According to provisional figures released by the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) The United States saw a 26% spike in alcohol-induced deaths in 2020.

The coronavirus pandemic is likely to blame with lockdown conditions leading many heavier drinkers into greater levels of drinking at home. This is often due to isolation and feelings of hopelessness. Excessive alcohol use is responsible for more than 95,000 deaths in the United States each year. These preventable losses of life can also be attributed to an average 29-year shortened lifespan. The economic impact is estimated to cost just under Two Hundred Fifty Billion dollars ($250,000,000,000).

Alcohol kills more than half of its users through various types of cancer and liver disease. The damage done by alcohol is not limited to long-term health issues. It also has short-term effects that can lead many people to die young. Some of the short-term health effects include suicide, motor vehicle crashes, or overdose (in addition to alcohol).

What can I do to stop drinking?

For those seeking to stop or moderate drinking in New Hampshire, it’s recommended that men drink 2 or fewer drinks per day and women drink one drink, or less, per day. If you find it difficult to stop, especially over longer periods of time, it may be time for treatment. For many of us, the most difficult part of getting help is asking for it.

The NIH (National Institutes of Health) reports that former abusers who abstain from alcohol for several months to a year may experience partial correction of some structural changes. The effects typically peak and are maintained after 5-7 years, although the most salient occur within the first 12 months when one quits drinking entirely. The simplest way to maintain these healthy changes for persons with alcohol use disorder is to never return to alcohol consumption, but this is not always easy.

The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) suggests that the following steps can be helpful:

Put it in writing – There are many benefits to cutting back on your drinking and you can list them for motivation. For starters— feeling healthier and sleep better. Improved relationships with friends and family members and better job performance.
Set a drinking goal — Goals are a good thing. To avoid the negative impacts of alcohol on your health, it’s important that you don’t exceed one or two standard drinks per day.
Keep a diary of your drinking — A great way to get healthier and stay that way! After four weeks of monitoring your drinking habits, you should take note of changes. You can also compare this information with the goals you set. Is it working?
Don’t keep alcohol in your house — Not drinking alcohol at home can help you limit your intake.
Drink Slowly – Don’t drink if you haven’t eaten. If you’re looking to cut down on the amount of alcohol in your system, drink some water or juice after consuming an alcoholic beverage.

Pick alcohol-free days – Decide not to drink a few days per week. A great way to drink less is to take a break from alcohol. Imagine the physical and emotional benefits of taking a few weeks or months off from alcohol.
Are you subject to peer pressure? Think of some ways to say no when asked by others. A simple “No thank you” works wonders. People who encourage you to drink should be avoided.
Stay busy – Replacement activities that are positive are a great way to fill the time previously devoted to drinking. Picking up an instrument, golfing, going for outdoor hikes or to the gym, painting can all be relaxing and positive outlets.
Ask for help — Cutting back on your drinking can be difficult. Tell friends and family members that you need their support to make the transition easier for you. If you feel like you need more consider talking with a medical professional or counselor who might have insight into how to stop.
Watch out for temptation – People and places that make you want to drink should be avoided whenever possible. Learn to manage your feelings so that drinking doesn’t become an easy way of coping. If certain events make you want or need alcohol, develop a plan in advance for dealing with them. Taking your own car to a work or family party can be very helpful. If you feel uncomfortable you can simply leave.
Persistence pays off – It usually takes several or more attempts to cut down or stop drinking entirely. Setbacks are normal but don’t lose sight of your goals!

If you feel like you need more to stop drinking or using substances, we can help!

Please reach out to Sobriety Centers of New Hampshire today at 603-808-0185

Recovery from Alcohol Addiction in New Hampshire is Possible

Many of us didn’t know where to begin but luckily help is only a phone call away. Medical detox is often necessary to minimize the risk of seizure or other negative side effects associated with stopping alcohol use. If you are in Connecticut, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island, or Vermont, Sobriety Centers of New Hampshire can assist you with alcohol detox and inpatient alcohol rehab. Our inpatient facility is conveniently located close to the Massachusetts, Maine, and Vermont borders.

The opposite of addiction is connection and the past few years have been incredibly difficult for many of us. Whether you’re new to recovery or are trying to find your way back, don’t lose hope. There is a way out and recovery is possible! You’ve got this and we’ve got you.

Please call Sobriety Centers of New Hampshire today. 603-808-0185

It is important that Detox from many drugs and alcohol be conducted in a medical detox facility.

However, there is good news for those looking for alcohol and drug detox in New Hampshire

Sobriety Centers of New Hampshire Detox Center

Medical Detox Center New Hampshire

Connect with Sobriety Centers of New Hampshire

Sobriety Centers of New Hampshire can help you through the early stages of detox, inpatient alcohol rehab, and beyond. Our full continuum of care is unlike any other program in Granite State. When you detox in our center in NH you’ll be surrounded by caring and qualified professionals who have a vested interest in seeing you or your loved one get well and find lasting and sustained recovery.

The first step is the physical separation from alcohol. It should always be conducted with the help of experienced professionals in a medical detox center.

For information on our detox center or for information on detox in NH Please reach out to someone from our team today at 603-808-0185.