Do you feel you are drinking too much or too often? If you
are worried about your alcohol consumption, it is time to change. There may be
plenty of reasons why you may want to continue to drink! It could be your way
to relax and unwind after a long day- or it could be a means to socialize with
co-workers or friends. But if you feel alcohol is taking over your life and
affecting your health and life dynamics, you may want to consider quitting.
Want to learn how? Here are five practical steps that can aid you in your
effort to quit drinking for good.
Determine Why You Want to Quit
Why do you want to stop drinking? If you never had another
drink, what would be your main reason to quit and stay sober? These are
important questions so do not rush with the answers. Instead, take your time
with it and reflect carefully.
It is one of the most important things to consider as you
work towards recovery. When cravings for alcohol hit you or your mind tries to
convince you to give in to the temptation, you will want to remember the reasons
why you quit in the first place. It could be your health, your work-life
relationships, or any other reason that pushes you to strive for sobriety.
When you identify your motivation, write it down and put it
somewhere where you can see it. Set reminders on your phone, write notes of
affirmation, and look at them every time you get strong cravings.
Understand Your Triggers
Deciding to stop drinking is a bold choice. Identifying what
makes you want to drink can reinforce that decision. When cravings hit, it is
important to understand what is behind those feelings so you can stay sober.
Triggers can be both physical and mental. The common ones include negative
emotions like fear, shame, anxiety, or social events. At times, driving past a
place you used to drink, looking at an old photo, being around certain
individuals, stressors from work or home, and even some TV shows or ads can be
your triggers.
When cravings hit, take a moment to think about your
surroundings and feelings. Are you in a place that reminds you of drinking? Are
you with someone who stirs up those emotions? Did something trigger a negative
memory or stress you out? Know what caused your urge to drink and focus on that
trigger. Consider what changes you can make to reduce the effect. If stress is
a factor, you can always explore healthy coping methods like therapy,
delegating tasks, or connecting with supportive people. If certain locations
are triggers, try to avoid them and take different routes.
Make a Plan
If you want to make a lasting change, you must create a plan
to quit or at least reduce drinking; start by defining your goals, whether that
means completely stopping or limiting yourself to a certain number of drinks
each week! Also, outline the steps you will take and set a timeline for
achieving them. Identify who can support you in this process. This may be your
friends, family, or support groups. Now, set measurable milestones for tracking
your progress.
It is also wise to consider any obstacles that may appear
and plan accordingly to address those challenges. Make sure that your plan is
realistic and seems achievable. Do not hesitate to reach out to others who have
quit drinking. You may be able to learn what worked for them so you can get
helpful ideas to make your plan successful, too.
Handle Setbacks
When you are trying to quit drinking, it is common to have
setbacks, especially if it is your first try. Remind yourself that these lapses
are a normal part of the recovery journey. If you address them quickly, you
will be able to learn and grow.
If you find that you are slipping, take action right away to
prevent it from becoming a bigger problem. Go back to your plan and try to
figure out what did not work so you can make changes accordingly. It is also
important not to be too hard on yourself. After all, one can make mistakes!
Remember forgiving yourself will help you to move forward faster. You can also
reach out for support after a lapse.
Get Help
Quitting alcohol can feel lonely! You might worry about
being judged for struggling with drinking or for wanting to stop. But remember,
there are many people who are ready to support you. This support can come from
family, friends, partners, or mentors who understand your goals and stand by
you. These are the people you can be open with and who will help keep you
accountable.
If you do not have anyone in your life right now, do not
worry. You are not alone! There are many who can guide and support you through
the challenges of overcoming unhealthy drinking habits. Alcohol rehab in Austin or wherever you live, offers a conducive environment where
you can find the support you need during detox and recovery.
Final Thoughts
Once you have successfully quit drinking, you must work
toward creating a lifestyle that supports your new choices. Try to stay healthy
and lead a fulfilling life so the changes you make stick for life. Engage in
activities and hobbies that bring you joy and purpose. Instead of focusing on
what you are giving up, think about all the positive experiences you can now
enjoy. Also, do not forget to acknowledge the positive changes you have made by
quitting. Recognizing your progress will help keep you motivated as you
continue moving toward your goals.