Defeat Alcohol Addiction: Tips for Maintaining Sobriety
Even alcoholics know what they are doing to their body by drinking excessively, yet many do not quit. The possibility of liver disease, kidney disease, and even cancer should make an alcoholic want to stop boozing. Yet so many never even try to cut back. What is the reason for this? Because most alcoholics realize what they will have to endure to give up drinking for good, so they choose not to try. But, you can defeat alcohol addiction with the right treatment, support, and determination.
Where to Begin: Be Honest About Your Alcoholism
Being afraid of quitting and being honest with yourself is actually a sign of strength, not weakness. It is the crucial first step in the process and proves that you can achieve sobriety. To continue to the next step, you must find a good support system. Be honest with your family and friends even if you don’t want them to know. If you have a family that supports you, it will be liberating not only for you but for them also. Honesty goes a long way, and if you stay honest with yourself and your family odds are you will persevere. Honesty prevents you from the awkwardness and can be the difference between succeeding and failing.
What About Tempting Scenarios?
Maintaining confidence and will power during this time is key to success. Anything that could compromise you should be avoided at all costs. Make sure to stay far away from any place that you bought alcohol in the past. If these places are on your normal route, then try to find an alternative way to go. If alcohol is a part of a specific routine in your day then try to occupy yourself during that time with family and friends. Keep yourself busy to keep your mind engaged and try to develop a new structured schedule. A chaotic life can make recovery more difficult than it has to be.
Start Exercising
If you were a heavy drinker for a long time, there is a significant chance you are not in shape. To defeat alcohol addiction, don’t fear that it will be hard at first. But, getting the proper exercise can reduce stress, which can be a trigger for you. Physical activity also helps with boredom and keeping your mind active.
Take Up a New Hobby
Find something you’ve always wanted to do, but never had the time or energy. Preferably, choose something you can’t do while drinking for added motivation in your new regime. The urge to keep up the hobby can go a long way toward keeping you off the drink.
Improve Your Diet
Alcohol can cause a craving for greasy fried foods. So chances are you are probably not maintaining the healthiest diet. It has been proven that an improved diet greatly enhances the chances of full recovery. Add in the exercise and you will end up being the healthiest you have been in a while.
Make sure to do everything in your power to remain focused and determined throughout the journey to sobriety. Dedication is crucial.
Withdrawal Safely
Drinking heavily can cause your body to become physically dependent on alcohol. When you suddenly stop drinking you will be facing some pretty rough withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can make you wonder why you want to try to defeat alcohol addiction. But, remember, they are only temporary in most cases.
- Shaking
- Severe headaches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Restlessness
- Anxiety
- Elevated blood pressure
These symptoms usually start within several hours if you stop suddenly and normally peak around a day or two. The symptoms will improve over the first week if you stay committed. But, it is important to know that in some cases withdrawing this way can be life-threatening.
If you have been a long-term heavy drinker in bad shape you may need to be medically supervised during detox. This can be done as an outpatient or in an actual treatment facility. This way you can be prescribed the proper medicine for the withdrawal symptoms.
Defeat Alcohol Addiction and Begin to Live Again
Detoxing from alcohol is just the beginning of the rehabilitation process. To remain sober, you will have to build new foundations and find new meaning in life. As stated above, it is extremely important to create a proper support network by surrounding yourself with positive people.
Take care of yourself by changing your diet and getting the proper amount of sleep. Find new hobbies or possibly a new job that gives you a sense of direction and fulfillment. Plan for cravings and always stay away from the places and things that will trigger you. And always find a good support group after rehabilitation. Staying involved is the number one way to defeat alcohol addiction for good.If you or a loved one is suffering from alcoholism, contact us today.
Our counselors and support group can get you started on your journey right away.
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