Alcoholism is a disease characterized by dependence on alcohol. In turn, it 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 exists, studies on alcohol dependence demonstrate the following statistics: the risk of developing alcoholism in children of alcohol-dependent parents increases on average by ¼. This allows us to state that the primary role in the formation of the disease is given to social and psychological factors, and that heredity acts as a favorable "context" that predisposes to 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, to maintain traditions or better fit into the team, etc. ;
- unsatisfying 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, ability to talk openly about "painful issues";
- internal inconsistency with images of the Ideal Self: low self-esteem, self-blame and self-reproach;
- impossibility of personal self-realization - lack of family, difficult relationships with parents ("I am a bad child", etc. );
- drinking as a way to remove psychological "barriers": shyness, 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 stop drinking alcohol, you should understand what might have caused your alcohol addiction. However, not all drinkers are ready to analyze the background of the problem and establish the cause of addiction, moreover, during the existence of alcohol, it has acquired a large number of myths that "justify" the harmful desire for the bottle. The main ones are presented below.
Myths about alcohol
Alcohol is the best assistant in the fight against diseases
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: from time to time it is allowed to drink a glass of red wine to increase 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 the risk of complications and the formation of a stable addiction.
Alcohol relieves stress
Drinking alcohol, in fact, 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 resist life problems. The destruction of the nervous system leads to an even greater susceptibility to external factors, a decrease in resistance to stress, which creates a vicious circle from which it becomes more and more difficult for the drinker to escape.
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 for strong narcotic substances. The only difference is the period during which a persistent addiction is created. Withdrawal syndrome also differs slightly, 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 occasionally is normal
Events such as weddings, birthdays, funerals, company parties, etc. they are always accompanied by the collective consumption of alcohol. However, they are not a reason to drink, but a reason to justify one's weakness and inability to resist 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 it is necessary to blindly follow such "tradition" and set the appropriate example ways for your children.
Drinking rarely is normal
The peculiarities of the culture, as mentioned above, presuppose a fairly frequent consumption of alcohol: an abundance of holidays, ceremonial holidays, the traditional "Friday" preceding the weekend. . . Against the background of the frequency of alcohol consumption by friends, acquaintances and other colleagues, it may seem that a person drinks very rarely. As one becomes accustomed to alcohol, the personal norm changes: the person still believes that he is not subject to the habit and that he rarely drinks.
I drink alcohol "for courage"
Often people drink to feel confident, decide to take a certain action, meet a nice person or have a spiritual conversation with friends or acquaintances. But the joy of communication lies not in shared alcoholic intoxication: in cases where an inferiority complex, a prejudicial attitude towards oneself, a lack of confidence in one's own attractiveness and strength does not allow the formation of social contacts, one should make a 'deep action work on yourself and do not resort to the glass.
Thus, we see that the real and imagined causes of alcoholism differ significantly, which can confuse the drinker. However, if he wants to overcome his craving for alcohol, he should stick 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, for it to form, some conditions must be met.
The right moment
Very often, the desire to abandon a dangerous habit comes after a good "party": a person feels so bad that he often promises 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 convincing argument in favor of sober living is needed.
Take 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 and the negative personal experiences of friends can help achieve this goal.
Take care of your 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 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: working qualities deteriorate, efficiency decreases, and soon you may simply lose your job. Alcohol is also an obstacle to professional growth.
Indeed, everyone may have their own incentive: someone has experienced a moral shock, someone is afraid to divorce the spouse who categorically gave an ultimatum, someone does not want to lose their moral character. It is necessary to determine which areas of life are the most important and understand how alcohol affects them.
Accept 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 girlfriends for "get-togethers"? What to do at a wedding or birthday? In this case, you should remember about pleasant changes: low-key fun, a pleasant pastime, no need to "get sick" after the holidays, etc. , And a new lifestyle will be formed naturally and easily.
Ability to relax
Learning relaxation techniques is necessary not only for those who are accustomed to drinking due to stress, but also for all those who are determined to free themselves from addiction. Withdrawal syndrome, stress resulting 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 can help you.
Exercising helps you take your mind off things
Physical activity not only occupies most of the time, but also contributes to the overall health of the body, releases "hormones of happiness", diversifies life and allows you to experience 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, doing handicrafts, carving wood, writing poetry or even writing your own blog, including one that deals with 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: advice for drinkers
Indeed, every drinker has a whole host of psychological problems: feelings of guilt, insecurity, embarrassment, inability to build trusting relationships with others, a feeling of "abandonment" - just a considerable part of the list of feelings and states characteristic. This needs to be worked on: perhaps completing the 12 Step treatment program or psychocounseling sessions will help overcome the barriers that have been created; 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 for managing alcohol
Traditional medicine also helps in the treatment of alcoholism. It would seem, how can folk remedies help you stop drinking alcohol? However, there are several common ways by which alcohol cravings weaken.
How to help yourself with a decoction?
A decoction of thyme herbs causes vomiting and aversion to alcohol. 15 g of dry herb is brewed with 2 cups of boiling water, boiled 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 50 ml/15 ml of vodka.
Tea as part of treatment for alcohol addiction
Ivan tea is mixed with thyme in 5/1 proportions, brewed with boiling water and simmered for 15-20 minutes. After the tea has cooled to the desired temperature (it should not scalding), a little honey is added. It should be consumed when the desire to drink arises, the permitted quantity 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 full recovery you need to visit a detox center to receive drug treatment and then undergo social and psychological rehabilitation.