According to reports published by Alcoholics Anonymous, there are nearly 2.1 million AA members across the world. That is over 2 million individuals who have a desire to stop drinking alcohol and to stay sober. If this was an easy feat, then alcoholics wouldn’t need a support group. Figuring out how to stop drinking alcohol is something that each and every one of these members has most likely struggled with. Here are 10 things you can do to improve your journey to sobriety:
- Make a plan
- Establish a support system
- Be open-minded
- Implement self-care
- Pay attention to your diet & nutrition
- Talk to your doctor
- Find new, healthy hobbies
- Download a recovery app
- Set attainable long-term goals
- Reach out for help
Make a Plan
It’s easier to cope with the struggles of recovery when there is a plan already set. For instance, don’t wait until the cravings have already set in to decide how to overcome them. It is easier to overcome cravings when you have already had coping strategies in place. Consider what you will do and who you will call. What if you get withdrawal symptoms? Will you be in a facility that can treat you? If not, how will you get help in the event of a medical emergency? A treatment center has professionals who will help a client develop and implement a plan for recovery.
Establish Your Support System
Support from family and friends can be extremely helpful through the recovery process, but family members don’t necessarily understand what you are going through. Having professional and/or relatable support usually comes from places outside of your immediate social circle. Alcoholics Anonymous runs support group meetings that can be found across the country and are offered in various formats to meet each community’s needs. Through AA you can also find a sponsor, someone you can call whenever you need to talk and help hold you accountable. For those who don’t feel AA is right for them, there are other support options such as SMART Recovery.
Be Open-Minded
When it comes to getting sober and receiving treatment, stay open-minded. You may not have been someone who ever expected to take a yoga class, but you may end up finding this type of therapy extremely helpful. Additionally, it is ideal to be able to get sober without taking additional medications, but for some people, MAT is the safest route. Medications such as naltrexone have been found to be highly effective for alcohol recovery. Be willing to try different treatments and therapies to find what works for you.
Implement Self Care
Self-care means taking the time to do things that improve mental and physical wellbeing. Massages and yoga classes are 2 examples of common self-care activities, but in reality, self-care looks different for each person. For one person, self-care may be taking a nature walk once a week, whereas for others it might be going golfing. Think about what brings you joy and make it a point to find time for that particular activity.
Pay Attention to Your Diet & Nutrition
What you put into your body can either strengthen or weaken both your mind and body. For one, proper nutrition will improve the detox process by reducing the severity and length of withdrawal symptoms. On the other hand, malnutrition and dehydration can make symptoms significantly worse. Some symptoms, such as cravings, can actually last for months into sobriety. Proper nutrition can actually help reduce these symptoms and promote healing of damage that alcohol causes to one’s heart, brain, and liver.
Talk to Your Doctor
Alcohol detox can be dangerous for an individual with a severe addiction. Before going “cold turkey”, talk with your primary care physician. They can evaluate your situation and provide advice to minimize any possible risks associated with getting sober. There is no need to risk any complications when your goal is to improve your life for the long term. An alcohol detox facility will provide access to a medical doctor that can help ensure your wellbeing and provide medical attention.
Find New, Healthy Hobbies
When going to bars or staying home with a bottle of whiskey are no longer options, what are you going to do with your free time? Think of sobriety as an opportunity to pick up a new hobby, skill, or activity. Maybe you are going to learn how to code or maybe you are going to grow a garden.
Download a Recovery App
There are countless applications that you can download on your phone to get portable support. Some of them you can even download for free. For instance, Sober Grid is a free online recovery forum and Sobriety Counter counts how much money you have saved by not drinking. Here is a list of recovery mobile apps:
- 12 Steps AA Companion
- I Am Sober
- Nomo
- Sober Grid
- Sobriety Counter
- Stop Drinking with Andrew Johnson
- Twenty-Four Hours a Day
Set Attainable Long-term Goals
Why do you want to get sober? Are you hoping to improve your relationship with your spouse or children? Do you want to progress in your career? What does this look like? Use these questions to set some goals for yourself. Make sure they are attainable. An example of a strong, attainable goal would be “plan a date with my spouse once a month for 6 months.” Sticking to this goal helps create structure and helps rebuild an important relationship.
Reach Out For Help
Never, I repeat, never think that you have to do this alone. There is always someone who will be willing to talk with you or help you through a tough time. From family and friends to crisis helplines, you are never without an option. At Find Recovery, our helpline is open 24/7. We are here to help direct you to the resources that you need.
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