How Alcoholics can Stop Drinking
Make no mistake – it can be very difficult for alcoholics to stop drinking.If you are seriously addicted to alcohol and not just someone with a drinking problem then this can be very difficult indeed. Here is the recommended course of action for any alcoholic who truly wants to stop.
First, you must make the decision to stop drinking for good.It turns out that most people who first try to sober up are doing it for the wrong reasons at first and therefore they do not really have a firm resolve to stay sober.In some cases an alcoholic will attempt to stop drinking for the sake of another person, and of course this never works out. The motivation to stop drinking has to come from the individual, and it has to be very strong.
Second, I would urge anyone who is addicted to alcohol to find a detox unit with a full medical staff.Coming off alcohol can be very dangerous and if you are not under proper medical care it can actually kill you to stop drinking.Best if you can get help from a trained medical staff to see you through this safely.
Third, I would advise you to attend a short residential program after being fulled detoxed. Going to residential treatment can have a number of added benefits:
1) You will have the safety and comfort of a protected environment where there are no opportunities for temptation to sneak in.
2) You will have groups and lectures that give you tools to learn how to recover from alcoholism.
3) You’ll meet others in recovery who can become part of your support network for after treatment.
4) You’ll probably become involved with AA and NA meetings there and this will be another potential lifeline for you.
5) You will get a counselor who will work with you directly in helping you to overcome your personal issues that might have led you to drink.
6) You will be set up with a real aftercare plan so that you just don’t leave and end up relapsing.
Treatment can be expensive in some cases but the cost is easily minimized if you manage to stay sober in the long run.In other terms, the pluses outweight the minuses by quite a bit, regardless of how much it cost you upfront to attend.
In conclusion, you need the following 3 things:
1) Make a decision to learn how to stop drinking.
2) Find a treatment facility with a medical detox unit.
3) Get yourself to rehab and stay open to any new ideas you might hear.