Getting over an alcohol addiction is no simple task. Millions of Americans are reported to have struggled with alcohol use disorder (AUD) each year and that number only continues grow. If you or your loved one is one of those lucky individuals who has reached the point in their alcohol addiction where enough is enough, and you or your loved one is ready to start living an alcohol-free lifestyle, then Long Island Center for Recovery (LICR) is here to help.
The best way to get over an alcohol addiction and begin living an alcohol-free lifestyle would likely be to check-in to an inpatient rehab facility such as Long Island Center for Recovery, but we know that amongst the millions of Americans suffering with alcohol use disorder, there are some that will take their own approach. Whether you enter an inpatient facility, seek treatment, or proceed at your own pace, the following tips should help you along your journey to sobriety and eventually living that alcohol-free lifestyle.
One of the most difficult parts about individuals battling with alcohol use disorder, is that, unlike use disorders relating to illegal substances, alcohol is a legal substance, it’s easily obtained and recreationally used and accepted amongst many social circles. The act of consuming alcohol can become a pass-time, hobby, expectation through work or even social gatherings, but despite being a legal substance, there’s a reason why the volume of alcohol is regulated. The truth is, alcohol is a very dangerous and harmful substance and should be treated as such.
The first tip to help you in achieving your goal of an alcohol-free lifestyle is to attempt to avoid situations with alcohol consumption. This doesn’t have to be a permanent avoidance, but early on when individuals are trying to kick their habit of alcohol consumption, being around those certain situations can make it too difficult to bear. Skip the party, avoid the social happy hour, until you feel strong enough to be around the substance without craving the act itself.
This tip is best done with the support you would receive at an inpatient treatment facility like LICR, under the supervision of medically trained staff as well as supportive and behavioral therapy. Nearly all individuals that battle with alcohol use disorder feed into their addiction because it gives them something they need, or at least something they think they need. These triggers and urges, however subtle, are something that when analyzed can become clear and area of avoidance/management. An example would be if, you tend to drink alcohol when you snack, try to cut down on the snacking, or know that this is a typical trigger, and prepare yourself the next time you go to the fridge for a bite to eat.
Sometimes an urge is superficial, such as the routine example above, but other times the urge to drink stems from much deeper triggers we are still hold on to from our past. These are best explored with a medical professional and will likely need to be addressed at some point in order to achieve our goals of an alcohol-free lifestyle.
This tip finds its way into most habit breaking journeys. Smokers might use a nicotine patch to wean themselves off of the addictive nicotine. Some people recovering from alcoholism might try replacing the habit by drinking non-alcoholic drinks or mocktails. It also doesn’t have to be a substance for a substance, some might fill one addiction for a new healthy habit like hitting the gym, doing charity work, devoting time to religion, or other hobbies that replace the more harmful act of consuming alcohol. Filling the time previously spent consuming alcohol is essential to preventing relapse and making your journey to an alcohol-free lifestyle a long and lasting one.
A replacement may help with the mental connection an individual has to the alcohol dependence but many individuals make the mistake of underestimating the physical withdrawal symptoms connected to alcohol use disorder. As mentioned previously, it’s always best to get through the withdrawal symptoms of any addictive substance under the supervision of a medically trained staff at an inpatient addiction facility such as Long Island Center for Recovery, but preparing yourself for some of the physical withdrawal symptoms as you make your way to an alcohol-free lifestyle will make them more manageable, and your preparedness should help prevent a potential relapse.
Your journey to an alcohol-free lifestyle is not one you must walk alone. It’s another added benefit of our facility which incorporates group therapy and team oriented approach to each client’s recovery but whether you’re at a facility or not, support is always a benefit. Whether it’s leaning on a close trustworthy group of family and friends, or joining local Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, adding support from individuals who have been in your shoes is an essential tip to add along your journey.
In a study conducted by the National Institute of Drug Abuse, a range of 40-60% of individuals will relapse within their first year of rehab from a substance use disorder. This is not meant to defeat you, or buffer in an excuse, the goal remains to get to that eventual alcohol-free lifestyle, but preparing yourself for imperfection and giving yourself some grace to accept a lapsed moment and continue forward could mean the difference. Remember to show yourself some grace, give yourself credit for bettering your life, and the confidence to continue that journey.
The founder of Long Island Center for Recovery, Jack Hamilton, went on his own alcohol-free journey back in 1980 and came out the other side with a wealth of knowledge, wisdom, and the resolve to help others along their own journeys. His daughter and family can still remember him saying, every addict deserves a chance, and everyone is capable of change. We hope those words guide you along your own journey and despite any bumps in the road, or how long that journey might take, don’t ever give up pushing for that better life.
We hope these tips help you along your journey to an alcohol-free lifestyle. If you or a loved one needs any additional assistance with addiction treatment services or alcohol dependence, please reach out to Long Island Center for Recovery at 1-800-344-5427, and we’d be happy to assist you or your loved ones in any way possible.
References:
American Addiction Centers: Alcohol Relapse and Recovery Statistics
https://americanaddictioncenters.org/alcohol/relapse-statistics
The fact of the matter, and one we all need to get comfortable with, is that alcohol relapses are actually a normal part of recovery, experienced by so many individuals throughout their recovery journey. Although this is most certainly not the goal, and the fact of alcohol relapse should be discussed, as any individuals who […]
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