Recovery, like addiction, isn’t linear. While some people may find themselves able to quit alcohol in a day, others will struggle their entire lives to stay sober. Just because the urges may persist, however, doesn’t mean you’re condemned to a life ruled by alcohol.
By following these five steps, you can set yourself on the right path toward a life free of addiction.
Making a Decision
Sobriety starts with a choice. No one can stop your addiction but you. When you make the definitive choice to quit drinking, you’ve already made progress that can’t be erased by a relapse. Relapses happen, but they don’t mean you’re a lost cause.
The decision to stop drinking sets the wheels in motion and allows you to start planning your recovery with confidence.
Creating an Action Plan
In order to avoid temptation and risk jeopardizing your recovery, it’s important to make an action plan. Quitting without understanding the risks of withdrawal and detox is dangerous, and it’s not likely to succeed if you’re going through it alone.
An addiction action plan will help you break down the stages of your recovery into various objectives.
Eliminating Bad Influences
While alcoholism becomes a habit, there are still underlying causes and triggers that make you more prone to seek out a drink. If you notice that conflict and emotions like sadness or anger make you crave alcohol, focus on reducing any exposure to triggering relationships or environments.
Before you start the detoxification process, it’s important to remove all traces of alcohol from your home and place yourself in a place that inspires you to stick to your sobriety.
You may have to stop talking to people who encourage you to drink and fuel your addiction. Cutting ties is painful, but sometimes, it’s necessary. Prioritizing your health and well-being is more important than hurt feelings in the long run.
Finding a Rehab
Whether you decide to seek out an inpatient rehab or outpatient alcohol treatment, finding a good rehab is vital toward recovery. Rehab allows you to withdrawal under medical supervision, talk to a therapist who is trained in treating substance abuse disorders and find comfort and support among others struggling with addiction.
Staying Active in Your Recovery
After the recovery process, you have to adjust to regular life without alcohol. It won’t be easy, but with a proactive mindset, you can stay sober. The most important thing to remember is that you will most likely struggle with urges and triggers for the rest of your life. You aren’t a failure if you still feel the temptation to drink. Rather than trying to rid yourself of impulses altogether, focus on how to deal with them. Another reason rehab is such an important part of treatment is that it teaches you healthier ways to process and cope with your emotions.