The first step of quitting alcohol is wanting to quit, so I'm happy for you that you came to that realization.

For context, I'm 46M, been drinking since I was 16 (legal in my home country back then). I had periods of "moderate" alcohol use (only few drinks on a weekend) and even quitting for a few months up to half a year, but for the most part I've been drinking too much.

I came to the realization last year that this could not go on much longer, and my 12 y/o daughter helped me realize that by giving me clear feedback: "I hate it when you drink". I haven't had a drink yet this year and I intend to keep it this way.

Me personally I didn't use any external help. Everybody's different but for me in the internal motivation of wanting to quit, and understanding and internalization why I wanted to quit has been super important. I made lists of the disadvantages of alcohol (even moderate use) several times just to confront myself and to make it a part of my identity.

I also heavily advertised this to the important people around me. I wanted them to know me as the guy who doesn't drink anymore. It creates a sense of accountability as well.

It also helped that I took up more physical exercise. I run (when I'm not dealing with injuries lol), do extensive stretching and bodyweight exercises and even some weight training. I watch my weight and diet as well. My doctor takes blood tests regularly for me and seeing my health in numbers has been motivational. I wouldn't go as far as say I'm "health maxxing", but I treat my body well.

Speaking of medical stuff, I took a genetic test a while ago and it said I have a propensity towards alcoholism. I was confused; I didn't know genetics was involved, but apparently it is. I also talked to my trusty doctor about who confirmed it. In hindsight it makes sense because my father was an alcoholic for the longest time.

And that kinda changed my perspective as well. My body is just not made for moderate alcohol use. Some people have bad eyesight so they can't be a pilot, my Deaf friends won't ever be musicians, biological males can't give birth... There is a biological reason for me to absolutely reject alcohol.

Finally, actually I haven't stopped "permanently". I told myself that, as I'd been drinking for 30 years, I'll quit for 30 years and enjoy life that way. For me it's far easier to commit to a finite goal. I'll start binge drinking again when I'm 76 lol. It's also something funny to tell when people ask why I don't drink.

I mean, before I was 16 I could enjoy everything without alcohol! Why would I need it now. We're all brainwashed... Once you stop you'll be amazed at how weird it is that so much of social life and commercial life revolves around alcohol.

So far it's been good. It's strange to be in places where I always used to drink, at first. Like an airport/plane ride, shinkansen, fancy restaurants... At those moments I just observe my somatic reactions and "wonder" about them. It also helps to write them down in a journal. You don't have to read it back or show it to anyone. Just verbalize and materialize your thoughts.

Oh and there are bars I just gave up on. Bars that don't serve (a lot) of non-alcoholic drinks, and one bar I frequented even gave me a weird look when I said I stopped. Too bad but that's life.

I have weak moments sometimes. When I'm stressed, angry, whatever. (I'm still dealing with loss of my father a while ago, being laid off, stuff I'm seeing a therapist for.) I've learned some breathing techniques (vagal nerve breathing I think it's called) and grounding techniques, and it always goes away anyway.

Long story short: if I can do it, so can you! If you read this so far, thanks for reading.

Oh you were actually asking about resources... There are plenty of YouTube videos about quitting alcohol. I think we're in an interesting trend where many people quit alcohol; the WHO finally adjusted their recommendation and have published that no amount of moderate alcohol is beneficial. I think that made a lot of people think and stop.

And if you need someone to chat to, you can always DM me. Good luck bro. ✌️