A Guide for Overcoming Alcohol Addiction

Alcoholism is a disease that affects people from all walks of life around the world, and overcoming it can be a challenging journey. Without help, the road to recovery can feel overwhelming and, at times, impossible to bear. However, by deciding to stop drinking and committing to the right steps, recovery is achievable. It’s important to remember you are not alone—there are many people ready and willing to support you in reaching your sobriety goals. While the loved ones or colleagues you’ve affected may need to see progress before fully reconnecting, taking that first step shows your commitment to change. Start by evaluating the costs and benefits of drinking and ask yourself whether it’s truly worth the toll it takes. With determination, guidance, and support, you can work toward a healthier, more fulfilling future.

Drinking Perceived Benefits;
• You have fun when drinking

• Helps you to forget problems

• You feel relaxed after a stressful day

Non Drinking Benefits;
• No adverse body effects

• Improved relationships

. Less fear of legal problems

• More time and energy for your activities

The list of non-drinking benefits will be different for each person so don’t start comparing yourself to others. Once you make the decision to stop drinking, set goals, and prepare for change. The more realistic, specific, and clear the goals are the better your recovery will be. Set a specific date to quit, and if your goal is to reduce your drinking, please reconsider, if drinking has caused you enough pain to make you take a serious look then it’s a problem however a start is a start. Deciding which days you will drink alcohol and how many drinks you will have on those days is not easy but set a limit and stick to it. Stay away from parties and the heavy drinkers that will always keep bugging you to have a few more drinks, If you are an Alcoholic then this will not work for long or at all (remember the honest thing from earlier)
After setting your quitting goals, you need to write down some ideas on how you will achieve these goals.

Examples of these include;
• Announcing your goals to family members, friends, and coworkers

• Getting rid of temptations by removing alcohol and barware from your home or office

• Avoid bad influence that promote drinking and related activities

• Being upfront about your new limits, such as not attending meetings that serve alcohol

• Learn from the past attempts on what worked and what didn’t

People that are heavy drinkers or Alcoholic should not stop drinking on their own, other support groups or twelve-step program will be needed. This is dependent on how long you have been drinking, the level of drinking, and health issues. Most people require medical supervision in health care facilities such as;

• Residential treatment. Involves living under an intensive treatment program for one to three months.

• Partial Hospitalization. It is for people who have a stable living situation but require ongoing medical monitoring.

• Intensive outpatient programs.

• Therapy both inpatient and outpatient will help with identifying the root causes of alcoholism and with help repairing relationships.
Regardless of how you choose to combat your alcohol addiction, whether it is taking a self-directed treatment approach therapy or long term rehabilitation it is easier and much safer when you have the support from members of your family, trained counselors or friends for comfort, guidance and medical support. More so, as you get sober, you will find a new meaning in your life with no space for drinking.