Every month in a 12-month period, over 2,300 people typed “how to stop drinking” into a Google search engine. That’s 2,300 people who haven’t been able to stop drinking without assistance, need some handy tips, or think they could possibly have a problem that requires a drug rehab facility.

Not everyone understands that alcohol is a drug and that it can be addictive. It’s entwined in Australian culture and activities and is seen as a social norm, rather than a potential problem waiting in the wings.

The truth is, alcohol – whether it be beer, spirits or wine – is damaging. One in six Australians consume enough alcohol to put them at risk of an alcohol-related injury or disease, and one in five over 14 were a victim of an incident involving alcohol in 2016.

If you’re ready to admit that enough is enough, then read on. Here are a few things you can do to stop drinking and turn your life around.

Step One: Remove Alcohol from Your Home

Removing temptation is the first step to stop drinking. Get rid of any alcohol in your house and avoid places that sell it so that you don’t put yourself in an easy purchasing situation. If you make it challenging for yourself to access alcohol, you are less likely to give in to your urge to drink.

[…]