Alcohol addiction is attributed to the severe dependence of alcohol, which an individual struggles to control. This disease has serious effects on a person’s body, mind, and personal relationships. Once people become aware of these negative consequences, they begin to recognize and later accept they have a problem with drinking alcohol—inspiring them to become sober.
You need to understand that recovering from alcohol abuse is a lifelong journey. While having the desire to quit drinking is just the first step, some actions can be more challenging to overcome. Throughout the process, you will encounter some obstacles that require some extra effort on your part to stay sober. But it is possible to create lasting positive changes. Here are some ways you can successfully overcome alcohol addiction.
Use a Physical Reminder to Remember Your Objective
A tangible item you can easily access can keep you mindful of your sobriety. Some people keep a motivational quote in a frame that they can place in their home or workspace where they will readily see it. But what about when you are not at home or at the office?
One idea is to wear a piece of jewelry or an accessory that will serve as your reminder. You can get a customized wristband with a slogan that will keep you from drinking. A wrist accessory is more practical and very effective because you simply slip it on your wrist and you’ll always have it with you. You can also select a silicone wristband so you won’t have to worry about rain or dirt ruining it. They can also be easily cleaned and personalized. You can find a manufacturer of silicone wristbands and rubber bracelets online that can produce small batches in various colors, so you have a variety to match any of your outfits.
Communicate Your Intentions
Staying alcohol-free means you need all the support you can get, including from your family and friends. Make them aware of your commitment to stay sober and allow them to offer help. You might also want to share with them your action plans, so they know how you want to be supported—like inviting you to activities that don’t involve drinking alcohol. Remember, they can be part of your support group when you need additional encouragement.
Seek Professional Help
Trying to quit drinking all by yourself can be difficult to do, but this doesn’t mean it’s the end of the line. You can look for professional support to help you with your sobriety. You can explore nearby rehab centers that offer programs that will suit your needs. Talk to a professional and ask for their recommendation. They need to factor in the type of addiction you have and your present lifestyle. Since every condition is different, you may need a unique approach to completely overcome your illness.
Stay Away from Your Drinking Buddies
This can be one of the most challenging things to deal with when it comes to your recovery, but it’s a necessary step. If some of your friends are not fully onboard with your choice to stay sober, even after you have discussed your concerns, then you need to stay away from them. The drastic decision is to cut ties with people you associate with drinking alcohol. It’s important to have a social circle that will encourage your recovery and not the opposite.
Replace Old Habits with Healthier Alternatives
To sustain sobriety, you need to support it with healthy practices. When it comes to your beverage, drinking plain water has the most benefits. However, the lack of flavor may not make it an interesting drink. You can put a twist on it by infusing plain water with lemon, lime, or orange. You can also try mixing juice or lemonade with sparkling water to provide the fizz you might be looking for. For hot beverages, add cinnamon in your hot chocolate or some spices to your tea.
On the other hand, if you have a tendency to drink at a certain time of the day, you can replace these old habits with other activities to keep your mind and body busy. You can take a walk in the park to help you relax after work or cook at home to distract you from drinking. Instead of going out to your favorite restaurant for dinner and drinks, try out a different dining spot that doesn’t serve alcohol on its menu. It can help you get a new experience without being tempted to order an alcoholic beverage.
Keep Track of the Positive Changes
One of the best ways to maintain your sobriety is finding motivations through the positive impact of your efforts. Learning to recognize the changes you are experiencing when you practice healthy habits can be encouraging. For example, you might feel that you have more energy or that you have become more productive at work after sustaining a period of sobriety. Write these observations in a journal so you can have a record of them. You can also take note of the amount of money you are able to save since you no longer spend on alcohol. Focusing on what you have gained can help inspire you to continue maintaining an alcohol-free lifestyle.
It can be challenging to accept you have a drinking problem, more so to stay sober. But committing to such a lifestyle can be rewarding, especially when you realize the long-term health benefits. So if you encounter an obstacle, don’t give up. With perseverance and a little bit of help, you can reach your goal of sustained sobriety.