How do I recover from alcoholism?

Alcoholism can make it feel like it has a stronghold on you and is holding you captive. If you find yourself thinking about your next drink throughout the day, you’ve developed an addiction and are suffering from substance abuse. Many people wait too long to seek help or obtain the right resources due to shame and embarrassment.

Fortunately, you can find freedom and have hope for the future when you’re looking to recover from alcoholism. There are many treatment programs and tools available to help you regain control of your health. Here are a few effective ways you can recover from alcoholism with the help of professionals.

Obtain Support

It can be difficult to recover from an alcohol addiction if you don’t have the support of your family members and friends. You can expect to have hard days where you’re tempted to return to alcohol and need people to help you regain your focus. Think about the people in your life whom you trust and can remain open and vulnerable with as you work hard to obtain sobriety. Sit down with your loved ones and discuss the support that you need to move forward.

Avoid spending time or opening up to individuals who cause you to feel judged. You need as much support as possible to have the strength to move forward. With healthy and positive people in your circle, it can be easier to have accountability for the decisions you make and learn how to love yourself again.

Seek Professional Help

Many people fail to recover from alcoholism without the help of professionals. Look into therapy with people who specialize in addictions to ensure you can understand the cause of your alcohol use. A qualified professional can provide you with the tools you need to avoid your triggers and get to the root of the issue.

Set Goals for Yourself

Setting new goals for yourself can allow you to work towards sobriety and to be patient with yourself during the process. You can start by creating a goal of quitting alcohol by a specific date. It can also include avoiding alcohol on the weekends or limiting your alcohol consumption to ensure you can gradually recover instead of attempting to quit cold turkey. Your goals can also be outside of your addiction and may include pursuing higher education or paying off your debt. When you spend your time focusing on other parts of your life, it can allow you to focus less on consuming alcohol.

Discover New Passions and Interests

It’s important to replace your addiction with activities and interests that contribute to your life to ensure you fill the void. Start to explore new hobbies that you may enjoy, which include photography, gardening, or cycling. Spend time outdoors and pursue hobbies that release endorphins to ensure you can lift your mood without depending on alcohol. You can also enroll in classes at your local community center or university to develop new skills. You may want to learn how to make ceramics or learn a second language. Once you discover your passions, they can provide you with something to look forward to each day.

Learn How to Cope with Stress

Many people consume alcohol as a way to wind down and reduce their stress each day. Learning how to cope with your stress is key to recovering from alcoholism to ensure you no longer need to depend on it to feel at ease. Exercising and increasing your heart rate is one of the most effective ways to relax the body and mind. You can also try different breathing techniques, yoga, and mindful meditation. Avoid spending time in chaotic settings that can cause you to feel on edge. Eating a clean diet can also regulate your moods. If you’re ready to recover from alcoholism, you can reach out to our team of counselors today. Call 954-523-1167.