I am 51 years and I want to quite smoking and drinking alcohol please assist me with step by step ways of getting out. Thanks.

Dr. Saranya DevanathanPsychiatrist47yrs exp

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Dear lybrate-user, Congratulations for deciding to quit alcohol and smoking. It has lot of health benefits in the long run. First step is to consult a addiction specialist or psychiatrist for overall assessment of your health status. Step by step, you can take motivational enhancement therapy from a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist. It is a 12 weekly therapy session. Probably you can do it over online audio consult also.  

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Dr. Saul PereiraPsychologist47yrs exp

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The combination of alcohol and smoking is deadly for your health. I am so glad that you are seeking to get rid of these habits and that will play a major role in your recovery. You must stop them both, abruptly and immediately. If you think that you will find it very difficult, then admit yourself to a hospital and go for de-addiction: which normally lasts for about two weeks. Then follow that up with addiction counseling from a professional for at least three years to completely get rid of these habits. If this is also not enough, then admit yourself into a de-addiction center and stay there for at least 6 months and after that attend counseling with a professional. There are medicines that help with the smoking and drinking just to ease the initial craving. Ultimately, it is your will power and the support that you receive from the medical fraternity and your close and dear ones. You must also learn to substitute and deal with the oral need, a rigid value system, the script issue, and of course look at all the genetic factors to plan a strategy not to get into what is called ?cross addictions? i.e. Another form of addiction that may appear alright but is in fact as bad as your primary addiction. The center or hospital and the counselor will advise and guide you on several measures and precautions you will need to take to stay with your resolve. I congratulate you on this fabulous decision that will benefit you firstly, and your entire family. You are taking action that will have major bearing on many lives. Your family members will need to go for Al-anon meetings to.  

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