Kicking back with a glass of or two of an alcoholic beverage is perfectly normal for a large number of people. You are out with your pals, you get a beer or pour some wine and sip. It gives you a relaxed and warm feeling and that’s all there is. However, there are some people for whom one glass or drink becomes many, one night out turns into every night of the week and drinking starts taking up major space and ends up being the focal point of their life. This is alcohol addiction.
Just because you are addicted doesn’t mean that you have low willpower or you are weak. Addiction should never be considered a personal shortcoming as it is in your brain circuitry. Pleasure receptors in the brain are activated by addictive substances such as alcohol. The more frequently your pleasure pathways are switched on, the less pleasure you will experience every time. Therefore, in order to get the happy chemicals, your brain will crave stronger and stronger stimuli. After so much repetition, the brain becomes used to the stimulus and over time, it becomes so used to it that it cannot function without a fix.
Recent statistics indicate that almost 16 million adults suffer from alcohol addiction. 88,000 people die each year due to alcohol and it is the fourth-leading preventable cause of death in the United States. Alcohol is involved in more than 41 percent of all treatment admissions made for substance abuse. So, what can be done to get rid of alcohol in 2019?
Here are 11 sure shot ways that can help:
1: Admit the problem
First things first, you need to realize that you have a problem. Don’t give any justifications and don’t compare your drinking habits with others. If your drinking is having an impact on your daily life and health, you need to admit to the problem. It is the first step to getting rid of alcohol.
2: Get rid of all alcohol
The next step is to get rid of all alcoholic beverages that you have at home or in the office. This is one of the best ways to keep your drinking in control.
3: Fire your drinking friends
This is easier said than done. Whether alcohol is an important aspect of your social life or just something you do once in a while with your friends, it can be difficult when friends or family are drinking around you. The first step is to inform them that you cannot be around anyone who is drinking so they can be careful. The second step is to stop meeting anyone with whom you just drank.
4: Avoid the temptation
One of the most important things you need to do for getting rid of alcohol is to avoid the temptation to drink. This means not going to places such as bars and pubs where you are surrounded. Likewise, go for restaurants that don’t serve alcoholic beverages or offer to drive. Identify the times you used to drink and fill it with other activities so you won’t be free to think about drinking.
5: Change your attitude
Even after you have admitted that you have a problem, your attitude will require a bit of adjustment regarding your situation. Don’t get mad at those who are trying to help and don’t put yourself down just because you are struggling. Instead, realize that you are doing the right thing and it will help you get in the right frame of mind.
6: Check into rehab
It is time for you to enroll yourself in a rehab center where you can get the proper treatment for alcohol addiction. Severe addictions will require inpatient rehab whereas minor ones can be dealt with outpatient programs.
7: Undergo detoxification
This is one of the toughest aspects of quitting alcohol because detoxification leads to withdrawal. Your body needs to be cleansed of all the toxins and when this happens, it will automatically start craving alcohol. When it doesn’t get it, you will experience anxiety, sleep disturbances, depression, mood swings, confusions, hallucinations, twitchiness, shakiness, feeling of impending doom, confusion, sweating and seizures. Treatment centers will help you in dealing with these symptoms in a medical way.
8: Take therapy seriously
The rehab process also includes therapeutic treatment to help you understand your alcohol addiction. Instead of shying away from it, you need to reap the benefits of therapy. You can interact with others going through the same problem and this can provide a lot of support. These people understand what you are going through and can help you get through it.
9: Continue treatment
Even after you are done with your rehab, don’t avoid the aftercare process. This is designed to prevent relapses, which happen when people are out in the real world. Aftercare involves going to therapy regularly, staying away from temptation and also signing up for remote alcohol monitoring, which can be effective in helping you stay away from alcohol.
10: Manage your stress
Stress makes it very difficult to resist impulses. If you are tensed, it is a given that you will reach out to alcohol to help you relax. It is a good idea to keep your stress under control and this can be done by learning to meditate, perform yoga, exercise regularly and do breathing exercises as well.
11: Understand it will never be ‘kicked’
Last, you need to realize and accept that you will probably never get over it completely. The possibility of relapse will exist and it is recommended that you consider making a commitment to a new way of life to prevent it. Understand that there are ways that can aid you in getting to the other side. This will make your days healthier, happier and more fulfilling when alcohol will not have a hold on you. Use these tips and you will not have to deal with alcohol problems in 2019.