Why do most people start drinking? Some self-medicate because of stress and depression. Some think that alcohol cures depression, but it doesn’t. Alcohol only induces depression. We know the dangers of alcohol and how it can consume a person’s life. But is it possible to overcome alcohol addiction?
Yes, but you can begin by identifying the signs of alcoholism:
- Do you drink everyday?
- Do you need to drink to feel normal?
- Do you drink just to “forget about life?”
The initial problem is that we fail to recognize these signs. Instead, we focus on one therapy or the other. Ask anyone the question: How do I Overcome Alcohol Addiction? The first thing they would mention is going to AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) or talking about rehab. Do you know that over 90% of the addiction rehab facilities in North America operate under a general principle? The principle of these AAs is that; Alcoholism is an incurable, progressive disease that can only be managed. The twelve steps and traditions begin with honesty. The AA would get you to admit that you were once powerless over alcohol. “We admitted that we were powerless over alcohol — that our lives had become unmanageable.”
You have power over alcohol!
AA meetings or therapy are not as effective as people take them to be. There is every possibility that from 12 alcoholics, 2 in every 12 would go for AA meetings, and one would return worse than before. Why? You’re trained or thought to fight addiction with your mind. You begin to see giving up alcohol as a struggle. Your mind begins to focus on ‘getting your life back.’
A great deal of willpower is needed to fight addiction. AA would only weaken your mind. We are not disputing the effectiveness of AA, as some do come out free. However, you should understand that the popular ways are not always the right ones. We shouldn’t ignore the religious nature of AA. US courts have ruled Alcoholics Anonymous as a Christian religious organization. Many wouldn’t want to attend because of religious issues. And thousands can’t afford $10,000 fees for rehab centers—some even go-ahead to add hypnosis to the AA therapy.
All these would tempt you to ask: is there any less brutal and effective way of dealing with alcoholism? The answer is Yes!
You can overcome Alcohol addiction without going through the rigorous AA program, or stringent therapy and hypnosis. These steps are often overlooked because most individuals want something uncomfortable. The easy way out doesn’t seem like the easy way for most individuals.
Overcome Alcohol Addiction with These Three Steps
Overcoming alcohol addiction is a process that occurs in 3 simple stages. It requires you to detect the habit early and tackle it immediately. Even if the discovery doesn’t come on time, it is never too late.
- Step One: Get into the recovery/discovery stage: The individual is shocked because he/she discovers that he is getting addicted. Your world can turn upside down, and the feeling of vulnerability might not elude you. Don’t pressure yourself into ‘getting out’ immediately. It is a process. Some go through this recovery stage early. They are in it for a few months. While others might be in it for a few years. Whichever way an individual picks, there is always a breaking in a moment of recovery. A simple way of getting into the recovery stage is to understand that an addiction exists. Then you begin the learning process. It is not enough to get to the realization that you might be addicted to alcohol. Still, you should also learn about this addiction. Consider the three early signs mentioned above. If you have answers to all of it and seem positive, the discovery stage has begun. The recovery stage is a learning process. You must be in the learning realm to make it last. This means that you must be eager and ready to learn new things every day.
- You can’t do it alone; network with others: Support and networking are two significant factors to be considered in the fight against alcohol addiction. You need others who are on the same path as you so you can draw strength from them. You can also share experiences and knowledge with individuals in your network. The learning process will be complicated if you’re not surrounded by teachers. In the recovery process, our peers become teachers and supporters. The experiences they share give us strength and hope to continue. They add to our personal growth.
- Overcoming alcohol addiction requires a pursuit of personal growth: Number three-step has a strong connection with learning. However, personal development is more than learning. It is the application of that knowledge to help improve your life and purpose. A perfect example that comes to mind here might be daily exercises. You might not be learning much about exercises. Still, you are applying this knowledge as it is a crucial part of your sobriety. Personal growth also includes taking the practical step of changing your lifestyle. You can’t go back to your old haunts. Going back to your old routines can be disastrous. Your personal growth process should include self-discovery.
Quick Simple Steps You Can Take Now:
- List your trigger factors in your journal right now.
- Find a solution to these trigger actions before they happen.
- Stay away from pubs, bars, or places that encourage you to drink.
- Always stay around people who understand you and are ready to support you.
- When you’re in a social gathering, stick to non-alcohol beverages.
- Don’t be too hard on yourself. Take your time. It is a process.
In conclusion, it is pivotal to understand that these three steps are considered a holistic approach. However, you shouldn’t limit yourself to what you can only achieve. You can achieve more than you think. Do not think low of yourself, and it is no crime to be ambitious. And most importantly, have an open mind and heart. You might be engaging in new things or activities that are strange to you – the “this-is-not-my-thing” activity. Like meditation, forming a habit of painting, or having an exercise routine, and many others. These activities might not directly relate to recovery, but they are essential parts of the sober process.