What Makes Alcohol So Hard To Quit?
Alcohol is hard to quit mainly because heavy drinking can change the brain in lasting ways, which fuels cravings and raises the chance of relapse. Stopping suddenly after long heavy use can also cause withdrawal, which NIAAA calls potentially life-threatening. Effective treatments exist, so talk to a doctor.
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We use your email only for this download.Brain changes and cravings
NIAAA says lasting changes in the brain caused by alcohol misuse keep alcohol use disorder (AUD) going and make a person vulnerable to relapse. One of its screening questions asks whether you have wanted a drink so badly you could not think of anything else.
Withdrawal
When someone who has been drinking heavily stops, withdrawal can follow. NIAAA describes it as a potentially life-threatening process, and people with severe AUD may need medical help to stop safely. MedlinePlus lists seizures and delirium tremens among the serious forms. Do not stop suddenly on your own after heavy, long-term drinking; ask a doctor first.
Other signs it has become hard to stop
- Drinking more or longer than you meant to
- Trying more than once to cut down or stop, but not managing it
- Continuing to drink despite trouble with family, friends, health or mood
A doctor diagnoses AUD when two or more of 11 symptoms are present. Two to three is mild, four to five is moderate, and six or more is severe.
What helps
NIAAA lists three FDA-approved medications (naltrexone, acamprosate and disulfiram), behavioral treatments such as counseling, and mutual-support groups. It says many people with AUD do recover, but setbacks are common during treatment. Use our standard drink calculator to see how much you drink.
People also ask
Why is it so hard to stop drinking?
NIAAA says lasting brain changes from alcohol misuse sustain alcohol use disorder and make relapse more likely, and cravings can be intense.
Is it dangerous to quit alcohol suddenly?
It can be. NIAAA calls alcohol withdrawal potentially life-threatening, so people who drink heavily should get medical advice before stopping.
What treatments help people quit drinking?
NIAAA lists naltrexone, acamprosate and disulfiram, behavioral counseling and mutual-support groups. A doctor can help choose.
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