[vc_row][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”HOW TO STOP DRINKING..” font_container=”tag:h1|text_align:left” use_theme_fonts=”yes”][vc_column_text]
HOW DO YOU STOP DRINKING?
If you are worried about your behaviour when drinking, or the consequences of your drinking appears to be having on your family, friends and your own physical health, it may be time to consult a healthcare professional.
Several national help lines and support organizations are also available to help address your drinking related problems. Many of these organizations or associations can put you in contact with trained professionals. There are also alcohol support groups and fellowships ready and willing to welcome you and support you on your journey. It is proven that joining a sobriety group does increase the chances of maintaining long term sobriety.
Be aware of the fact that if you have been drinking alcohol for a long period of time, stopping suddenly may be difficult. This is why getting help from like-minded people in support groups and/or professionals is certainly suggested.
TALK ABOUT YOUR PROBLEM
In order to surround yourself with support and love, it is often advisable to let the people closest to you know that you have made a decision to stop drinking. Explain the situation to them in detail. Telling friends and family can be a huge relief. Sharing your situation can also help others to face similar issues by giving them permission to speak freely about their drinking. Most importantly, sharing your problem with others will give you a sense of freedom, provide you with much needed emotional support and will let others know not to enable your addiction.
AVOID TEMPTATIONS AND TRIGGERS
Triggers can be people, places or situations that bring up feelings or cravings associated with drinking.
Especially in your early days of sobriety, it is often a good idea to avoid places where alcohol is served. For example, there are plenty of restaurants that don’t serve alcohol.
Be aware that sometimes the people around you are big triggers. Look closely at the relationships in your life. Are they healthy or unhealthy influences? Will they be supportive of your decision to stop drinking? The people in our lives with either take us a step closer or a step further away from picking up a drink.
Certain times of the day, week or month may also prove to be triggers. The evening hours, a Friday or Saturday night or payday may be tough. Do your best to plan healthy and fun activities at these times in order to avoid the urge to drink.
Overall, be mindful of staying away from situations where the temptation to drink might arise. Staying out of these “slippery places” is a very important, especially during the early stages of sobriety.
LEARN TO ENJOY LIFE AND HAVE FUN
There are many reasons to giving up drinking. Whatever your reason may be, it is important to focus on how to enjoy sobriety. Celebrate the fact that you can sleep soundly and wake up without a hangover. Go for leisurely walks. Take up old hobbies that once brought you joy and rekindle those things you once had a passion for. Look for new friends who will support and encourage you through the recovery process; be persistent, you will find them. Enjoy physical exercise – exercising regularly helps a great deal; you may not like it at first, but chances are you will discover that it invigorates you and gives you a sense of peace and calm.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][/vc_column][/vc_row]
