Are you struggling with your drinking? Do you wish to stop drinking permanently or at least cut down on the amount you drink? There are options available for you to start living a healthier life. Overcoming alcoholism may take time and effort but it’s the best way to enjoy a life you can be proud of. Below, we’ll delve into some of the ways to start overcoming alcoholism.
Thinks About the Pros and Cons of Continuing the Drink
Choosing to quit drinking can be challenging, especially if it seems there’s no reason to do so. Thinking about the benefits of drinking and weighing them against the costs is a good place to start. For instance, maybe the benefits for you are being more outgoing when drinking and feeling relaxed when you have a drink. On the other hand, quitting would save you money, help you do better at work, and prevent fights with your loved ones.
Set Goals to Overcome Alcohol Addiction
The next step is to create some realistic, specific, and clear goals. These should line up with what you want, help you believe in yourself, and make you accountable for failures. Here are a few examples:
- I’ll stop drinking except for the last Friday of the month.
- I’ll drink only on weekends moving forward.
- When I feel like drinking alcohol, I’ll have a soda or juice.
Share your goals with others as they can help hold you accountable as you get started. Avoid being around temptations as much as possible to give yourself the best chance of success.
Consider Cutting Back vs. Quitting Entirely
If you aren’t addicted to alcohol, cutting back can be a good step in the right direction. Set a limit on how often you will drink and keep track of how well you adhere to your limit. However, quitting is preferable to controlling drinking as continued drinking could lead to alcohol-related diseases.
Those who are addicted to alcohol should choose to quit entirely, rather than cutting their usage.
Seek Out Needed Support
As you recover from alcoholism, having support is needed. There are all sorts of forms that this can come in. Family members, friends, and colleagues are a good choice to provide moral support or financial assistance. Therapists and rehab workers are also useful. Self-help groups can also offer support as needed.
Final Thoughts
Are you ready to find a solution to alcohol addiction? The experienced staff at Lighthouse Recovery is here to assist you and guide you along the way. We offer a variety of treatment programs with an array of therapies, including dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). Reach out today to take your first steps toward recovery.
