FEW STEPS ON HOW TO QUIT DRINKING

Addictions are very dangerous when one loses control over them. Often we indulge ourselves in certain habits until we realise we have become enslaved by them, finding it difficult to stop even when we genuinely want to.

Everyone can get addicted to almost anything but the good news is with the right help and adequate determination, addictions can be broken. In our society today, drinking is one of the proficient addictions affecting a large number of people.

If you are affected and are looking to quit, the following steps will aid you in your journey.

1. ESTABLISH YOUR GOAL

Understand that your addiction is powerful and as such cannot be defeated with a half-hearted attitude. You need to fully establish that you are tired of drinking and wish to stop. This is the first and most important step to freedom. Writing it down usually helps.

2. TAKE A BREAK

The next step is actually to try to take a break from alcohol. You cannot wish to quit and still drink wine and have beer from time to time. The problem of alcohol addiction is mostly about control. In order to regain control, you need to first of all abstain completely. Keep a record of each new day you get through without a drink. Set up milestones and reward yourself positively when you cross them.

3. WARD OF TEMPTATION

Get rid of all alcoholic beverages in your home. Keeping a bottle of liquor in the kitchen cabinet while trying to quit is anti-productive. Clear out your stash if you have one. Also try to avoid parties, bars or any other gatherings where alcohol will be served. The main goal is to limit your access to alcohol to as little as possible.

4. GET SUPPORT

Quitting is never easy on your own. Understand the fact that you need help. Understand that this does not make you less of a person. We all need help in one form or the other. Join meetings and gatherings where you can relate with other people like those who are also trying to stop drinking. There are also online sites like Allen Carr that guide and provide strategic supervision and effective management techniques that aid your recovery process. Endeavour to join them and get the help you need.

5. DO NOT GIVE UP

It is never a straight drive when breaking an addiction. There are bound to be a couple of draw backs along the way. Understand that relapse is a part of any addiction recovery process. Encourage yourself into believing you can do better after each relapse and try again.

6. HEALTHY DIET

Maintaining a healthy diet is fundamental in breaking an alcohol addiction. Often times, alcohol abuse is amplified by excessive sugar intake which makes quitting quite difficult. In cases like this, the need to drink might actually be a sugar craving. This means you should try not to skip meals and add a lot of fruits and vegetables to your diet.

7. DRINK WATER

Adequate water intake is vital when combatting an alcohol addiction. It is important always to stay hydrated. Drink lots and lots of water. The nutritional recommendation for daily water intake is 1.5 litters. Coffee, tea, soda and other drinks are not substitutes for water. Make sure you drink as much as the daily required amount.

Quitting alcohol is most times a lifelong battle. Stay focused and you will achieve your goal. We often don’t even realise that we are addicts until its too late, and its never wrong to get help.