7 ways to heal after a life of excessive drinking

Recovering from a lifetime of alcohol abuse is tough, but not impossible. With these tips, you could get the help you and your body need.

• Soon after you cut back or quit, your digestion will improve. Your stomach won't have to cope with the irritation and excess stomach acids triggered by the alcohol.
• You'll sleep more soundly. Your blood sugar will be lower and steadier. Your blood pressure may fall toward a healthier range.
• Even your brain will bounce back if you cut back or stop drinking.
• In one study, researchers found that alcoholics who stayed sober for nearly seven years performed as well as non-alcoholics on brain function tests.
• Even if you have liver damage, cutting back on alcohol and eating a healthier diet could help your liver regenerate to some degree.
• You'll have a healthier liver and cardiovascular system after you quit.
• Since you're limiting your alcohol intake, you will have a far-reduced risk of automobile accidents.
• You'll also feel more energetic and probably have better relationships with your family and friends. Especially if drinking has caused problems in the past.

• If you can't stick with a healthy drink limit, if you drink secretly or if you need more alcohol to get the same "drunken" effect, it's time to get help.
• Talk with your doctor and contact a support group, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, for the support you'll need to make a healthy change.

Drinkers should talk with their doctors about whether they need more frequent screenings for cancers of the mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, breast and colon. It's also a good idea to get regular bone density screens.

Your doctor should discuss a high-calorie diet to help your liver regenerate. You may also need medications for related health problems including high blood pressure, bleeding blood vessels, fluid retention and itching.

• For a teenager, feeling drunk might seem novel and cool. As a mature adult, there's no sound reason ever to get drunk.
• If you discover that you're drinking for the effects of the alcohol — be they to escape a bad day or give you courage in new situations — stop immediately.
• Work hard to find a healthier coping mechanism.

You're more likely to slowly sip a beer or a nice glass of wine if you're enjoying it along with a good meal. At parties or before you eat, stick with iced tea, water or sparkling water.

Stick within healthy limits. That's two or less alcoholic drinks per day for men, one for women. Health dangers begin to rise for people who drink more than that.

When you decide to quit drinking, there's a good chance your body can start to recover. Following this advice and learning your new limits is key to helping your health improve.