It reshapes entire families. A meta-analysis found that family therapy programmes were more effective than several other approaches, including CBT alone, for treating substance use disorders.[17]
Family therapy helps repair damaged relationships, establish healthy boundaries, and create a home environment that supports recovery rather than triggering relapse.
Related Reading: Family Therapy for Alcohol Addiction | Family Support Resources
Evidence increasingly supports integrating holistic approaches with conventional treatment:
- Yoga and pranayama: Regular practice reduces stress hormones and improves emotional regulation. A narrative review found yoga and mindfulness show promise as complementary therapies for addiction.[18]
- Mindfulness-based relapse prevention (MBRP): Specifically designed for people in recovery, MBRP combines mindfulness meditation with relapse prevention strategies. The evidence from 54 RCTs is growing.[12]
- Nutritional rehabilitation: Chronic alcohol use depletes essential nutrients—thiamine, folate, magnesium. Proper nutrition during recovery supports brain healing and physical restoration.
- Art and music therapy: Creative expression provides emotional outlets that don’t require words. These therapies are increasingly used in residential treatment settings.
- Nature-based therapies: Time in natural settings reduces cortisol levels and improves mental wellbeing—particularly valuable during early recovery.
The most effective approach combines medical, psychological, and holistic interventions. No single method works best for everyone.
Building Your Recovery Support System
Recovery doesn’t happen in isolation. The people around you matter enormously.
Who to Include
- A trusted family member or friend who knows about your goal and can check in regularly
- A professional counsellor or therapist who specialises in addiction (even outpatient, once a week)
- A support group groups like AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) are free, widely available in Indian cities, and provide community from people who truly understand
- Your primary care physician who can monitor your physical health during recovery
Having the Conversation
Telling someone you’re trying to stop drinking can feel vulnerable. Here’s a simple framework:
- Choose someone you trust
- Be direct: “I’ve decided to stop drinking. I’m telling you because I need support.”
- Be specific about what help looks like: “Can you check in with me once a week?” or “I’d appreciate it if we could do activities that don’t involve alcohol.”
- You don’t need to share everything. Share what feels right.
What About Social Pressure?
In Indian culture, drinking is often tied to socialising, business, and celebration. Saying no can feel awkward.
But here’s something people in recovery consistently discover: most people are far more understanding than expected. And the people who pressure you to drink after you’ve said no? They’re probably struggling with their own relationship with alcohol.
Managing Alcohol Cravings
Cravings are normal. They’re not a sign of failure. They’re your brain’s reward system doing what it was rewired to do. And they pass.
Mindfulness research shows that cravings typically peak and pass within 15-20 minutes.[12] Instead of fighting the craving, observe it:
- Notice the craving without acting on it
- Describe it to yourself: “I’m noticing a strong urge to drink right now”
- Breathe slowly 4 seconds in, 7 seconds hold, 8 seconds out
- Remind yourself: “This will pass. It always does.”
- Do something with your hands make tea, go for a walk, call someone
- Drink a tall glass of cold water immediately
- Chew on something (gum, cardamom, fennel seeds)
- Step outside and walk briskly for 10 minutes
- Call someone from your support network
- Do 20 pushups or 50 jumping jacks (physical exertion redirects brain chemistry)
- Write down what you’re feeling stream of consciousness, no filter
Most cravings are triggered by one of four states. Ask yourself: Am I…
- Hungry? Eat something nutritious. Low blood sugar intensifies cravings.
- Angry? Acknowledge the emotion. Journal, talk to someone, or exercise.
- Lonely? Call someone. Connection is the opposite of addiction.
- Tired? Rest. Fatigue weakens your resolve and amplifies cravings.
Related Reading: How to Stop Alcohol Cravings
Preventing Relapse: Staying on Track
Here’s something important to understand: relapse is not failure. It’s a feature of chronic conditions much like blood sugar spikes in diabetes or asthma flare-ups.
- Celebrations: Weddings, festivals, New Year’s plan your drink refusal strategy in advance
- Emotional distress: Grief, job loss, and relationship problems have your support contacts ready
- Social pressure: Know who in your circle respects your decision and who doesn’t
- Boredom: Unstructured time is dangerous in early recovery, Keep a schedule
- Overconfidence: “I can have just one” this thought has derailed more recoveries than anything else
Create this before you need it:
- Warning signs I’ll watch for: (increased stress, sleep problems, skipping meals, isolating)
- My first call when I feel triggered: (name and number)
- My backup call if person #1 isn’t available: (name and number)
- Safe activities I can do immediately: (walk, gym, temple, friend’s house)
- My reason for staying sober: (write it in your own words this is your anchor)
- Don’t spiral into shame. Shame fuels more drinking.
- Return to your plan immediately. One slip doesn’t erase your progress.
- Contact your counsellor or support person within 24 hours.
- Analyse what happened. What triggered it? What can you do differently next time?
- Adjust your plan based on what you learned.
Related Reading: Life After Rehab: Maintaining Recovery
What Professional Treatment Actually Looks Like
If self-management and outpatient support aren’t enough, residential treatment offers a structured, immersive recovery environment. Here’s what that means in practice not the brochure version, the real one.
Results That Speak
At Abhasa Rehab and Wellness, our integrated treatment approach combining evidence-based medical care with psychological therapy and holistic wellness achieves a 70-80% sustained recovery rate at 12-month follow-up. That’s significantly above the industry average of 40-60%.
What makes the difference isn’t any single intervention. It’s the combination and the intensity.
What a Typical Programme Includes
Medical Detoxification (5-7 days) Medically supervised withdrawal with 24/7 monitoring by qualified doctors. Medications to manage symptoms, prevent complications, and ensure safety. This is the foundation everything else builds on. For details, see our Detoxification services.
Individual Therapy (2-3 sessions per week) One-on-one sessions with clinical psychologists using CBT, MI, and trauma-informed approaches. Personalised to your specific triggers, patterns, and co-occurring conditions.
Group Therapy (daily) Peer support in a structured therapeutic setting. You’ll learn from others’ experiences and discover you’re not alone in what you’re going through.
Family Therapy (weekly) Sessions that help your family understand addiction, heal from its impact, and learn how to support your recovery without enabling. Our family support programme extends beyond your stay.
Holistic Wellness Yoga, meditation, art therapy, nature walks, nutritional rehabilitation, and pet therapy. These aren’t extras they’re integrated into the clinical programme because evidence supports their effectiveness.[12][18]
Aftercare Planning Before you leave, you’ll have a detailed plan: outpatient therapy schedule, support group connections, relapse prevention strategies, and follow-up appointments.
The Environment Matters
Recovery happens better in environments designed for healing. Green spaces, clean air, distance from triggers, nutritious food, comfortable accommodation these aren’t luxury additions. They’re therapeutic necessities.
Abhasa’s campuses in Coimbatore (including India’s first women-exclusive residential facility) and Karjat (near Mumbai) are specifically designed to create the calm, supportive atmosphere that healing requires. With a 2:1 therapist-to-client ratio, you’re not a number. You’re a person being treated by people who remember your name.
Want to Know More? Explore our treatment approach or read about our schools of therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Stop Drinking Alcohol
The timeline depends on your level of dependence. Physical withdrawal typically resolves within 5-7 days with medical support. But psychological recovery rewiring habits, managing triggers, building a new routine takes longer.
Most addiction specialists recommend a minimum of 90 days of focused recovery.[4] The first 30 days are the hardest. After 90 days, new neural pathways begin to solidify. After a year, many people report that the urge to drink has significantly diminished.
Some people with mild alcohol problems can successfully reduce or stop drinking using self-management strategies, support groups, and outpatient counselling.
However, if you have physical dependence (withdrawal symptoms when you stop), co-occurring mental health conditions, or have tried to quit unsuccessfully before, professional support significantly improves your chances. The key question isn’t whether you can do it alone it’s whether you should.
The safest way depends on your level of dependence. For mild drinkers, gradual reduction over 2-4 weeks is generally safe. For moderate-to-heavy drinkers, medical supervision during the initial detox period is strongly recommended.
SAMHSA guidelines advise medically supervised detoxification for anyone with significant alcohol dependence.[8] Never stop drinking suddenly if you’ve been consuming large amounts daily the withdrawal can be life-threatening.
Start by identifying why you drink daily. Is it stress? Boredom? Habit? Social pressure? Physical dependence? Once you understand the driver, you can target it specifically.
Replace evening drinking with a new routine exercise, cooking, a hobby. Set specific alcohol-free days and gradually increase them. If you experience withdrawal symptoms when you skip a day, consult a doctor before reducing further.
Three FDA-approved medications help with alcohol cessation: Naltrexone (reduces cravings and blocks alcohol’s pleasurable effects), Acamprosate (reduces cravings by restoring GABA-glutamate balance and easing anxiety/insomnia during recovery), and Disulfiram (creates unpleasant reactions if you drink, acting as a deterrent).[8][14] These are prescription medications that should be taken under medical supervision and work best combined with therapy.
Start with empathy, not confrontation. Express concern using “I” statements (“I’m worried about you” rather than “You drink too much”). Offer to help them find professional support. Don’t enable drinking by making excuses or covering up consequences.
Consider family therapy to learn effective communication strategies. Our family support resources can guide you. And remember you can’t force someone to stop. But you can create conditions that make it easier for them to choose recovery.
- Within 24-72 hours: Sleep may worsen initially, but withdrawal symptoms begin to peak and then subside.
- Within 1-2 weeks: Sleep quality improves, skin begins to clear, digestive system starts healing.
- Within 1-3 months: Liver enzymes begin normalising, blood pressure drops, mental clarity improves significantly.
- Within 6-12 months: Risk of liver disease decreases, immune function improves, brain volume begins to recover.
- The human body has a remarkable healing capacity once alcohol is removed.
For some people, particularly those with mild alcohol problems and no physical dependence, controlled drinking is possible. The WHO supports harm reduction approaches, including moderation for certain populations.[7]
However, for people with diagnosed Alcohol Use Disorder, particularly moderate-to-severe cases, complete abstinence is the recommended goal. Research consistently shows that people with AUD who attempt moderation have higher relapse rates than those who pursue abstinence.[4]
Your treatment team can help you determine which approach is appropriate for your situation.
Treatment costs vary significantly based on the type and duration of care. Outpatient counselling may cost Rs 1,000-3,000 per session. Residential treatment programmes range from Rs 1-5 lakhs per month depending on the facility.
At Abhasa, we work with families to find options that fit their situation. For a detailed discussion of costs and payment options, contact our team at +91 73736 44444 for a confidential conversation.
Professional treatment addresses all dimensions of addiction simultaneously: medical (detox, medication), psychological (therapy, coping skills), social (family therapy, peer support), and environmental (structured healing space away from triggers).
A comprehensive review found that integrated treatment combining medication with behavioural therapy produces superior outcomes compared to any single approach alone.
Additionally, having accountability, structure, and expert guidance during the most vulnerable early days of recovery significantly reduces the risk of dangerous complications and relapse.
Your Next Step
You’ve read this far. That tells us something about you you’re serious about change.
Here’s what we know after treating thousands of families: recovery doesn’t require you to have everything figured out. It doesn’t require perfect motivation. It doesn’t even require certainty.
It requires one small step.
That step might be calling someone you trust tonight. It might be pouring the remaining alcohol down the drain. It might be booking a confidential assessment. It might simply be bookmarking this page and coming back tomorrow.
Whatever your next step is you don’t have to take it alone. Communities of people who understand exactly what you’re going through are waiting. Professionals who’ve dedicated their careers to this are ready. Family members who love you are hoping.
Recovery is happening every day for people who once believed it was impossible. Not because they were stronger or braver. Because they reached out.
Talk to Abhasa’s clinical team confidentially.
Call +91-73736-44444 or Email info@abhasa.in. Our compassionate team understands what you’re going through.
References
[1] Ambekar A, Agrawal A, Rao R, et al. Magnitude of Substance Use in India. National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC), AIIMS and NIMHANS. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India; 2019. https://socialjustice.gov.in/writereaddata/UploadFile/Survey%20Report.pdf
[2] Gururaj G, Varghese M, Benegal V, et al. National Mental Health Survey of India, 2015-16: Summary. NIMHANS Publication No. 128. Bengaluru: NIMHANS; 2016. https://indianmhs.nimhans.ac.in/phase1/Docs/Summary.pdf
[3] Koob GF, Volkow ND. Neurobiology of addiction: a neurocircuitry analysis. Lancet Psychiatry. 2016;3(8):760-773. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(16)00104-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(16)00104-8
[4] National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder. NIH Publication. https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-alcohol-use-disorder
[5] Jesse S, Bråthen G, Ferrara M, et al. Alcohol withdrawal syndrome: mechanisms, manifestations, and management. Acta Neurologica Scandinavica. 2017;135(1):4-16. https://doi.org/10.1111/ane.12671
[6] American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed. Arlington, VA: APA; 2013. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596
[7] World Health Organization. Global Status Report on Alcohol and Health 2018. Geneva: WHO; 2018. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241565639
[8] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Medication for the Treatment of Alcohol Use Disorder: A Brief Guide. SMA15-4907. Rockville, MD: SAMHSA; 2015. https://library.samhsa.gov/product/medication-treatment-alcohol-use-disorder-brief-guide/sma15-4907
[9] Locke EA, Latham GP. Building a practically useful theory of goal setting and task motivation: A 35-year odyssey. American Psychologist. 2002;57(9):705-717. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.57.9.705
[10] Thaler RH, Sunstein CR. Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press; 2008. https://yalebooks.yale.edu/book/9780300122237/nudge/
[11] Hallgren M, Vancampfort D, de Herdt A, et al. Design of the TOPFIT trial: a randomised controlled trial of exercise for alcohol use disorders. BMC Psychiatry. 2014;14:297. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-014-0297-6
[12] Witkiewitz K, Bowen S, Harrop EN, et al. Mindfulness-based treatment to prevent addictive behavior relapse: theoretical models and hypothesized mechanisms of change. Substance Use & Misuse. 2014;49(5):513-524. https://doi.org/10.3109/10826084.2014.891845
[13] Rahman A, Paul M. Delirium Tremens. StatPearls Publishing; 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482134/
[14] Jonas DE, Amick HR, Feltner C, et al. Pharmacotherapy for adults with alcohol use disorders in outpatient settings: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA. 2014;311(18):1889-1900. doi:10.1001/jama.2014.3628. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2014.3628
[15] Magill M, Ray LA. Cognitive-behavioral treatment with adult alcohol and illicit drug users: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs. 2009;70(4):516-527. PMC6856400. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6856400/
[16] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Using Motivational Interviewing in Substance Use Disorder Treatment. Advisory 35. PEP20-02-02-014. Rockville, MD: SAMHSA; 2019. https://library.samhsa.gov/product/advisory-using-motivational-interviewing-substance-use-disorder-treatment-based-tip-35
[17] Esteban M, et al. Effects of family therapy for substance abuse: A systematic review of recent research. Family Process. 2023. https://doi.org/10.1111/famp.12841
[18] Khanna S, Greeson JM. A narrative review of yoga and mindfulness as complementary therapies for addiction. Complementary Therapies in Medicine. 2013;21(3):244-252. PMC3646290. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3646290/
[19] Witkiewitz K, et al. State-of-the-art behavioral and pharmacological treatments for alcohol use disorder. American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse. 2019;45(2):124-140. PMC6430676. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6430676/
Based on evidence from NIAAA, SAMHSA, and peer-reviewed research.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals for medical concerns. Individual outcomes vary based on multiple factors, including treatment adherence and co-occurring conditions. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 112 or visit your nearest emergency room immediately.
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger:
Emergency Helplines:
- Vandrevala Foundation: 1860-2662-345 (24/7 Mental Health Crisis)
- iCall: 9152987821 (Mon-Sat, 8 am-10 pm)
- NIMHANS Helpline: 080-46110007 (Psychiatric Emergency)
- National Mental Health Helpline (India): 1800-599-0019 (Toll-free)
Abhasa 24/7 Helpline: +91-73736-44444
Emergency: If experiencing a medical emergency, call 112 or visit your nearest emergency room.