Last Updated:
October 13th, 2025
For more than half a million people in the UK who are alcohol dependent, quitting drinking can feel like a decision beyond their control. Alcohol’s deceptive comforts drive millions of people to think: I’ll just quit tomorrow.
But tomorrow is not promised, especially when addicted to such a dangerous substance, and quitting drinking needs proactive measures taken today.
If you feel the need for support in quitting drinking, we’ll provide you with practical steps to help you overcome it, along with lifestyle changes to aid you on the long road to complete recovery.
What are the greatest barriers to quitting alcohol?
Alcoholism has undoubtedly become a widespread problem across the country, with research showing that over half a million people in the UK are dependent drinkers.
There is a constellation of reasons why people are held back or unable to quit, even when they know it’s the right decision. The physical and psychological grips of alcoholism are only compounded by the normalcy and social acceptance of drinking. It may be woven into our family histories, social routines and in the media we digest. Avoiding alcohol’s cultural ubiquity is a challenge in itself, even after a person makes a strong, conscious decision to stop drinking.
Different challenges can present themselves when a person decides to stop drinking. They may vary widely and depend on age, living situation, finances and drinking history. Behavioural researchers and addiction specialists sometimes call these challenges “perceived barriers to change.” By examining the most common barriers, we may stand in better stead to dismantle and overcome them.
The “perceived barriers” to seeking treatment
A large-scale study of over 40,000 people by the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) asked participants what the greatest barrier was that stopped them from seeking treatment. The most commonly recurring answers were:
- “I thought I was strong enough to handle it alone” (42%)
- “I thought the problem would get better by itself” (33%)
- “I didn’t think the problem was serious enough” (21%)
- “I was too embarrassed to discuss it with anyone” (19%)
- “I couldn’t afford to pay for help” (14%)
These were some of the most frequently recurring barriers, with many more forces holding back the rest of those surveyed. These responses show that barriers to seeking treatment are not just tied to practical areas of life, but are deeply connected to social pressures, the perception of others and stigma. Understanding these barriers may be the first step in dismantling them and replacing denial with acceptance and the courage to reach out.
What are the best first steps to help me quit drinking?
It can benefit us to recognise that the first step towards quitting does not need a life-altering change or drastic upheaval. The most effective beginnings are often small, incremental changes that help both physical and mental preparation:
- Naming your relationship with alcohol: For many people, there needs to be an honest moment of placing a name on the problem, to know for sure how it fits into their life. Is it a coping tool? Do I do it to socialise? Is it a habit I do alone? By naming its role, you can better understand the areas of your life that are most affected.
- Setting clear, achievable goals: Instead of building up to a grand, everlasting change, start with small goals. This can be as simple as not drinking on certain days or committing to an alcohol-free week. By making the first goals smaller, you’re more likely to hit them and gain a sense of achievement.
- Work on removing alcohol temptations and triggers: Make your environment conducive to your goals. Clear your home of leftover bottles and pay attention to rising emotions that make you more likely to drink. Recognising triggers may make the start of the journey less daunting.
How can I manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms?
After the decision to quit has been made and the first steps have been taken, the challenge will arise for both the body and mind. Cravings and withdrawal are two of the most common hurdles in sustained sobriety, so reinforce your positive changes by:
What lifestyle changes make sobriety easier?
Small, intentional lifestyle shifts can become a bedrock of balance and structure, so you can stay on track.
Where can I get professional help to quit drinking?
If you’re finding it difficult to quit alcohol on your own, professional support may be the lifeline of safety you need.
At Linwood House, we specialise in professional detox that helps you manage withdrawal symptoms. We use evidence-based therapy to help you address and reframe the drivers of addictive behaviours, and aftercare is in place to support you on the journey to sobriety.
Reaching out may feel daunting, but you don’t have to face it alone. Contact us for that first talk and step towards a healthier future, free from alcohol’s grip.
(Click here to see works cited)
- “Alcohol Statistics UK 2025: Facts, Figures & Trends.” Priory, www.priorygroup.com/addiction-treatment/alcohol-rehab/alcohol-statistics
- “Alcohol Statistics.” Alcohol Change UK, alcoholchange.org.uk/alcohol-facts/fact-sheets/alcohol-statistics
- Hasin DS, Grant BF. The National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) Waves 1 and 2: review and summary of findings. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol. 2015 Nov;50(11):1609-40. doi: 10.1007/s00127-015-1088-0. Epub 2015 Jul 26. PMID: 26210739; PMCID: PMC4618096.