Alcohol addiction is a disease of the body and mind. If you really want to stop drinking, but all your attempts have been in vain, there is a risk that you will soon join the ranks of alcoholics. And even if you try to close your eyes to reality, the problem will not go away on its own.
You should sound the alarm if alcohol has taken over your life and your health, work, and personal life are suffering. You are sick and alcoholism, like any disease, requires proper treatment. Some people were able to quit the bad habit on their own, it all depends on their desire and willpower.
How not to drink alcohol at all?
If you notice that you are increasingly kissing a glass at parties or even at home, you urgently need to take matters into your own hands. Otherwise, drinking alcoholic beverages will become a habit and you will not be able to quit.
The problem is that alcoholism develops almost imperceptibly. You drink it and enjoy it, it raises your spirits. And to feel good, drink the day after tomorrow and in a week. It would seem . . . well, what about 2-3 glasses of your favorite drink?
Over time, alcohol use comes to the fore and becomes an important part of communication. You drink with friends and girlfriends, at corporate parties and even at home, after work. If you are aware of your problem and are ready to recover, our tips will help you.
How to stop drinking alcohol completely
The following tips are very helpful, but that does not mean they are a panacea. If even after using them you understand that nothing has changed, you should seek professional help.
- Get started today.Don't put it off for later, stop drinking today. Your promises that you will stop drinking in a week or a year will remain promises. Act as quickly as possible.
- Reduce the amount of alcohol you drink.At first, it will be difficult to completely give up drinks. In the first week, reduce the volume of alcohol consumed by half, after a week - by the other half. Well, after this preparation, you can stop drinking without much suffering.
- Practice sports. . . If you regularly attend workouts, you won't have time to drink. Now you will always have something to do, in addition, in the living room you will meet interesting people who lead a healthy lifestyle.
- Change the environment.Many people drink more because the people around them do too. If you have to drink alcohol frequently at work or with friends, change your workplace and friends. Also, as practice shows, these drinking buddies have nothing to do with a real friendship and will forget about you in a week.
- Find a hobby.If for some reason playing sports isn't right for you, find other hobbies for yourself. Thanks to them, you will not sit on the four walls of the house to drink, because now you will definitely have something to do.
- Trip.Try to choose new places every weekend, after work, you do not sit at home, but take a walk in the nearest park.
- Ditch the alcohol.Are you sure you have several bottles of alcohol at home? To avoid temptation, throw them away. And in supermarkets, try to avoid alcoholic beverage sections as much as possible.
- Imagine how bad you will be in the morning.If nothing stops you, we advise you to close your eyes and imagine how you are going to have a headache and how you will feel nauseous in a few hours.
- Drink much liquid.In this case, we mean water, infusions, juices. This will reduce the need to "take" something stronger. Forget low-alcohol drinks and cocktails too.
- Gum. . . Would you like a drink? Cover your mouth with gum; this will distract you and reduce your thirst.
- Save money.Once again, when you are able to give up alcohol, put money in the piggy bank that you could spend on alcohol. For a month, you get a good amount!
- Stimulate yourself.Promise yourself that you will buy something good for yourself if you don't drink anything for a month or any other period. This can be a nice trifle or a more substantial purchase.
- Keep a journal.Write down how you feel about quitting and how much you are already abstaining.
- Chat with your loved ones.Your family and friends want the best for you and will be happy to support you in this difficult time. Try to communicate more often with loved ones who can support and reassure you.
Willpower and strong desire will help you cope with addiction. If our advice does not give the desired result, you should consult a doctor and undergo treatment. Watch your health!