It is said: “A drunk can quit if he wants, an alcoholic can quit if he could”. This adage clearly differentiates the two categories of people who drink but wish to quit. In this guide, we will discuss some important steps to quit drinking. Reading through this guide once will not help; you must read it again and again until not drinking becomes an accepted way of life for you.
1. Enlist the reasons why you must quit
This is the first step to quit drinking alcohol. Most alcoholics understand that drinking is bad for their health. Additionally you can enlist other reasons why you need to quit. Remember: be as specific as you can.
Why I should quit drinking: 1.———————, 2.——————–, 3.————————,4.————-
This list will help you later, should you have second thoughts. So, time and again, keep coming back to this list. Print and place it near your workplace where you can see it everyday.
2. Some common sense precautions
The best ways to quit drinking includes removing all alcohol bottles from the house. Talk to your friends and family to seek support from them; this way, you are not tempted to drink during get-togethers and parties. Avoid going to places where you tend to feel tempted to drink. Let others know about your intention to quit drinking.
3. Do not let negative comments deter you
Many times, when you let people know about your intentions to quit drinking, they might roll their eyes and say “they have heard it before”. Do not let these comments deter you.
4. Surround yourself with supporters
Many times, people who want to quit tend to find people who want them to quit but also those who want them to continue drinking. So seek help from the positive people and stay away from the ones who are rooting for you to fail. Try and keep the phone numbers of your supporters handy so you can call them when you are down.
5. Be strong
The best ways to quit drinking includes mental and physical preparation. Chances are, you have been ignoring your body when you were drinking. So start taking special measures to groom yourself and also indulge in physical activity. Take up jogging, swimming, cycling or gym workout. You can also do Yoga at home.Exercise boosts feel good endorphins and help you develop a positive self image.
6. Pay special attention to your diet
Start your day with a good breakfast. Include protein rich foods and eat plenty of fruits and vegetables to get the requisite vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. This is important to reverse the damage caused by excess drinking to the body and brain.
7. Practice saying no
One of the steps to quit drinking involves learning how to say no to a drink. Decide what you would say to people when they offer you a drink. You could say you are on a special diet, or that the doctor has asked you to quit or that you are keeping an eye on your weight.
8. Stay away from other addictive substances
Often, people who wish to quit drinking tend to take up other substances like cigarettes, drugs, excess caffeine etc. These substances are equally bad for the body if not as much as alcohol is. So steer clear of them and ask family members to stay by your side so you do not indulge in these things.
9. Change your thinking about alcohol
You can read up on the harmful effects of drinking, over and over until it is ingrained in your mind. You can also read motivational quotes or books by people who have successfully quit. Print out a sheet with these quotes and pin it up in a place where you can see it daily. This is the best way to quit drinking. Examples:
Quitting Alcohol is Tough and Rough But It Is Worth Enough!
Keep Calm And Stop Drinking
Alcohol Is Not The Answer-It Just Makes You Forget The Question
10. Develop hobbies and passions
People often find it easier to quit smoking or drinking by taking an interest in activities like drawing, painting, music, cooking etc. You could even volunteer at a soup kitchen or offer to coach sports at a neighboring school. These activities will instill confidence in your abilities and make you feel good about yourself.
11. Live from day to day
When you think about the future or the past, you will be tempted to reach for a drink. Instead, live in the moment. Start by getting through today without drinking. This will certainly make things easier.
12. Seek spirituality
Often religion and/or spirituality can give you the same high as alcohol. So start by attending Church sessions, if you believe. Or you could meditate or do Yoga. Many mind body techniques give you an inner peace and strength that can make it easier to quit drinking.
13. Set realistic goals
Start one step at a time, but make sure you stick to the plan. As stated above, live from day to day to help you remain sober for life.
14. Positive affirmations and visualization techniques
Start each morning by facing yourself in the mirror. State to yourself that you love and accept yourself –just the way you are-and that you are strong, kind, good, peaceful and happy. Also practice positive visualization techniques like imagining yourself sober, happy and healthy. This is one of the proven easy ways to stop drinking.
Quitting drinking especially after years and years of indulgence is not easy. Know that there will be rough days and it is a day to day journey that you have to undertake. Seek help and support from friends and family members or even social groups like AA and soon you will accomplish your goal of lifelong sobriety.