Quitting

Stopping alcohol can involve withdrawal, neurological adaptation and changes to habits, triggers and daily routines.

Quitting can mean more than deciding not to use a substance. It may involve physical dependence, learned routines, relationships and ways of coping with discomfort. Needing help with those changes is not evidence of weak character.

Stopping is not equally safe in every situation. Someone who is dependent on alcohol can develop dangerous withdrawal after stopping or sharply cutting down. Regular use of some medicines, including benzodiazepines, can also make abrupt stopping unsafe. Medical advice about withdrawal belongs before a self-directed attempt, rather than after symptoms become severe.

Sudden confusion needs immediate medical help. A seizure or severe withdrawal around a change in substance use needs emergency medical help. Severe or worsening illness also needs urgent assessment. A plan for quitting should make room for assessment, support and follow-up. Stopping use is an important change, but it does not automatically settle every health problem or remove all future risks. After a break from opioids, tolerance may be reduced and returning to a previously used amount can be particularly dangerous. Suspected poisoning with slow or difficult breathing, a seizure or an inability to wake needs emergency medical help.

Full access is needed to read this Topic's articles.