The simple and easy reply to someone who asks “How to quit drinking?” is “Just quit.” Unfortunately, it is more complex than that. People who claim to find it easy to quit are either alcoholics in denial saying that they could easily quit if they wanted to, or those who never had a problem with drinking in the first place.

Those who ask that question are most probably not responsible drinkers. Responsible drinkers find drinking a source of pleasure, and when in moderation, a source of health. If they want to stop for health or personal reasons, they simply quit.

When someone asks, “How do i quit drinking?”, it not an inquiry but a declaration of helplessness. Because drinking is a physical, emotional and social issue, quitting has to take into consideration a person’s health, fitness and wellness.

As a rule, do not come up with an answer right away. This is one of those circumstances when a question is best answered by asking other questions.

1. What are their reasons for quitting?

Always identify the motivation. A bad habit is difficult to break, how much more an addiction. The process is difficult but not impossible. However, it requires a strong motivation to sustain the decision. It is easy to stop drinking for a day, or maybe even a week. But to continue to stop drinking for the rest of their lives requires a higher purpose – a bigger motivation. Thus, at the onset, it is important that we help them articulate their reasons.

2. What do their doctors say?

Alcoholism is first and foremost a physical condition. The body and its organs are part of the whole dependency. While not all those who stop drinking go through a difficult withdrawal period, it is one of the risks for most people who have been drinking for a long period of time, or drinking frequently, or drink heavily when they do drink, and who decide to stop drinking suddenly. Withdrawal may come in many different forms including depression or vomiting. It can also be severe like hallucination, agitation, high fever, and convulsions.

Drinking is also a mental issue. So a visit to the psychiatrist might be of help especially if drinking is a coping mechanism for a personal problem. The depression or anxiety that follows might be addressed properly if the psychiatrist is involved in the process.

3. What is the plan?

As Dr. Phil McGraw says, It is not so much willpower but programming.  There ought to be a workable plan. What is the replacement habit? It means choosing a healthier activity to do once the urge is felt. What are the places to avoid? Who are the people to avoid? How will you handle temptations? What to do when there is a relapse? These are the key questions that should be addressed first before the process begins.

The question “how to quit drinking?” is the beginning of a personal process of transformation. It may be difficult, but given the right guidance and the right information, it is a very liberating process.