Basics of AUD

Alcohol and Health

How to Stop Drinking

Medication for Alcoholism

Recovery Coaching

Alicia Schultz

Alicia Schultz

Content Writer

Alicia is a Minnesota-based freelancer who writes for Ria Health and various other brands in the health and wellness space. Beyond addiction and recovery, she also covers topics relating to general well-being, mindfulness, fitness, mental health, and more. When she’s not writing, you can find her relaxing with her three-legged cat, trying new workout routines, and spending time with her loved ones.

Articles by Alicia Schultz

Blood Alcohol Content Chart: Blood Alcohol Levels Explained

When it comes to alcohol and safety, blood alcohol content (BAC) is an important metric that helps determine a person’s.

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May 17, 2024

Why St. Patrick’s Day is a Drinking Holiday, and How to Stay Sober

As spring approaches, many of us are looking forward to the bright, green, and festive holiday known as St. Patrick’s.

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March 12, 2024

How To Keep a New Year’s Resolution To Quit Alcohol

With January rapidly approaching, it might seem like everyone has a goal to improve their life in the new year..

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January 8, 2024

Gifts for Non-Drinkers: 9 Thoughtful Ideas For the Holidays

Struggling to pick out non-alcoholic gifts for a loved one this holiday season? If so, you’re not alone. While liquor.

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December 11, 2023

How Much Weight Will I Lose if I Stop Drinking Alcohol?

Go to the Alcohol Weight-Loss Calculator Have you been trying to lose weight, but struggling to slim down? If you.

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October 4, 2023

How to Get Rid of a Beer Belly

If you’re a beer-enthusiast who’s gained a bit of belly weight over the years, you’re not alone. That extra chub.

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June 15, 2023

6 Signs You’re Too Old To Drink Like You’re 21

When you were in your early 20s, getting drunk might’ve been your weekend routine. You’d put on your slickest outfit,.

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June 8, 2023

Why Do I Always Want To Drink More When I’m Already Drunk?

If you’ve ever accidentally gotten way too drunk, you probably know that alcohol can play strange tricks on your brain..

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June 6, 2023

How Much Does Alcohol Treatment Cost?

When you’re ready to seek help for alcohol addiction, navigating the cost of treatment can be difficult. So difficult, in.

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May 23, 2023

What Is Rock Bottom, and Do You Need To Reach It To Get Help?

Rock bottom: If you or someone you know has ever struggled with addiction, chances are you’ve heard of it. It’s.

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May 2, 2023

Sober Dating: The Art of Getting Back Out There Without the Booze

If you’re in recovery, you probably know that the dating scene is challenging to navigate. As hard as it is.

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April 18, 2023

What Is Cross Addiction, and Is It a Real Thing in Recovery?

Cross addiction—also known as addiction interaction disorder or addiction transfer—is a phenomenon you might’ve heard of in recovery. In a.

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April 13, 2023

Alcohol and Your Sex Life: Does It Help or Hurt?

Booze is a go-to substance for socializing, meaning people use it for everything from casual hangouts to exciting hookups. But.

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March 28, 2023

Why Do People Drink Alcohol?

Do you ever find yourself wondering, “Why do people drink alcohol?”  Drinking is so common these days that it can.

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March 9, 2023

Why Does My Stomach Hurt After Drinking Alcohol?

Have you ever experienced stomach pain after knocking back a few drinks? You’re certainly not alone.  Drinking can take a.

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February 28, 2023

The Truth About Liquid Courage: Finding Confidence Without Alcohol

Have you ever felt like you can’t be yourself without alcohol? Or that you’re only able to beat social anxiety.

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February 21, 2023

California Sober vs. Sober Curious: Which Is Better For You?

Have you noticed a rise in “drink less” movements? More people than ever are finding ways to cut back on.

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January 12, 2023

Is TikTok Culture Influencing Us To Drink More or Less?

Social media might not be the place you expect to see a ton of alcohol-related content. But thanks to TikTok’s.

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December 13, 2022

What Does a “Damp Lifestyle” Mean, and Is It For You?

If you’ve been scrolling through social media lately, chances are you’ve stumbled upon the damp lifestyle movement. This new trend.

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November 29, 2022

11 Best Nonalcoholic Drinks To Warm You Up This Winter

The chilly winter weather is rolling around, and for many of us that means nothing sounds better than a warm, cozy drink..

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November 8, 2022

Staying Sober When Your Job Involves Alcohol: Tips From Bartenders

Restaurant and bar worker culture is notoriously booze-fueled. In fact, when it comes to the professions that drink the most,.

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November 3, 2022

7 Tips For a Fun Sober Halloween

Halloween can be tricky to navigate in recovery—especially when it seems like almost everyone uses the occasion as a reason.

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October 20, 2022

Your Morning—With and Without Alcohol in Your Life

We’ve all been there. After a few too many drinks with friends, you rise in the morning feeling hungover, achy,.

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October 13, 2022

How To Enjoy Oktoberfest—Without Overdrinking

Every year in Munich, Germany, and throughout the world, millions of people celebrate Oktoberfest. This autumn event is all about.

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September 27, 2022

How Many Drinks Is the Perfect Number?

If you’ve ever puzzled over the perfect number of drinks for a night out, you’re not alone. After all, there’s.

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September 15, 2022

Should You Drink at a Work Event? A Quick Guide To Alcohol and Networking

If you’ve ever wondered whether or not to grab a drink at a business lunch, you’re not alone. Alcohol can.

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September 8, 2022

5 Athletes Who Got Sober—and Why They Gave Up Alcohol

It might seem like pro athletes are untouched by alcohol and substance use problems. But the truth is, addiction doesn’t.

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September 6, 2022

Should You Mix CBD With Alcohol?

CBD (aka cannabidiol) is a hemp-derived molecule that’s become wildly popular for its calming, therapeutic benefits. And if you’ve already.

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August 2, 2022

Affordable Ways To Quit Drinking

If you’ve ever sought out help for alcohol addiction, you might know firsthand how cost can keep you from getting the support.

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July 28, 2022

6 Signs Alcohol Is Hurting Your Relationship

Most people know that drinking too much can harm your mental and physical health. But alcohol abuse can also hurt.

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July 14, 2022

How to Drink Less on Vacation: Tips for Cutting Back on the Booze

Vacations are a time to unwind, relax, and explore different parts of the world. But if you’re like many of.

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July 7, 2022

How To Throw a Fun Sober Party—and How To Party Sober

In nearly any party setting, you can find people using alcohol to let loose and socialize. But when you don’t.

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June 28, 2022

How Does Alcohol Affect Men and Women Differently?

Too much alcohol can take a toll on your health, regardless of your sex or gender identity. After all, it.

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June 23, 2022

How Drunk Am I? Why You May Not Know, and How To Figure It Out

Have you ever been out with an extremely drunk friend who insisted they were only tipsy or nearly sober? It.

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June 9, 2022

Resilience in Recovery: What It Means, and How To Build It

Resilience and recovery from alcohol addiction go hand in hand. Because in those moments when you feel overwhelmed or triggered,.

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May 31, 2022

I Drink Every Night: Am I an Alcoholic?

I drink every night. Am I an alcoholic?  If you have a drink (or several) with dinner every night, chances.

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May 12, 2022

5 Best Mindfulness Apps for Alcohol Recovery

Countless people rave about the benefits of mindfulness and meditation for addiction recovery (and rightfully so). But if you’ve ever.

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May 10, 2022

How To Prevent Relapse—or Bounce Back From It

Whether you’ve been sober for years or are brand new to recovery, relapse is a tricky subject. You’ve likely heard.

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May 5, 2022

How To Stop Binge Drinking: 7 Tips To Break the Habit

If you’ve ever wondered how to get binge drinking under control, you’re not alone. According to 2019 numbers, 25.8 percent.

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April 19, 2022

10 Best Sobriety Podcasts to Boost Your Recovery Journey

If you’re in the process of cutting back or quitting drinking, podcasts about sobriety can be an incredible resource. There.

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April 14, 2022

28 Positive Affirmations for Recovery from Addiction

Have you ever stopped to think about your self-talk during your recovery journey? If so, you might notice that some.

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February 17, 2022

How Much Money Will I Save If I Quit Drinking?

Have you ever wondered how much alcohol costs over the course of a lifetime? According to a recent Gallup poll,.

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February 10, 2022

15 Reasons Not to Drink Alcohol—Even If You’re Not an Alcoholic

If you’re like most people, you enjoy a glass of wine or beer with dinner from time to time. And.

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January 27, 2022

How To Deal With a Hangover At Work

Picture this: It’s the morning after a night of heavy drinking, and you look over at the clock to see.

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January 13, 2022

29 Things to Do Instead of Drink Alcohol

It can seem like alcohol plays a part in almost everything these days. Hanging out with friends, going to concerts,.

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December 30, 2021

Are Wine Subscriptions Making You Drink More?

During the pandemic, wine subscription sales skyrocketed. Many of us were stuck at home for what felt like forever, and.

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December 23, 2021

9 Best Quit Lit Books and Sobriety Memoirs to Inspire Your Recovery

Whether you drink often, are newly sober, or anywhere in between, it can be deeply inspiring to hear a story.

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December 21, 2021

Alcohol and Celiac Disease: Which Drinks Are Safe?

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder impacting an estimated two million people in the U.S. and one percent of people.

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November 30, 2021

Delta-8 THC and Alcohol: The Facts

Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products are surging in popularity lately, especially in states where marijuana is not fully legalized. And if you’ve.

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November 2, 2021

Dealing With Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) In Sobriety

As the frosty weather rolls in and daylight hours decrease, it’s common to feel a little bit sadder. For some.

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October 26, 2021

Is Your Spouse Hiding Alcohol? How to Know When Someone’s Lying About Drinking

Being able to tell if a loved one has an alcohol problem isn’t always easy, even when it’s someone you.

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October 19, 2021

9 Best Recovery Anthems: Building Your Recovery Playlist

Music is a well-loved way to celebrate, connect with others, and express yourself. No matter what you’re going through, sometimes.

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October 4, 2021

Kratom and Alcohol: Is the Combination Safe?

Kratom is gaining popularity in the western world, with many users claiming it boosts mood, increases energy levels, and alleviates.

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September 27, 2021

Why Do We Drink After a Breakup?

Drinking after a breakup is a popular coping mechanism—despite the fact that it isn’t exactly healthy. On the one hand,.

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September 20, 2021

Alcohol Abuse and the LGBTQ Community

Alcohol problems are common in the United States, with 14.5 million people reporting having an alcohol use disorder in 2019..

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September 17, 2021

How To Get Rid of Alcohol Breath

Alcohol breath can be seriously embarrassing, especially if you have somewhere to be or someone to impress. And if you’ve.

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September 9, 2021

Building a Support System in Recovery

During both addiction and recovery, you may have moments where you feel like you’re alone in the world. You might.

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August 30, 2021

Will I Still Have a Social Life Without Alcohol?

One of the many challenges of going sober is adjusting to your new social life. How can you make friends.

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August 20, 2021

How To Be the Designated Driver—and Still Have Fun

When your friend group is planning on a night out, choosing a designated driver is essential. But if you’re the.

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August 17, 2021

Can I Drink Nonalcoholic Beer in Recovery?

When it comes to drinking nonalcoholic beer in recovery, you’ve probably heard mixed opinions. Some people feel that nonalcoholic beers,.

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August 13, 2021

Why Do I Snore When I Drink?

Do you notice yourself snoring more than usual when you drink alcohol? Maybe you’ve had the unpleasant surprise of being.

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August 3, 2021

What Happens If You Drink Alcohol and Take LSD?

When you think of LSD (otherwise known as acid), you might imagine hippies, festivals, and the 1960s. But the truth.

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July 16, 2021

Can You Drink Alcohol & Take Molly/Ecstasy (MDMA)?

Whether at a festival, rave, or concert, the party scene often involves people mixing substances to have a good time..

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July 13, 2021

Excuses for Not Drinking: 8 Ways to Politely Say “No” To Alcohol

Heading to a party, concert, or another social event can be daunting when you’re skipping out on the alcohol. This.

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May 10, 2021

Alcohol & Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Is There a Connection?

When it comes to alcohol addiction and narcissism, there are some uncanny similarities that can leave loved ones confused, frustrated,.

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May 4, 2021

Does Alcohol Affect Your Athletic Performance?

Whether you’re a casual jogger or a pro athlete, the effects of alcohol on athletic performance can seem like a.

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May 3, 2021

Why Do People Drunk Text Their Exes?

Drunk texting your ex is a common phenomenon that can leave you filled with regret the next morning. And being.

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April 8, 2021

5 Best Foods to Eat in Recovery from Alcohol

So, you’ve quit drinking—and perhaps you’re already starting to feel the health benefits. But, you may also notice your body.

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March 8, 2021

The Effects of Alcohol on Your Skin

It’s common knowledge that alcohol isn’t exactly good for your skin. And if you like to hit happy hour after.

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January 29, 2021

How Does Drinking Alcohol Affect Your Workout?

If you crave a few drinks on occasion, but love your exercise routine too, you might be wondering: How does.

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January 14, 2021

8 Fun Sober Things to Do During the Pandemic

Finding sober things to do during a pandemic can be difficult—especially with all the anxiety and restlessness that can come.

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January 7, 2021

Should You Argue With a Drunk Person?

Every now and then, you might find yourself in a heated argument with someone who’s had a little too much.

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December 28, 2020

Maladaptive Behavior and Addiction: Breaking the Cycle

When dealing with unpleasant emotions or circumstances, we all sometimes struggle to face things head-on. Avoidance, anger, or other similar.

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November 19, 2020