First things First: Attitude
Attitude determines ‘Altitude’ – how do you feel about your decision to put an end to your drinking problem? Are you excited? Are you looking forward to a brighter future that doesn’t include alcohol but opens doors to many wonderful, new opportunities? Or are you angry because you’ve been forced into a corner, and “you’d better quit drinking, or else!”?
While you may be feeling the pressure from loved ones, friends, co-workers, or perhaps a Doctor who has recognized your symptoms, the most positive ‘pressure’ you can bring to bear on the problem is your own full and unwavering understanding that the positive aspects of sober living will eliminate the pain and complications associated with alcohol abuse.
Do you really want to put your drinking problems behind you? Do you honestly want to embrace a new, healthy lifestyle? The more excited you can get over looking in the mirror and saying: “That’s it! I’m going to quit drinking…for me! I’m going to make positive changes in my life…for me! It might not be easy to stop on my own, but help is available, and I’m going to accept it – for me!”
Get excited, put a positive Attitude to work for you, it will be your most important partner as you leave your drinking problem behind.
Breathing Room
Need some space? Feeling embarrassed about your drinking? Feeling that everyone in the world will know that you’ve got a drinking problem so severe that you need to quit drinking altogether? Feeling that you must be ‘a failure’ to have reached this state? We could go on, but you know what we’re talking about.
You’ve probably been taken to task about your drinking on any number of occasions. You probably know that you’ve had too many drinks on far too many occasions and that your behavior has been noticed by people who may have threatened you with all sorts of repercussions if you don’t quit drinking.
We know what you’re facing, and we also know that you can insulate yourself from prying questions that you don’t want to – and shouldn’t have to – face while you are regaining your sobriety. Here’s what you can do right now:
- Make a list of people who definitely know you have a drinking problem, it could include your spouse, close family, and some friends, as well as an extended group of people that might include your boss, co-workers, and anyone else that your drinking has directly affected
- Tell only those closest to you what you’re planning to do
- Be prepared, if challenged about past drinking behavior by anyone else on your list, to inform the ‘injured party’ that yes, you had a problem, you’re sorry for any past transgressions, but you’re in the process of addressing your issues with drinking, and that you appreciate their concern and support. When people are thanked for their support and recognized for being concerned about you, it’s remarkable how it changes their attitude about your behavior, suddenly that past is not near as interesting as your future, and you’ll find that in most cases, antagonistic behavior becomes quiet support – leaving you free to concentrate on eliminating your drinking problem.
Lifestyle Choices
We’ll state the obvious: when embarking on a radical lifestyle change like eliminating alcohol from your life, you don’t want to intentionally put yourself in situations where you’re immersed in an environment where alcohol is one of the star attractions – where temptation and a friendly “C’mon, have a drink!” might derail you from your program. During the early days, do your best to steer clear of any situations that could put you at risk.
Intervention: YES!
Intervention? It could happen to you, and if it does, say ‘YES’! While emotions run high at an Intervention, the driving force is Love. Grasp the opportunity with both hands and your heart. Consider yourself lucky that you’re surrounded by people who care about you and your future.
Withdrawal & Detox
The symptoms that heavy/long-term drinkers experience when suddenly quitting drinking are collectively known as Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome. Physical/psychological symptoms can range from a general feeling of anxiety, irritability, ‘shakes’, headaches, insomnia, sweating, nausea, and heart palpitations to a host of very serious issues that can include delirium tremens/hallucinations, fever, convulsions, among other symptoms.
Because of the unpredictability of the severity and range of symptoms an individual will face when withdrawing from alcohol, it is absolutely vital that a medical professional be involved from the very start of the process. Along with carefully monitoring your progress, a doctor can ensure that appropriate treatment is administered if required.
In withdrawing from alcohol, you’re ‘detoxing’ your body. You may be familiar with the term ‘Detox Unit’. These facilities are normally found in treatment centers or hospitals – they are not places to be afraid of, and with the help of specially-trained professionals, offer the safest, most comfortable way to deal with the Withdrawal/Detox process. In less serious cases of withdrawal – with your doctor’s guidance – It may be safe to detox from a safe, home environment – prior to embarking on a home program, discuss details with your doctor.
Withdrawal/Detox gives your body and mind a chance to recover.
