Alcoholism is a disease characterized by alcohol dependence. This, in turn, 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 the addiction.
Causes of excessive alcohol consumption.
- Genetic factor.Although it exists, 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 affirm that the main role in the formation of the disease is given to social and psychological factors, and heredity acts as a favorable "background" that predisposes the progression of alcoholism.
- Social factorsThey represent a group of reasons and life circumstances that encourage a person to drink alcohol.
- pressure from others: in this case, a person begins to drink "socially" in order not to stand out from the rest of the team members, to maintain traditions or to fit better into the team, etc. ;
- unsatisfactory 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 reasonsThey basically represent an inability to adapt to the realities of life, a lack of confidence in oneself and one's strengths. They are mainly composed of the following factors:
- demonstrative behavior - deliberately attracting the attention of the public or a small circle of people;
- lack of trusting relationships, the opportunity to talk about "painful issues";
- internal inconsistency with the images of the Ideal Self: low self-esteem, self-accusation and self-reproaches;
- impossibility of personal self-realization: lack of family, difficult relationships with parents ("I am a bad son", etc. );
- drinking as a way to eliminate 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.
So, the list of factors is quite extensive and before you start looking for answers on how to quit alcohol, you need to understand what could have caused your alcohol addiction. However, not all drinkers are willing to analyze the background of the problem and establish the cause of addiction; In addition, during the existence of alcohol, a large number of myths have been acquired that "justify" the harmful craving 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 from various 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 tension on the cardiovascular system and improve mood. However, even in cases where alcohol temporarily stabilizes the disease, it does not in any way help to overcome the disease; Furthermore, it is a toxic substance and only aggravates it. 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
In fact, drinking alcohol not only does not solve problems and does not eliminate the source of stress, but it also adds new difficulties. In addition, a person forgets how to relax, regulate his mental state and loses the ability to resist life's problems. The destruction of the nervous system leads to even greater susceptibility to external factors, lower resistance to stress, which creates a vicious circle from which it becomes increasingly difficult for the drinker to get out.
Alcohol is not a drug.
Despite the legality of alcohol and its widespread availability, the mechanism for developing dependence is the same as that of strong narcotic substances. The only difference is the period during which a persistent dependency is created. Withdrawal syndrome also differs slightly, but in both cases it occurs 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 from time to time is normal
Events such as weddings, birthdays, funerals, corporate parties, etc. They are always accompanied by the collective consumption of alcohol. However, they are not a reason to drink, but rather a reason to justify one's own weakness and inability to stand up to 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 adults in authority; However, this does not mean that you should blindly follow that "tradition" and set the right conditions. 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 feasts, the traditional "Friday" preceding the weekend. . . Against the background of the frequency of alcohol consumption by friends, acquaintances and 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 rarely drinks.
I drink alcohol "to have courage"
Often people drink to feel safe, decide to take a certain action, meet a nice person, or have a spiritual conversation with friends or acquaintances. But the joy of communication does not lie in shared alcohol intoxication: 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, it is You must make a deep effort. work on yourself and not resort to a glass.
So, we see that the real and imagined causes of alcoholism differ significantly, which can lead the drinker to confusion. However, if you want to overcome your craving for alcohol, you should follow 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, certain conditions must be met.
The perfect time
Most often, the desire to give up a dangerous habit arises after a good "feast" - a person feels so bad that he often promises not to drink alcohol again.
Stimulus
How to stop drinking alcohol if there is nothing and no one to do it for? As a general rule, a compelling argument for sober living is needed.
Taking care of your health
Few drinkers are aware of the damage 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, as well as the 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 psyche of the addict, 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 that often wonders 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 and wealth.
Many drinkers realize that a degradation process is beginning: work qualities deteriorate, efficiency decreases, and soon work may simply be lost. Alcohol is also an obstacle to professional growth.
In fact, everyone may have their own incentive: someone has experienced a moral shock, someone is afraid to divorce their spouse, who has categorically given them 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 the change
It happens that the main question is not "How to stop drinking alcohol? ", but "What to do when I stop? ". What to do on Friday night? How to go fishing with friends for "meetings"? What to do at a wedding or birthday? In this case, you need to remember about pleasant changes: sober fun, a pleasant pastime, no need to "get sick" after parties, 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 used to drinking due to stress, but also for everyone who is determined to get rid of addiction. Withdrawal syndrome, stress caused by changes in life, pressure from others - all this may require the ability to self-adapt 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 breathe deeply; Others need deep spiritual practices and serious exercises. You need to find something to help you.
Exercising helps you take your mind off things
Physical activity not only takes up most of your time, but also contributes to the general health of the body, releases "hormones of happiness", diversifies life and allows you to feel the joy of sobriety. This can be facilitated through yoga, running, swimming, skiing, horseback riding, etc.
Hobbies restore interest in life.
For a person to develop 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, making crafts, carving wood, writing poetry or even writing your own blog, including one that covers the question "How to stop drinking? " – you need to find the hidden potential in yourself and give it an outlet.
Psychological work on oneself: tips for drinkers
In fact, every drinker has a whole range of psychological problems: feelings of guilt, self-doubt, shame, inability to build trusting relationships with others, a feeling of "abandonment" - just a considerable part of the list of feelings. and characteristic states. . You need to work on this: perhaps completing the 12-step treatment program or psychocounseling sessions will help you overcome the barriers that have arisen; 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 of dealing with alcohol
Traditional medicine also helps in the treatment of alcoholism. It seems, how can home remedies help you stop drinking alcohol? However, there are several common methods by which the craving for alcohol is weakened.
How to help you with a decoction?
A decoction of thyme causes vomiting and aversion to alcohol. 15 g of dry herb is brewed with 2 cups of boiling water, simmered 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 50ml/15ml 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 to 20 minutes. After the tea has cooled to the desired temperature (it should not be boiling), a little honey is added to it. It should be consumed when the urge to drink arises, the allowed amount is up to 5 cups per day.
Despite the wealth of advice on how to quit drinking alcohol on your own, a small percentage of people who crave alcohol do manage to do so. In most cases, a complete recovery requires visiting a drug treatment center for drug treatment and then undergoing social and psychological rehabilitation.