by Daniel Bell
Alcoholic drinks are something many people enjoy in their leisure time. We consume them in social gatherings, and to forget about any problems we have. Of course, when one sobers up, the problems still exist. And so too does a hangover!
Most of us will moderate the amount of alcohol we consume each day or week. But, for some people, alcohol turns into addiction, much like smoking or overeating. As with any addiction, it can be hard to go “cold turkey” and stop drinking alcohol.
If you think you’ve got an alcohol addiction, you’ve made the first step by admitting it. Next, you’ll need to get some help to overcome it and win. Here is how you can do that:
Know the Signs of Addiction
You might be reading this blog post thinking that you’ve got an alcohol addiction. How can you be sure, though? What if you just drink a lot but never to excess? Many examples can indicate you’ve got an addiction to alcohol.
For instance, you might find that you crave beer and spirits all the time. You mostly drink alcohol alone rather than in a social setting. Or you might feel that alcohol makes you feel better when you’re down. Those are just some of the many indications that you’ve got an alcohol addiction.
Getting Help
The worst thing you could do is stop drinking alcohol completely, believe it or not. If you do, your body will go into a sort of “shock” for a start. You’ll experience all kinds of strange medical symptoms like you might get if you had the flu. In some cases, going cold turkey can mean a trip to the Emergency Room.
What you instead need to do is lower the amount of alcohol you consume until you get to a point where you don’t need a drink. To achieve that goal, it’s crucial that you get the right support. Otherwise, you could give into temptation.
One way to get the help you need is with A Fresh Start Sober Living. You can live in an environment that is safe and supportive. There are plenty of other options too, such as seeking advice from your doctor. You may find local counseling support groups that can help as well.
Fixing the Source of Your Addiction
While you’re getting the help you need, there’s another thing you must also do. I am, of course, talking about resolving the reasons why you got addicted in the first place.
Most people can enjoy regular alcoholic drinks without drinking to excess. The reason some folks drink excessively so often is often down to an emotional problem.
For example, some people turn to drink when they feel depressed over the loss of a loved one. Others do so because they have low self-worth and esteem.
A counselor can work with you to determine why you feel the need to drink. Once you find out what’s triggered your addiction, you can take steps to manage the problem.
