Analysing the reasons as to why you drink can be a way of understanding your problems and gives the potential to help you stop. Very often those that have experienced heartbreak, such as a divorce or the death of a loved one. Turn to drinking alcohol in order to free themselves from the emotional pain it has caused. If this is the case one’s family is a great tool in overcoming the problem. Family can provide emotional support and encouragement to kick the habit.
It is also incredibly important to steer clear from those that would have encouraged or even assisted you with your addiction. Staying away from negative and destructive personalities has to be a conscious effort as it will minimise the probability of relapsing.
It is also important to clear your home of temptation, meaning getting rid of any alcohol or things that would encourage you to drink.
Talk About Your Problems
One of the most effective ways to help one stop drinking is confiding in someone about your problems. Generally, this means speaking to a trained counsellor or joining group therapy. Counsellors give honest and realistic advice whilst not judging and creating a relaxed and comfortable environment. Seeing a counsellor will not play down the effects of your addiction but will highlight how serious your problem is and give you tools in order to overcome it and get back to your normal life.
Voluntary Work
An alternative option would be to engage in some sports or voluntary service. This not only keeps you busy but it refreshes the mind too. Becoming involved in positive commitments will take your attention away from alcohol and the problem showing you that there is so much more to life than alcohol. Moreover the task you have been entrusted with will give you a sense of responsibility, thus meaning your self-esteem will be boosted. Lessening your need for alcohol.
These options are not an easy way out but actually require huge amounts of determination, self-belief and courage. Being able to self-help is incredibly hard and very often not possible for many addicts. However, even attempting this is showing that you have acknowledged you have a problem and attempting to self-help can only be a positive movement in the right direction.
Change Environment
Another measure which can be taken could be a change of place and scenery. With a new set up and environment you are potentially likely to think differently because new acquaintances. The new landscape can have a mind altering effect. The mind stays diverted towards other things and the urge to drink automatically reduces. However, this is not often the case, it is important to address the real root of your addiction rather than just moving to a new place where it is incredibly likely that you will once again return to your addictive habits.
Meditate – Self Help
Meditation on a regular basis can be extremely helpful. During meditation our minds focus on matters far from the daily habits that we experience. Furthermore, the breathing exercises along with the meditation are universally understood as greatly helpful with the stress that is inevitable with addiction. Meditation is a brilliant way to reflect on ones problems. Attain a method to deal with psychological problems with addiction.
For young adults and teenagers, peer pressure at times is the reason why they may start drinking. Money can be a huge hindrance for younger people when trying to drink. Therefore parents and those who are responsible for young adults and teens must be very aware of what money they are giving their loved ones and what the money is being spent on. This can very easily stop a drinking problem before it even starts.
Self Help
Self-help in regards to alcoholism is without a doubt incredibly hard but should not be shied away from. Nevertheless, due to the huge difficulties an alcoholic will face it is rarely all you need to help you stay away from alcohol for a lifetime. Its therefore suggested that you embark on professional addiction treatment as well, whether it is private therapy or a long-term rehabilitation programme.
The Haynes Clinic is a rehabilitation clinic offering detox and counselling for those with alcohol problems.
Call 01462 851414 for free and confidential advice.
