How to Help a Vet Stop Drinking
Helping Veterans Give Up Alcohol
7 Steps to Help Veterans Give Up Alcohol
Whether you’re taking your first steps toward quitting alcohol or seeking to reinforce your commitment to sobriety, these tips for maintaining sobriety offer a roadmap to a healthier, alcohol-free lifestyle.
Step 01
Assess Your Relationship with Alcohol
Before you give up drinking, it’s crucial to take an honest inventory of your relationship with alcohol, especially if binge drinking has been a part of your experience. Reflect on how alcohol is (or was) integrated into your military journey, including social events, stress relief, and coping mechanisms. Ask yourself why you want to quit and what motivates you to make this change. Write this information down in a journal and refer to it whenever necessary.
Step 02
Establish a Plan to Quit Alcohol
Once you’ve assessed your relationship with alcohol, it’s time to create a personalized plan for quitting that acknowledges the unique challenges faced by veterans and active-duty personnel. Set clear, achievable goals and establish a definitive timeline for reaching them. Consider strategies for dealing with cravings, coping with stress, and managing social situations without alcohol. A comprehensive plan will help you remain committed to your sobriety journey.
Step 03
Identify and Navigate Your Triggers
Recognizing triggers that lead to drinking alcohol is essential for successful sobriety. Whether it’s unit gatherings, deployments, or memories of combat, be mindful of what makes you crave alcohol and take proactive steps to deal with these situations. Avoiding triggering situations and developing healthier coping mechanisms will help you stay on track toward your goal of giving up alcohol.
Step 04
Create a Strong Support Network
Building a support system of friends, family, fellow veterans, and military members enhances your chances of being successful. Surround yourself with people who understand the unique struggles of military life and can offer empathy, encouragement, and guidance. Lean on your support network during challenging times and celebrate milestones together.
Step 05
Replace Drinking with Positive Habits
Quitting alcohol is not just about giving up a substance—it’s also about replacing negative habits with positive ones. Whether it’s physical fitness, camaraderie through sports, volunteering, or pursuing educational opportunities, engage in activities that enrich your life and support sobriety.
Step 06
Monitor Your Mental Health
Did you know that veterans who have a substance abuse disorder are three to four times more likely to be diagnosed with depression? Therefore, watching for changes in your mood, emotions, or mental well-being is essential. If you notice any troubling symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek professional help for your mental health.
Step 07
Replace Drinking with Positive Habits
Remember that slip-ups may occur during the recovery process. If you experience a relapse, draw upon your resilience as a veteran, return to your plan immediately, recommit to your goals, and learn from the experience. Every setback is an opportunity to grow and reaffirm your commitment to sobriety.
Watch for Signs of Detox and Withdrawal
While quitting alcohol is a crucial step toward recovery, your body and mind may react adversely if you stop drinking “cold turkey.”
As a veteran or active-duty military member, it is crucial to be aware of withdrawal signs and seek professional help to ensure your safety throughout this phase. Some common detox symptoms include:
- Alcohol cravings: Strong urges to drink alcohol, often accompanied by physical symptoms like sweating or shaking.
- Nausea and vomiting: Digestive disturbances—including nausea, stomach discomfort, and vomiting—as the body attempts to expel toxins.
- Headaches: Persistent headaches or migraines, exacerbated by dehydration.
- Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep.
- Irritability and mood swings: Heightened emotional sensitivity, leading to mood swings and agitation.
- Anxiety and depression: Intense feelings of anxiety or hopelessness.
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure: Changes in cardiovascular function, like elevated heart rate and blood pressure, as the body adjusts to the absence of alcohol.
- Tremors and seizures: In severe cases, alcohol detox can lead to tremors or seizures, requiring immediate medical attention.
Detox symptoms vary in severity and often depend on factors like the intensity and duration of alcohol use, overall health, and metabolism differences.
If you feel you’re experiencing alcohol withdrawal, please seek help from a qualified professional or addiction specialist. Longbranch Recovery & Wellness offers specialized support tailored to veterans and active-duty personnel, including supervised detox programs and comprehensive treatment options to ensure a safe and successful recovery journey.
What is Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) in Veterans?
Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a chronic medical condition characterized by the inability to control alcohol consumption despite adverse consequences. It manifests in various forms and carries significant physical, mental, and social implications if left untreated.
Chronic alcohol abuse often leads to liver disease, cardiovascular problems, mental health disorders, and impaired cognitive function, among other health issues. AUD can also strain relationships, impact employment, and diminish overall quality of life.
Unfortunately, AUD can be exacerbated by the unique stressors of military life. Did you know that around 900,000 veterans abuse alcohol? Additionally, among veterans seeking treatment, alcohol is the primary substance that is abused (65%)—a rate nearly double that of civilians.
One tool veterans and military members can use to screen for AUD is The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT). This form consists of ten questions designed to assess alcohol consumption patterns, behaviors, and potential problems related to alcohol use. The AUDIT can be a helpful starting point for people who are unsure whether their drinking habits point toward AUD.
Quick Note: While the above tips can be valuable tools in the journey toward sobriety, they may not be sufficient for those struggling with AUD.
How Veterans Can Get Help for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD)
If you or a fellow service member is grappling with alcohol addiction, know that support is readily available. Longbranch Recovery & Wellness offers comprehensive treatment programs to support your sobriety journey.
Whether you need medical detoxification, recovery-supportive housing, or an intensive outpatient program, our compassionate team is dedicated to helping you achieve lasting recovery. Take the first step toward a healthier, alcohol-free life by reaching out for support today!
Statistics source: https://veteranaddiction.org/resources/veteran-statistics/
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