Beginning Your Path to Recovery from Alcohol Addiction
As the New Year rings in, now is the time to get the help you need. If you or a loved in is struggling with alcohol addiction or dependence, take the first step toward recovery. Healing from addiction is not done overnight. It takes dedication, perseverance and often, professional help. You cannot expect to wake up and never want to take another sip of alcohol once you commit to living a sober life. But if you are willing to start the process you will be on the way to a new life. You can begin by starting your own “change plan.” Many times, writing your goals and determining potential roadblocks is the best way to begin your path to recovery.
Why Seek Treatment
The majority of people suffering with addiction are initially unwilling to seek treatment on their own. Many recovering addicts say that they didn’t think they had a problem with drugs or alcohol. But seeking treatment may be the best way to cope with your addiction. Therapists and doctors trained in drug and alcohol addiction can help you understand the underlying reasons for your dependence. They can help you develop a strategic recovery plan and help to prevent relapse. Treatment has been shown time and again to be one of the most effective ways to deal with addiction.
Find a Support System for your Sobriety
Treatment can provide built in support. Seeking professional help will put you in touch with a team of people focused on helping you with your sobriety. Whether or not you seek that assistance, you need to find a group of people that you trust and lean on them for support. Friends and family that care about you are a great source of comfort and are usually more than willing to help in your recovery efforts. Do not be afraid to share your struggles, temptations and triggers with those that love you.
Find Drinking Alternatives
On your path to recovery, you will discover that you need to change your ways. If you struggle with alcohol addiction or dependence there are likely a number of things in your life that help cater to your addiction. Recovery takes commitment. You may not be able to surround yourself with people that cannot participate in sober activities. Consider taking up a new sport, yoga or meditation. Often people that are focused on living a healthy lifestyle are less likely to rely on alcohol.
Aren’t sure whether you need help, consider reading information published by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism about Treatment for Alcohol Problems: Finding and Getting Help.