Alcoholism is a disease characterized by dependence on alcohol. It consists of two main components: psychological and physical, so before you answer the question "How to stop drinking alcohol on your own? "" it is important to consider the causes and factors of addiction.
Causes of excessive alcohol consumption
- Genetic factor.Despite the fact that it exists, studies of alcohol dependence show the following statistics: the risk of developing alcoholism in children of alcohol-dependent parents increases by an average of ¼. This allows us to claim that social and psychological factors play a primary role in the onset of the disease, and heredity acts as a favorable "background" that predisposes the progression of alcoholism.
- Social factorsrepresent a group of reasons and life circumstances that stimulate a person to drink alcohol.
- pressure from others - in this case, a person begins to drink "socially" in order not to differ from other team members, to maintain tradition or to fit in better with the team, etc. ;
- unsatisfactory or complex professional activity - a lot of time, boredom, incorrectly chosen job that does not match 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 diet, lack of stable income.
- Psychological reasonsBasically, they represent an inability to adapt to the reality 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 relationship, possibility to talk about "painful issues";
- internal inconsistency with images of the Ideal Self - low self-esteem, self-accusation and self-reproach;
- impossibility of personal self-realization - lack of family, difficult relations with parents ("I'm a bad son", etc. );
- drinking as a way to remove psychological "barriers" – timidity, shyness, anxiety;
- fears, phobias, increased anxiety, suspiciousness;
- the need to relieve tension, the inability to overcome stress independently and psycho-emotional stress.
So, the list of factors is quite extensive and before you start looking for answers on how to quit drinking, you should understand what could have caused your alcohol addiction. However, not every alcoholic is ready to analyze the background of the problem and determine the cause of addiction, moreover, during the existence of alcohol, he acquired a large number of myths that "justify" the harmful craving for a bottle. The main ones are presented below.
Myths about alcohol
Alcohol is the best helper in the fight against disease
This is a common misconception about 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 many sources is allowed even for pregnant women - it is allowed to drink a glass of red wine from time to time to raise the tone, relieve stress on the cardiovascular system and improve mood. However, even in cases where alcohol temporarily stabilizes the condition, it does not help in overcoming the disease, moreover, it is a poisonous substance and only worsens the disease. It should be remembered that there are no therapeutic doses, but there is always a risk of complications and the creation 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 also adds new difficulties. In addition, a person forgets how to relax himself, regulate his mental state and loses the ability to withstand life's troubles. The destruction of the nervous system leads to even greater susceptibility to external factors, reduced resistance to stress, which creates a vicious circle from which drinkers find it increasingly difficult to escape.
Alcohol is not a drug
Despite the legality of alcohol and its general availability, the mechanism of addiction is the same as that of strong narcotic substances. The only difference is the period during which permanent dependence is created. Withdrawal syndrome is also somewhat different, but occurs in both cases when the body stops receiving the usual substance. In addition, the treatment of alcoholism and drug addiction 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. they are always accompanied by drinking alcohol together. However, they are not a reason to drink, but a reason to justify one's own weakness and inability to stand up to the majority. Traditionally, there is no direct link between certain events and alcohol consumption; this association in most people is only the result of the example of authoritative adults - however, this does not mean that you have to blindly follow such a "tradition" and set an appropriate example for your children.
Drinking is rarely normal
Peculiarities of the culture, as stated above, presuppose quite frequent alcohol consumption - an abundance of holidays, festive feasts, the traditional "Friday" that precedes the weekend. . . Against the background of the frequency of alcohol consumption by friends, acquaintances and colleagues, it may seem that a person is extremelyrarely drinks As a person gets used to alcohol, the personal norm changes - the person still believes that he is not subject to the habit and rarely drinks.
I drink alcohol "for courage"
Often people drink to feel confident, decide on a certain action, or meet a nice person, or have a spiritual conversation with friends or acquaintances. But the joy of communication does not lie in joint alcohol intoxication - in cases when the inferiority complex, self-prejudice, lack of confidence in one's own attractiveness and strength do not allow the creation of social contacts, it is necessary to work deeply on oneself, and not resort to a glass.
Thus, we see that the real and fictional causes of alcoholism differ significantly, which can confuse the drinker. However, if he wants to overcome his craving for alcohol, he 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, in order for it to be formed, certain conditions must be met.
Right time
Most often, the desire to give up a dangerous habit comes 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 for it or no one for it? As a rule, a convincing argument in favor of a sober life is needed.
Taking care of your health
Few drinkers are aware of the harm they are doing to themselves - they understand that alcohol consumption is harmful, but they do not understand exactly what alcoholism entails. Perhaps documentaries, articles, books about the dangers of alcohol, as well as personal negative 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 mental state of those around him. It is important to remember about your loved ones - parents, spouse, children - it is the closest circle that often asks the question of how to persuade a loved one to stop drinking. This is a good incentive to start a sober life.
Desire to maintain social status, profession, wealth
Many people who drink realize that the process of degradation begins: the quality of work deteriorates, efficiency decreases, and soon you may simply lose your job. Alcohol is also an obstacle to career advancement.
In fact, everyone can have their own incentive - someone experienced a moral shock, someone is afraid of divorce from 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.
Embracing change
It happens that the main question is not "How to stop drinking alcohol? ", but "What should I do when I quit? ". What to do on Friday night? How to go fishing with friends or with girlfriends on "get-togethers"? What to do at a wedding or birthday? In this case, you should remember pleasant changes - sober entertainment, pleasant pastime, no need to "get sick" after feasting, etc. , and a new lifestyle will be formed naturally and easily.
The ability to relax
Learning relaxation techniques is necessary not only for those who have become addicted to drinking due to stress, but also for anyone who is determined to break free from addiction. Withdrawal syndrome, stress due to life changes, pressure from others - all these 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 deep breaths; others need deep spiritual practices and serious exercises. You need to find something to help you.
Exercise helps you take your mind off things
Physical activity not only takes up most of the time, but also contributes to the overall health of the body, releases "happy hormones", diversifies life and allows you to feel the joy of sobriety. This can be facilitated by yoga, running, swimming, skiing, horseback riding, etc.
Hobbies restore interest in life
For a person to realize 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, crafts, wood carving, writing poetry or even writing your own blog, including one that covers the question "How to stop drinking? "– it is necessary to find the hidden potential in yourself and give it an outlet.
Psychological work on yourself - tips for drunkards
In fact, every alcoholic has a whole range of psychological problems: guilt, self-doubt, shame, the inability to build trusting relationships with others, the feeling of "abandonment" - this is only a significant part of the list of characteristic feelings and conditions. You have to work on this: maybe the ending willa 12-step treatment program or a psychocounseling session to help overcome the obstacles that have arisen; perhaps you can do it yourself. However, this point is mandatory, because getting rid of the root of the problem is the key to success.
Other methods of combating alcohol
Traditional medicine also helps in the treatment of alcoholism. It seems, how folk remedies can help you stop drinking alcohol? However, there are several common methods by which the craving for alcohol is reduced.
How to help yourself with a decoction?
A decoction of the thyme plant induces vomiting and aversion to alcohol. 15 g of the dried plant is boiled with 2 cups of boiling water, stewed for 10-15 minutes, and then a little boiled water is added until the original volume is obtained. It is taken twice a day in the ratio of 50ml/15ml vodka.
Tea as part of alcohol addiction treatment
John's wort is mixed with thyme in a ratio of 5: 1, boiled with boiling water and boiled for 15-20 minutes. After the tea has cooled to the desired temperature (it should not burn), a little honey is added. It should be consumed when there is a desire to drink, the permitted amount is up to 5 cups per day.
Despite the abundance of advice on how to quit drinking on your own, a small percentage of people who crave alcohol succeed. In most cases, full recovery requires a visit to an addiction treatment center, followed by social and psychological rehabilitation.