En Español (Spanish Version)

by Scholten A

Lifestyle Changes to Manage Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

In order to manage your disease you will have to make some permanent changes in your lifestyle. The following strategies can help you stay away from alcohol and reduce your risk of relapse:
  • Socialize without alcohol.
  • Avoid going to bars.
  • Do not keep alcohol in your home.
  • Avoid situations and people that encourage drinking.
  • Make new, nondrinking friends.
  • Do fun things that do not involve alcohol.
  • Avoid reaching for a drink when stressed or upset.
  • Continue attending support groups , such as Alcoholics Anonymous.
  • Identify your potential relapse triggers and develop coping strategies for difficult situations.
  • If you have a relapse, don’t get discouraged—get help.
  • Learn stress reduction techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga , regular exercise , rest, and relaxation.
  • Eat a healthful diet .

References

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism website. Available at: http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/ .

Marlatt GA, Donovan DM, eds. Relapse Prevention. 2nd ed. New York, NY: The Guilford Press; 2005.

Revision Information

Health Library Search

Only show results from the selected categories.
1 Delirium Tremens condition

Delirium tremens (DTs) is a severe disturbance of the brain caused by alcohol withdrawal....

2 Drug Withdrawal condition

Drug withdrawal is a reaction the body can have if a person suddenly stops using drugs or alcohol. This can occur if the person has been using drugs or alcohol regularly....

3 Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism condition

Alcohol abuse is problem drinking that negatively impacts your life. For example, you may experience one or more of these issues due to alcohol abuse: Alcoholism or alco...

4 Diagnosis of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism condition indepth
6 Medications for Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse condition indepth
7 Reducing Your Risk of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism condition indepth
8 Risk Factors for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism condition indepth
9 Screening for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism condition indepth
10 Symptoms of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism condition indepth
11 Talking to Your Doctor About Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism condition indepth
12 Treatments for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism condition indepth
13 Conditions InDepth: Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism condition indepth
14 Resource Guide for Alcoholism condition indepth
15 Korsakoff's Syndrome condition

Korsakoff's syndrome is a group of symptoms that affect memory. It is caused by a lack of vitamin B1 , also known as thiamine. It mainly affects short-term memory. A rela...

16 Insomnia condition

Insomnia is a sleep disorder. It may cause a number of sleep problems including trouble falling asleep, waking in the middle of the night or waking very early in the morn...

17 Diagnosis of Insomnia condition indepth
18 Conditions InDepth: Insomnia condition indepth
19 Lifestyle Changes to Manage Insomnia condition indepth
20 Medications for Insomnia condition indepth