Alcoholism is a disease characterized by dependence on alcohol. It, in turn, consists of two main components: mental and physical, so before answering the question "How to stop drinking alcohol on your own? ", it is important to consider the causes and factors in the formation of addiction.
Causes of excessive alcohol consumption
- Genetic factor.Despite the fact that it does exist, studies of alcohol dependence demonstrate the following statistics: the risk of developing alcoholism in children of alcohol-dependent parents increases by an average of ¼. This allows us to assert that the primary role in the formation of the disease is given to social and psychological factors, and heredity acts as a favorable "background" that predisposes the progression of alcoholism.
- Social factorsrepresent a group of reasons and life circumstances that stimulate a person to drink alcohol.
- pressure from others - in this case, a person begins to drink "socially" in order not to differ from the rest of the team members, in order to maintain traditions or better fit into the team, etc. ;
- unsatisfactory or complex professional activity - having a lot of time, boredom, incorrectly chosen work that does not correspond to personal needs and interests, as well as a profession that involves excessive physical and mental stress, high risks and responsibility;
- unsatisfactory quality of life - unfavorable living conditions or unpleasant neighborhood, financial difficulties, poor nutrition, lack of stable income.
- Psychological reasonsBasically they represent an inability to adapt to the realities of life, a lack of confidence in oneself and one’s strengths. They mainly consist of the following factors:
- demonstrative behavior - deliberately attracting the attention of the public or a narrow circle of people;
- lack of trusting relationships, the opportunity to speak out about "painful issues";
- internal inconsistency with the images of the Ideal Self - low self-esteem, self-accusation and self-reproaches;
- impossibility of personal self-realization - lack of family, difficult relationships with parents ("I am a bad son", etc. );
- drinking as a way to remove psychological "barriers" - timidity, shyness, anxiety;
- fears, phobias, increased anxiety, suspiciousness;
- the need to relieve tension, the inability to independently overcome stress and psycho-emotional stress.
So, the list of factors is quite extensive and before you start looking for answers on how to quit alcohol, you should understand what could have caused your addiction to alcohol. However, not every drinker is ready to analyze the background of the problem and establish the cause of the addiction; moreover, during the existence of alcohol, it has acquired a large number of myths that "justify" the harmful craving for the bottle. The main ones are presented below.
Myths about alcohol
Alcohol is the best assistant in the fight against disease
This is a common misconception regarding many diseases and conditions of the body. It is believed that a glass of alcohol can help fight colds and hypothermia, "disinfect" the intestines, relieve headaches and lower blood pressure. Moderate consumption of alcohol in a number of sources is allowed even for pregnant women - it is allowed to drink a glass of red wine from time to time to raise tone, relieve stress on the cardiovascular system, and improve mood. However, even in cases where alcohol temporarily stabilizes the condition, it in no way helps to overcome the disease; moreover, it is a toxic substance and only aggravates the disease. It should be remembered that there are no therapeutic doses, but there is always a risk of complications and the formation of a stable addiction.
Alcohol relieves stress
In fact, drinking alcohol not only does not solve problems and does not eliminate the source of stress, but also adds new difficulties. In addition, a person forgets how to relax on his own, regulate his mental state, and loses the ability to withstand life’s troubles. Destruction of the nervous system leads to even greater susceptibility to external factors, decreased resistance to stress, which creates a vicious circle from which it becomes increasingly difficult for the drinker to get out.
Alcohol is not a drug
Despite the legality of alcohol and its general availability, the mechanism for developing dependence on it is the same as with strong narcotic substances. The only difference is the period during which a persistent dependence is created. The withdrawal syndrome also differs somewhat, but occurs in both cases when the body stops receiving the usual substance. In addition, the treatment of alcoholism and drug addiction also has the most similar stages: the detoxification procedure, the work of a narcologist, psychological and social rehabilitation.
Drinking on occasion is normal
Events such as weddings, birthdays, funerals, corporate parties, etc. are always accompanied by collective drinking of alcohol. However, they are not a reason to drink, but a reason to justify one’s own weakness and inability to stand up to the majority. Traditionally, there is no direct relationship between certain events and alcohol consumption; this association for most people is due only to the example of authoritative adults - however, this does not mean that you need to blindly follow such a "tradition" and set the appropriate example for your children.
Drinking rarely is normal
The peculiarities of culture, as mentioned above, presuppose quite frequent consumption of alcohol - an abundance of holidays, ceremonial feasts, the traditional "Friday" preceding the weekend. . . Against the background of the frequency of alcohol consumption by friends, acquaintances, and colleagues, a person may seem to drink extremely rarely. As one gets used to alcohol, the personal norm changes - the person still believes that he is not subject to the habit and rarely drinks.
I drink alcohol "for courage"
Often people drink in order to feel confident, decide to take a certain action, or make acquaintance with a nice person, or have a spiritual conversation with friends or acquaintances. But the joy of communication does not lie in a shared alcoholic intoxication - in cases where an inferiority complex, a prejudiced attitude towards oneself, a lack of confidence in one’s own attractiveness and strength does not allow the formation of social contacts, one should do deep work on oneself, and not resort to a glass.
So, we see that the real and imaginary causes of alcoholism differ significantly, which can lead a drinker into confusion. However, if he wants to overcome his craving for alcohol, he should adhere to the following tips and rules.
Tips on how to stop drinking on your own
The first and most important recommendation is a strong desire to overcome the craving for alcohol. However, in order for it to form, certain conditions must be met.
The right time
Most often, the desire to quit a dangerous habit comes after a good "feast" - a person feels so bad that he often makes a promise not to drink alcohol anymore.
Stimulus
How to stop drinking alcohol if there is nothing or no one to do it for? As a rule, a compelling argument in favor of a sober life is needed.
Taking care of your health
Few drinkers are aware of the harm they cause to themselves - they understand that drinking alcohol is harmful, but they do not realize what exactly alcoholism entails. Perhaps documentaries, articles, books about the dangers of alcohol, as well as personal negative experiences of friends can help achieve this goal.
Caring for loved ones
It is no secret that excessive alcohol consumption affects not only the psyche of the addict, but also the psychological state of those around him. It is important to remember about your loved ones - parents, spouse, children - it is the closest circle that often asks the question of how to persuade a loved one to stop drinking. This is a good incentive to start a sober life.
The desire to maintain social status, profession, wealth
Many drinkers realize that a process of degradation is beginning: work qualities deteriorate, efficiency decreases, and soon you can simply lose your job. Alcohol is also an obstacle to career growth.
In fact, everyone may have their own incentive - someone has experienced a moral shock, someone is afraid of divorcing a spouse who has categorically given an ultimatum, someone does not want to lose their moral character. You need to determine which areas of life are the most important and understand how alcohol affects them.
Accepting change
It happens that the main question is not "How to stop drinking alcohol? ", but "What to do when I quit? ". What to do on Friday evening? How to go fishing with friends or with girlfriends for "get-togethers"? What to do at a wedding or birthday? In this case, you should remember about pleasant changes - sober fun, a pleasant pastime, no need to "get sick" after feasts, etc. , and a new lifestyle will be formed naturally and easily.
Ability to relax
Learning relaxation techniques is required not only for those who are accustomed to drinking due to stress, but also for everyone who is determined to get rid of the addiction. Withdrawal syndrome, stress from life changes, pressure from others - all this may require the ability to self-adjust in the right way. This can be done with:
- meditation;
- self-massage;
- breathing exercises, etc.
Some people find it helpful to simply count to 10 and take a deep breath; others need deep spiritual practices and serious exercises. You need to find something that will help you.
Exercising helps you take your mind off things
Physical activity not only takes up most of the time, but also contributes to the overall health of the body, releases "hormones of happiness, " diversifies life and allows you to feel the joy of sobriety. This can be facilitated by yoga, running, swimming, skiing, horse riding, etc.
Hobbies bring back interest in life
In order for a person to realize his potential, strong family relationships and a favorite job are not enough. It is also important to do something you enjoy - creativity not only promotes relaxation, but also strengthens self-confidence, and in some cases leads to success. Reading books, handicrafts, wood carving, writing poetry, or even writing your own blog, including one covering the question "How to stop drinking? "– you need to find the hidden potential in yourself and give it a way out.
Psychological work on yourself - tips for drinkers
In fact, every drinker has a whole range of psychological problems: feelings of guilt, self-doubt, embarrassment, inability to build trusting relationships with others, a feeling of "abandonment" - only a considerable part of the list of characteristic feelings and states. You need to work on this: perhaps completing the 12 Steps treatment program or psychocounseling sessions will help overcome the barriers that have arisen; maybe you can do it yourself. However, this point is mandatory, because eliminating the root of the problem is the key to success.
Other methods of dealing with alcohol
Traditional medicine also comes to help in the treatment of alcoholism. It would seem, how can folk remedies help you stop drinking alcohol? However, there are several common methods by which the craving for alcohol weakens.
How to help yourself with a decoction?
A decoction of thyme herb causes vomiting and aversion to alcohol. 15 g of dried herb is brewed with 2 cups of boiling water, simmered for 10-15 minutes, then a little boiled water is added until the original volume is obtained. It is taken twice a day in the proportion of 50ml/15ml of vodka.
Tea as part of treatment for alcohol addiction
Ivan tea is mixed with thyme in proportions 5/1, brewed with boiling water and simmered for 15-20 minutes. After the tea has cooled to the desired temperature (it should not be scalding), a little honey is added to it. It should be consumed when the desire to drink arises, the permitted amount is up to 5 cups per day.
Despite the abundance of advice on how to stop drinking alcohol on your own, a small percentage of people who crave alcohol succeed. In most cases, for complete recovery it is necessary to visit a drug treatment center to receive drug treatment, and then undergo social and psychological rehabilitation.