If you’ve been battling alcoholism, you have probably come to realize that it’s often easier to get sober than it is to stay sober. Alcoholism is typically classed as an addiction that causes you to crave alcohol and lose control of your drinking once you start. There is hope to recover from this seemingly hopeless situation, but it does take some diligence. Millions of people around the world were once in your same position, but they have learned a better way of living that doesn’t involve alcohol.
Think the Drink Through
Before you pick up that first drink, play the tape in your head. Alcoholics typically forget the turmoil that their drinking causes, so it’s important to keep those memories in the forefront of your mind. Whether your drinking has harmed your personal relationships, business relationships or legal situation, you must remember those potential consequences before you begin drinking. Ask yourself if those consequences are worth it, and you’ll most likely realize that they aren’t.
Simplify Your Sobriety
When you tell an alcoholic that they can’t drink for the rest of their lives, it sounds like a goal that’s unobtainable. The best way to stay sober is to do it one day at a time. Don’t worry about how you’re going to stay sober next week, next month or the next day, just worry about staying sober that day. Some days are more difficult than others, but remember that your cravings will eventually pass. The longer you’re able to do this, the less power your cravings will have.
Don’t Try to Quit on Your Own
It’s common for alcoholics to want to quit “cold turkey” because they believe they can do it on their own. The reality is that the withdrawal symptoms of alcoholism can be painful, uncomfortable and potentially dangerous. Many alcoholics justify their drinking because they don’t want to go through the withdrawals as well. Seek the help of a professional detox center, so you can safely detox and clear your head to begin a life of recovery.
Others try to quit by reducing their alcohol consumption gradually. If you attempt this, be aware that even a single drink can lead to a relapse or binge when you’re trying to quit. According to a specialist who analyzes Ohio DUI tests, estimating your blood alcohol content can be difficult, so it’s best to completely abstain from alcohol consumption if you’re trying to quit.
Find a Support Group
You need to surround yourself with people who care about you. Sometimes this means you have to stop hanging around people you considered friends. If they don’t realize that your sobriety must come first, then they could threaten your new way of living. You can easily find a support group by simply attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and introducing yourself to people. The people in the rooms of AA understand how important a support group is and will be there whenever you’re having a rough day.
By acknowledging that you have a problem and that you need help, you have made a great step in the right direction. There’s no cure for alcoholism, but it can be treated when you learn how to replace your hold habits with new healthy ones. Each day your mind will begin to heal and you’ll see that you’re able to live a life far beyond what you ever expected when you were still drinking.
*Our content is not intended to provide medical advice or diagnosis of individual problems or circumstances, nor should it be implied that we are a substitute for professional medical advice. Users / readers are always advised to consult their Healthcare Professional prior to starting any new remedy, therapy or treatment. Your Wellness Group accepts no liability in the event you, a user of n-gage and a reader of this article, suffers a loss as a result of reliance upon or inappropriate application of the information.