Stop Drinking Alcohol – Free Yourself
Alcohol addiction is one of the most widespread and devastating diseases that claims many lives, and wrecks even more homes in its wake. What was one viewed as a mere lack of self control, is now recognized as one of the most severe of maladies, which affects millions of lives around the modern world. And yet, most people continue to shrug off spurts of uncontrollable drinking as “Just a passing phase”, or worse, “Alcoholism is something that happens to others not me”. It is this notion that many organizations and even governments are struggling to change, as it is this very mindset that precedes the downwards spiral into the murky depths of alcoholism.
One of the major factors which make alcohol abuse such a difficult disorder to diagnose and cure, is that the victim himself is often unwilling to come to terms with his addiction. He is in, what is referred to as the phase of denial. The most objective method to ascertain if you are indeed, in the throes of addiction is to count the number of drinks you consume. If you find yourself consuming more than 4 drinks a day and 17 drinks a week, you need to pay heed to your consumption patterns. Also, if you drink more as a way to escape your depression or simply because you can’t think of any other way to spend an entertaining evening, you are well on your way to becoming a victim of addiction. The best thing to do at this point would be to talk to a doctor about your drinking, as your analysis may not always be the most objective and the most unbiased one. You may defend your addiction with a number of excuses and justifications, or even think that every one else around you is blowing the matter out of proportion.
But if you find that your drinking is causing your friends and family members to be concerned about your wellbeing, take this as a much needed wake-up call. Don’t cast their warnings away as baseless fears, but set up an appointment with your physician as soon as possible. Remember, it is you who are worst affected by your addiction. From physical maladies like liver cirrhosis, to renal disorders, gastrointestinal aliments and even cardiovascular failure, there is barely a part of your body that alcohol does not attack. Drinking as a recourse from the pressures and tensions of day-to-day life is unlikely relieve you of any stress. This is because alcohol is, in itself, a depressant. Hence, the temporary high that you feel after a strong drink or two rapidly concede to feelings of severe depression, which in turn encourage you to reach out for another round of drinks.
Once you make up your mind to do away with your addiction for good, reinforce your decision by making a list of all the reasons which made you take this resolution. Now, put up this list in a place where you are sure to see it often, as a motivator to adhere to your decision. Make sure to jot down any and every reason, from your physical health to your familial bonds they all help to remind you of why it is so important for you to quit. Allow your family and your friends to be your support during this tough phase. Opening up to them and letting them share your ups and downs lets you strengthen your bonds with them while also making the transition from addiction to de-addiction much easier for you. Also, if your addiction is fuelled by deeper rooted psychological problems, rather than alcohol itself, you will find respite in the expert advice of trained counselors. You can also participate in Group Therapy Sessions and activities to interact with others who have overcome the obstacles similar to the ones you are faced with, and gain from their insights.
Set milestones for yourself in your de-addiction program. For every milestone that you accomplish, reward yourself. This could involve a simple dinner with the family, an evening out at the theater, or even gifting yourself something you’ve always coveted. When you cut down on your intake of alcohol, you’ll find that you’re also saving all the money that once funded your drinking habit. Use this money to motivate you to stay clean, until it becomes a way of life for you. You can also try alternative techniques like hypnosis, or acupuncture, or just a relaxing massage if your need to break your resolve for ‘Just a tiny drink’ becomes too overwhelming.
The first month of your de-addiction routine is undoubtedly, the most difficult. However, once you do cross this vital period, do not allow yourself to be tempted away from this program by either situations or people who may lead you astray. This may involve you cutting down on your interactions with certain acquaintances and colleagues, but what you need to remember is that many people may be in the denial phase themselves. Hence, they will not take your detoxification program as seriously as you need to take it, while may lead them to try to coax you into a drink or two. More often than not, chances are, this all the opportunity alcoholism needs to raise its ugly head.
Although the difficulties and obstacles, which crop up when you take that first step towards de-addiction, seem overwhelming at first, don’t let them weaken your resolve. As they say, perseverance pays and yours will too keep moving towards your goal relentlessly and you will discover the many beautiful facets of life which your addiction blocks out.
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