How To Overcome Alcoholism | Recognize the Problem in You

Alcoholism, like any other addiction, is a difficult thing to quit. Your dependence on alcohol to get through the days, ignore certain feelings and issues, and evade responsibility can very well put your health at risk, and concern your loved ones. The following are some basic steps on how to overcome alcoholism that should be taken into consideration when dealing with the addiction.

1. Recognize the Problem

Denial is a powerful mechanism that allows you to evade the truth of your situation. By recognizing that you have a problem, in other words, that your alcohol addiction is in fact an addiction, you can begin to improve and seek help. It is crucial to ask yourself the question of what influence does alcohol have over you, and during which circumstances do you resort to drinking. Write it down.

2. Set Goals

Now that you have recognized the issue at hand, the only way to go is up. Set goals for the short, medium and long run. Many believe that having one goal, or one day that they will completely be free of their addiction is the way in which you should tackle it. No. Write out a series of goals for tomorrow, for this month, and for this year. You will need to have structure in your life in order to recover, so set those goals.

3. Clear Alcohol-Related Influences Out From Your Life

This is easier said than done. Throw out those bottles, begin thinking of re-modeling that mini-winery you may have, and most importantly, cut your alcohol buddies out of your life. It is tempting to fall back into your drinking if you are surrounded with people who you only associate with because of parties, so assume responsibility for the friends that you spend your time with.

4. Reach Out

External help can always be helpful, especially in crucial moments of life. Seek a counselor, a friend who you can trust who will track your improvement, and step into your local Alcohol Anonymous meeting or alcohol treatment centers. Do not feel shy or ashamed to ask for help — as long as you are willing to improve your condition, you will have all the support you will need.

5. Remain Patient

Rome was not built in a day, and nor will your problems disappear in the first week. Keep this in mind: Baby steps. The small measures that you take to remain sober will eventually amount to your solid success. Be patient with yourself, your mind, your body and emotions. For some, it is incredibly difficult to deal with the person they are when sober, yet patience is key to recovery. Withdrawal symptoms will occur, but these are completely expected as the body is purging the habit just as your mind is. Remember that quitting completely from the first day will most likely result in binging, so take it easy.

6. Have a Constant Inspiration in Mind

There will be times in which you will want to fall back and grab a bottle (or two). Retaining an inspiration throughout the course of your journey will allow you have direction and that encouraging nudge on the shoulder to keep going. Pick a quote, song, photograph, story or anything else that you wish and keep it close to your heart at all times.

Stacey Watts, the writer, is an advocate of drug and alcohol treatment centers. She also volunteers during her spare time and join women on discussion groups in the treatment centers. She also writes for Pathways , a drug and alcohol treatment center and the benefits they provide.