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Recovering From A Personal Alcohol Addiction: 10 Life-Changing Tips

Alcohol addiction and abuse is a common problem that many people are currently fighting. At times, it may feel impossible to beat, and like any addiction, you may not realise you have a problem.

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Luckily for you, help is at hand. Alcohol addiction is a well-documented problem, and as such, there are a number of tips ready to help people struggling with it. Not everything will work for everyone, but you have to start somewhere. So, if you’re looking for a bit more advice on the subject, here are some life changing tips for anybody suffering from alcohol abuse or addiction.

1. Understand that it’ll be a long road - not an overnight fix

The same is true of a lot of problems in life, and this is no different. Your body will react poorly to the change initially, but over time, you’ll become less and less reliant on alcohol. Of course, every situation is different, and the deeper into your addiction you are, the longer it may take to get out of it. But either way, expect the process to take some time.

2. Enlist the help of a friend

Our friends and family define us, and help us out in the most desperate of times. This in mind, it’s a sure bet that they’d be happy to help you fight your addiction. If there’s a particular area you are struggling with that they could help you on, don’t be afraid to ask. I’m sure they would be happy to help!

When there’s a time that you would usually be drinking - like weekends - ask your friends to come bowling, or to the cinema. Taking your mind off the problem is a good way to put it to the back of your mind. This removes a cause of stress from the equation and makes your life a bit easier.

3. Gain some perspective with rehabilitation

Sometimes we need more help than just our loved ones, however, and there’s no shortage of options. I’m sure you’ve all heard of groups like alcoholics anonymous, which are a fantastic way to meet other people who have the same issue. Rehab centres, such as https://arcproject.org.uk/, are another option. In short, help is at hand, and you may not have to look far to find the solution you seek!

4. Understand that you aren’t alone

Not by any stretch of the imagination, either. Approximately 1 in 12 adults is living with an alcohol addiction, and it’s quite a common, widespread problem. Understanding that you aren’t alone may make this daunting task feel just a little easier. If other people are doing it, why shouldn’t you?

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5. Take a look at the financial costs

Alcohol abuse costs countries billions each year, and while the personal costs won’t be that high, they’re still huge. Alcohol is quite an expensive substance, especially from bars and clubs, so rethink all the better ways you could spend that money. You could spend it on some home gym equipment and get in buff shape in time for summer. You could spend the extra cash on some new clothes, or on an uber-healthy weekly diet regime. Calculate just how much money you could be losing to work out how much alcohol is costing you.

6. Take a look at the personal costs

The costs are much more than financial. Alcohol has a heavy cost on families and personal relationships, so weigh up which is more important to you. Your loved ones will always be there for you, so if you think you’re pushing them away, realise you have the power to stop.

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7. Realise that situations can be made better without turning to the bottle

Material possessions can’t make us happy, and neither can alcohol abuse. If a day is proving particularly strenuous, realise that turning to the bottle will not help. Think of the ramifications. Think of that hangover you’ll have in the morning and the money you’ll have to spend to get the drink in the first place. If you feel stressed, identify the positive things about your situation. For example, your boss at work could be annoying you, but be thankful you have a stable job when so many people don’t.

8. Set a target quit date

Visual targets and goals help us achieve our targets in an easier fashion. Because we can see a set date and time, we’ll be more inclined to put the effort in to make that date. This is the tactic employed by many, many people, for a variety of goals. Whether it’s weight loss or money savings, setting a date can help you stay focused on the end goal. When it all seems too difficult, just think of the endgame for a bit more inspiration.

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9. Start with small steps and go from there

This means you won’t be ditching all the alcohol right away. That’s too big a change. Instead, understand your personal as well as the legal limits, and start sticking to a safe amount. Many sources like www.nhs.uk/alcohol, can provide advice on the recommended amount of units to drink. Once you are comfortable drinking a regular amount, you can slowly cut this down further.

10. Get rid of temptations

Look at your house or flat and identify any and all temptations. Get rid of that wine bottle and that packet of beer cans in the fridge. Even getting rid of the wine rack or bottle opener can be a good way to flush alcohol out of your mind. Any and all things that lead back to alcohol would be a good idea to get rid of.

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Hopefully, this article was of some use to you. As I mentioned at the start of the post, not everything will work for everyone. But that means you shouldn’t try. The first step is to realise that you have a problem, then do everything in your power to help fix it yourself. Ultimately, the power rests in your hands. It’s just a case of being strong enough to use it.