“ First you take a drink,
then the drink takes a drink,
then the drink takes you “
In today’s society drinking is considered an important social activity. Some seek refuge from stress in alcohol while some believe it to be a potential remedy for insomnia and anxiety.
But, drinking also comes with some major downsides.
Even moderate drinking can make you feel groggy and hungover. The more you drink the more unhealthy you are likely to be. You may develop:
Disturbed sleep
Digestive problems
Memory issues
Irritability, anxiety, short temper, and depression.
Conflicts and quarrels with your loved ones.
These problems keep piling up and there comes a moment when you are not able to deal with them anymore and you realize it’s time for a break. Nowadays, more and more people are taking a closer look at the role alcohol plays in their life.
EXPLORE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH ALCOHOL
Why do you drink: The very first step is to ask yourself why you drink. Is it to deal with your emotional pain, insomnia or some other stressful situation.
How much do you drink: You might not realize your dependency on alcohol but you may have a feeling that you’re drinking too much. A quick drink may often turn into three or four drinks. When you’re having a good time with your friends you may find yourself overdoing it without meaning to.
Your approach: You may not be sure about giving up completely and you don’t want to hold yourself to that goal. But that's perfectly fine. It’s more important to look at your drinking habit and find a way to cut back that works best for you.
Why you drink: Knowing why you drink is essential, whether it’s relationship, stress, trouble at work, insomnia, or anything else. Understanding the reason can help you find more helpful ways to manage your emotions.
The following steps may help you cut back or quit completely:
Write it down
Make a list of all the reasons you need to cut down on your drinking such as feeling healthier, sleeping better, and improving relationships with your loved ones. All these reasons will surely become a source of motivation for you.
Fix a goal
Set a limit on how much you drink. Keep your drinking below the recommended guidelines - it may be just one or two drinks per day.
Keep a track
Maintain a diary to keep a track of your drink every time. Also, write down how much and where you drank and then compare it with your goal. If you waver from your goal, consult your doctor.
Avoid keeping alcohol in your house
This might help to limit alcohol intake or substitute it with other drinks such as soda, juice or other beverages.
Learn to say NO
Practice ways to say no politely. Watch out for peer pressure. You don’t have to drink every time you are offered one and just because others are drinking. Do not hang out with people who pressurize you to drink.
Keep busy
Exercise, take a walk, play sports, go out to eat, watch a movie, pick up a hobby or revisit an old one. These will help you be involved in a constructive way.
Resist temptations and don’t give up
Steer clear of people and places that tempt you to drink. When you are worried, lonely, or stressed you may be tempted, but try to cultivate new and healthy ways to cope.
Many people take several attempts to succeed. You may have setbacks but don’t let them demotivate you as this is a long ongoing effort and there is no final endpoint to it.
Reach out for support
Quitting alcohol is no easy job for all. If you find it difficult to stick to your goal, reach out to your primary health care provider. If you are unable to open up to the healthcare provider, find a therapist.
Quitting drinking may take time, so treat yourself kindly if it doesn’t stick at first. Whether your end goal involves complete sobriety or more mindful drinking, you’re still doing your brain and body a big favor.
There are various reasons for not drinking. It’s up to you to decide how open you want to be about your own circumstances. You are not obligated to offer details when you turn down a drink, but it can help you have a response ready.
I’m cutting back due to my health.
I don’t like drinking.
Once you’ve cut back on your drinking, examine your drinking habits regularly to see if you are maintaining this level of drinking. Some people attain their goal only to fall back again later. If this happens consult your doctor.
There are some alternative methods that can also be very helpful such as homeopathy. Alcoban is a homeopathic anti-addiction treatment that makes the process of quitting alcohol 10 times easier. What it does is induce a natural reluctance towards alcoholic substances so that you stop craving them. It also curbs withdrawal symptoms. It has no side effects and can be easily mixed in with water or meals. It can also be given without the addict’s knowledge.
For more information, please visit https://www.alcoban.in/
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