Alcoholism is a disease characterized by alcohol dependence. This, in turn, consists of two main components: mental and physical, therefore, 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 it existing, studies on alcohol dependence demonstrate the following statistics: the risk of developing alcoholism in children of alcohol-dependent parents increases by an average of ¼. This allows us to assert that the primary role in the formation of the disease is assigned to social and psychological factors, and heredity acts as a favorable "background" that predisposes the progression of alcoholism.
- Social factorsrepresent a set of reasons and life circumstances that encourage a person to consume alcohol.
- pressure from third parties - in this case, the person starts drinking "socially" so as not to differentiate themselves from other team members, to maintain traditions or fit in better with the team, etc. ;
- unsatisfactory or complex professional activity - 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 responsibilities;
- 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, opportunity to talk about "painful issues";
- internal inconsistency with images of the Ideal Self - low self-esteem, self-accusations and self-recriminations;
- impossibility of personal self-realization - lack of family, difficult relationships with parents ("I'm a bad son", etc. );
- drinking as a way to remove psychological "barriers" – shyness, shyness, anxiety;
- fears, phobias, increased anxiety, distrust;
- the need to relieve tension, the inability to independently overcome stress and psycho-emotional stress.
Therefore, the list of factors is quite extensive and before you start looking for answers on how to give up alcohol, you must understand what may have caused your alcohol addiction. However, not every drinker is prepared to analyze the antecedents of the problem and establish the cause of the addiction, in addition, throughout 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 helper 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 from various sources is allowed even for pregnant women - it is allowed to drink a glass of red wine from time to time to increase tone, relieve stress from the cardiovascular system and improve mood. However, even in cases where alcohol temporarily stabilizes the condition, it does not help at all to overcome the disease, in addition, it is a toxic substance and only worsens the disease. It is important to remember that there are no therapeutic doses, but there is always a risk of complications and the formation of stable dependence.
Alcohol relieves stress
In fact, alcohol consumption not only does not solve problems and eliminate the source of stress, but it 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's 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 increasingly difficult for drinkers to get out.
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 with strong narcotic substances. The only difference is the period over which a persistent dependency 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, corporate parties, etc. are always accompanied by collective consumption of alcoholic beverages. However, they are not a reason to drink, but rather a reason to justify one's own weakness and inability to face the majority. Traditionally, there is no direct relationship between certain events and alcohol consumption; This association for most people is due solely to the example of authoritarian adults - however, this does not mean that it is necessary to blindly follow such a "tradition" and set the appropriate example for your children.
Drinking is rarely normal
The peculiarities of the culture, as mentioned above, presuppose a fairly frequent consumption of alcohol - an abundance of holidays, ceremonial celebrations, the traditional "Friday" preceding the weekend. . . Against the background of the frequency of drinking by friends, acquaintances and colleagues, a person may seem to drink very rarely. As a person becomes accustomed to alcohol, the personal norm changes - the person still believes that he is not subject to the habit and rarely drinks.
I drink alcohol "to have courage"
People often drink to feel confident, to decide to take a certain action, or to meet a nice person, or to have a spiritual conversation with friends or acquaintances. But the joy of communication does not lie in shared alcoholic drunkenness - in cases where the inferiority complex, prejudiced attitude towards oneself, lack of confidence in one's own attractiveness and strength do not allow the formation of social contacts, one must do deep work with yourself and don't resort to the glass.
Thus, we see that the real and imaginary causes of alcoholism differ significantly, which can confuse those who drink. However, if he wants to overcome his craving for alcohol, he must follow the following tips and rules.
Tips on how to stop drinking alone
The first and most important recommendation is a strong desire to overcome the craving for alcohol. However, for it to form, certain conditions must be met.
The right time
Most often, the desire to give up a dangerous habit appears after a good "feast" - 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 required.
Taking care of your health
Few drinkers are aware of the harm they do 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, as well as negative personal experiences of friends can help achieve this goal.
Caring for loved ones
It's no secret that excessive alcohol consumption affects not only the addict's psyche, but also the psychological state of those around him. It is important to remember about your loved ones - parents, spouse, children - it is the closest circle who often wonder 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 notice that a process of degradation is beginning: the qualities of work deteriorate, efficiency decreases and soon you may simply lose your job. Alcohol is also an obstacle to career growth.
In fact, everyone may have their own incentive - someone has suffered a moral shock, someone is afraid to divorce a spouse who categorically gave an ultimatum, someone does not want to lose their moral character. You need to determine which areas of life are most important and understand how alcohol affects them.
Accepting changes
It turns out that the main question is not "How to stop drinking alcohol? ", but rather "What to do when you stop? ". What to do on Friday night? How to go fishing with friends or with friends for "get-togethers"? What to do for a wedding or birthday? In this case, you should remember pleasant changes - sober fun, a pleasant pastime, no need to "get sick" after parties, etc. , and a new lifestyle will form naturally and easily.
Ability to relax
Learning relaxation techniques is necessary not only for those who are used to drinking because of stress, but also for those who are determined to get rid of the addiction. Withdrawal syndrome, stress caused by life changes, pressure from other people - all this can 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 exercise. You need to find something that helps you.
Exercising helps you take your mind off things
Physical activity not only takes up most of the time, but also contributes to the general health of the body, releases "happiness hormones", diversifies life and allows you to feel the joy of sobriety. This can be facilitated by yoga, running, swimming, skiing, horse riding, etc.
Hobbies bring back interest in life
For a person to realize his potential, strong family relationships and a favorite job are not enough. It's also important to do something you enjoy – creativity not only promotes relaxation, it also strengthens self-confidence and, in some cases, leads to success. Reading books, making crafts, carving wood, writing poetry or even writing your own blog, including one that addresses the question "How to stop drinking? " – you need to find the hidden potential in yourself and give it an outlet.
Psychological work on yourself - tips for drinkers
In fact, every drinker has a number of psychological problems: feelings of guilt, doubts, embarrassment, inability to build trusting relationships with others, a feeling of "abandonment" - just a considerable part of the list of characteristic feelings and states. . You need to work on this: perhaps completing the 12 Step treatment program or psychocounseling sessions will help overcome the barriers that have arisen; Maybe you can do it yourself. However, this point is mandatory, as eliminating the root of the problem is the key to success.
Other methods of dealing with 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 methods by which alcohol cravings decrease.
How to help yourself with a decoction?
A decoction of thyme causes vomiting and an 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 a proportion of 50ml/15ml of vodka.
Tea as part of alcohol dependence treatment
Ivan tea is mixed with thyme in a ratio of 5/1, brewed with boiling water and boiled for 15-20 minutes. After the tea has cooled to the desired temperature (it should not scald), 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 complete recovery it is necessary to go to a drug treatment center to receive drug treatment and then undergo social and psychological rehabilitation.