If you’re an alcoholic, you may be wondering how to recover from alcoholism. If you’re struggling with an addiction to alcohol, you may be feeling helpless and hopeless. However, there is hope. Recovery is possible. Alcoholism is a relapsing, chronic disease, but it is treatable.
It can be difficult and long to recover from alcoholism, but it is possible. With the right help and support, you can overcome your addiction and lead a healthy, sober life. The first step to recovery from alcoholism is admitting that you have a problem. Admitting that you need help is a difficult step, but once you do, you can begin to seek help. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you need help recovering from alcoholism.
Seek Professional Help
Professional help is the most effective way to recover from alcoholism. This may sound obvious, but it is extremely crucial to realize that addiction is a disease, and professional help is the only way to treat it effectively. The first step in treatment is detoxification, which is the process of getting rid of the alcohol in your body. As you navigate the difficult journey to sobriety after detox, a qualified therapist or counselor can provide vital support and guidance.
Choose a therapist who uses an effective treatment modality for alcoholism. For instance, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatment methods for alcohol and substance abuse disorders. If personal therapy is not sufficient, you may need to consider outpatient or inpatient rehab. Outpatient rehab allows you to live at home while attending treatment during the day. Inpatient rehab requires you to stay for at least 28 days in the treatment facility. Alcoholism recovery is assisted by both types of treatment through groups, individual counseling, and other therapies.
Join a Support Group
It’s not easy to stop a problematic habit alone, and that’s why support groups can be so helpful. It doesn’t matter how much difficulty you have in staying sober, there’s an Alcoholics Anonymous support group out there that can assist you because they offer accountability, motivation, and encouragement.
They also allow you to share your experiences with others who are going through the same thing as you. You’re sure to find a local support group that fits your needs. In addition to attending meetings, you may also want to consider getting involved in other activities such as service projects or social events. These activities can help keep you busy and focused on your recovery.
Make Lifestyle Changes to Cut Back on Your Drinking
To reduce your drinking, you may need to alter your lifestyle. For example, you may need to avoid social situations where alcohol is present or limit the amount of time you spend with friends who drink heavily. Additionally, you might need to change your perception of drinking.
In addition to changing your diet and exercise habits, Alcoholics Anonymous recommends reframing your relationship with alcohol as one of “abstinence” rather than “abstinence.” Not only will altering your attitude help you recover, but it will also improve your health as a whole.
Get Involved in Activities That Don’t Involve Alcohol
You can still have fun without alcohol even when it’s been such a big part of your social life. If you get involved in activities that don’t involve alcohol, you’re well on your way to recovery from alcoholism. You just have to be creative and open-minded to find sober fun. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Get together with old friends and family members you don’t get to see often.
- Take up a new hobby or join a sports team, perhaps taking up walking, running, or bike riding.
- Donate your time to a local soup kitchen, animal shelter, or other charity organization.
- Visit local sights and attractions you’ve been meaning to see but never had a chance to. If you make the effort to look, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find out that there is a treatment option that is right for you.
Although it is a long and difficult process, it’s possible to recover from alcoholism with the right help and support. We invite you to reach out to our counselors at 833-846-5669 if you are suffering from alcoholism.