If a drinker wonders how to stop drinking on his own, then this is already the first step in fighting alcoholism. A psychiatrist-narcologist shares his professional experience on how to help a person solve this problem and achieve success in the independent fight against the green snake.
Is it always possible to stop drinking on your own and how not to miss this opportunity?
If we talk about the stages of development of alcoholism, then permanent abstinence from alcohol is possible at the initial stage, when only psychological dependence on alcohol is formed. In the second stage, the problem becomes more severe and complicated due to the integration of ethyl alcohol into metabolic processes leading to the formation of physical dependence. Patients can stop drinking alcohol at this stage, but it is extremely difficult. In the third and final stage of alcoholism, the patient is not even faced with the question of how to quit drinking on his own. He is no longer able to fully assess the situation, the craving for alcohol becomes irresistible, has a physiological nature and is complicated by the development of a number of mental, nervous and somatic disorders. In this case, you will have to resort to mandatory treatment of alcoholism.
Therefore, it is important not to ignore the first signs of alcoholism, analyze the situation and direct yourself to overcome alcohol cravings. One should be wary of the following points:
Switch from drinking regularly to drinking regularly. If you used to only drink alcohol on holidays and no more than once a week, but now you regularly drink with "warm" friends every Friday after the end of the work week, you should think about it. Think again and try to end this dangerous tradition. Harmless Friday drinking gatherings may soon be followed by Saturday binges, Sunday hangovers and the development of weekend alcoholism. And this is a direct path to heavy alcoholism in the body with all the subsequent negative consequences for mental and physical health, problems with loved ones and work.
Increased alcohol consumption and difficulty controlling it. Lack of sense of proportion does not allow a person to stop drinking alcohol in time and becomes the cause of severe alcohol poisoning.
Change your social circle and leisure time. Old friends become boring, the addict enjoys the company of drinking friends, former interests are replaced by finding more attractive ways to satisfy the addiction to alcohol.
A rather disturbing sign of the beginning of the transition from stage 1 of alcoholism to stage 2 is an increased tolerance to alcohol, when it is necessary to increase the amount of alcohol to achieve the effect. It manifests itself in the fact that the patient can drink a lot of alcohol without obvious intoxication and a hangover afterward. Many people even brag about this "superpower" of theirs, without even suspecting that this is a sign of progressive alcoholism.
Just celebrate with alcohol and think of new reasons to drink. The most typical is reducing stress, there are so many reasons in our daily lives. Any holiday or sad day, even a small event, can become a reason to celebrate with alcohol.
Difficulty communicating with relatives, friends and colleagues. Without drinking the usual amount of alcohol, a person becomes irritable, suspicious, restless, aggressive, his autonomic nervous system is affected and inadequate mental reactions toactions and words of others.
In addition, ethyl alcohol can have a negative effect on the liver, manifested by nausea, vomiting and digestive problems. In fact, any organ can be damaged, especially those that are initially affected by certain diseases. For example, in hypertensive patients, blood pressure problems become more severe; Pancreatic function weakens, alcoholic pancreatitis may develop; The kidneys are affected due to the constant diuretic and toxic effects of alcohol.
What should be the psychological atmosphere that is conducive to solving the problem of how to quit drinking on your own?
To paraphrase this question, we can formulate it this way: how to stop drinking alcohol at home on your own? Naturally, this can be done only in a favorable psychological environment at home and work. The main thing that is required from others is:
Minimize all temptations. You should not mention alcohol in conversations about parties and corporate events, stock up on alcohol in the house, combine vacations and picnics with drinking alcoholic beverages, and visitwine and vodka stores. You should also avoid drinking alcohol with friends.
It is imperative to reward the drinker's achievements, even if he or she only abstains from drinking for one day. The difficult road to self-treatment from alcoholism requires the full support of family and friends.
Maximum participation of addicts in family entertainment activities, collective events for a healthy lifestyle. These include games with children, family walks and trips to nature, sports, hiking with friends who do not drink alcohol. You can even keep a pet, especially a dog, which needs to be walked regularly, thereby teaching the drinker self-discipline and responsibility.
Creating such an atmosphere will contribute to the taste of life without alcohol, the ability to receive pleasure from a previously favorite activity, simple human communication, the beauty of nature andBreathe fresh air without alcohol fumes.
What are your specific recommendations on how to stop drinking alcohol?
I can offer the following practical advice on how to stop drinking alcohol:
Before you start quitting drinking on your own, draw up an action plan to analyze the cause of your addiction. Before doing this, you should still consult with a psychiatrist-narcissist, who will tell you the most optimal way for you to get rid of a dangerous addiction. You can stop drinking alcohol immediately and forever, or perhaps it's better to gradually reduce your alcohol dosage. Try to strictly adhere to the developed plan regarding the amount and frequency of drinking alcohol. At the same time, the number of sober days in a week must be greater than the number of "drunk" days.
To fully control the process of self-healing, keep a diary in which you carefully monitor what you drink, record all your achievements and moments in stressful situations. Pay special attention to situations in which you wished to solve problems with the help of alcohol and how you had the courage to refuse this opportunity.
You can visualize your desires by hanging posters throughout the apartment with slogans about the dangers of alcohol, photos before and after alcohol abuse, drawings or photos on the Italian topic. Your idea of happiness - a family photo with the happy faces of your loved ones, a car model you want to buy, a piece of paradise outside the city, admiring colleagues, etc. v.
Avoid companies where alcohol is an essential part of the entertainment. Your drinking buddies will never be your allies.
Don't relax with alcohol on the weekend; it's better to enjoy yourself while communicating with loved ones or on the sports field. Physical activity promotes the production of happy hormones, which can completely replace the feeling of excitement caused by alcohol. Feeling confident in your strength and fitness will help you cope with any stress and increase your sense of independence.
Do a job or hobby that you love. This will benefit your mind and help you get rid of constant thoughts about drinking. Do something nice for yourself at least 3 times a day - for example, buy your favorite fruit at the market, buy an interesting book at the bookstore, buy a new fish hook or fishing lure at the doorsporting goods store. Don't waste money on this, believe me, a bottle of vodka will not be cheaper but will cause more harm.
Try to discuss your problem with people around you who have quit drinking. Don't hesitate to ask them for advice; Usually such people are willing to share their successes and methods of dealing with alcoholism with fellow sufferers.
Adjust your daily routine, get enough sleep and eat properly. Avoid foods that were previously favorite snacks while drinking - spicy, salty, dry, etc. v. For example, dried goby fish can be a stimulant to drinking beer.
Mornings and the process of waking up should always be pleasant - the usual sweet "stretches", invigorating water treatments, a delicious breakfast, favorite music and even "hug" your loyal dog.
Drink plenty of water - it will intensively remove alcohol residue and its breakdown products from the body.
Don't get tired of praising yourself every day you stay sober or resist the urge to drink. "Oh good! "This will help create a positive emotional foundation and boost self-confidence.
Also, learn to say no to persistent invitations to drink. Naturally, you cannot completely abandon parties or corporate events, the conditions of modern life often require such communication. Just remember that you don't have to drink alcohol just because it's offered. Be diplomatic, polite but firmly refuse to drink alcohol. Don't be afraid of looking like a black sheep, because that's better than depending on your next dose of alcohol and becoming an alcoholic. Then society will definitely turn its back on you.
Remember that it is not always possible to achieve a positive result on the first try. But this does not stop you from trying to get rid of alcoholism. The key to quitting alcohol forever is method and perseverance. Do not despair in any case, in any case, on the second or third try you will be able to lead a completely sober lifestyle. You may need professional psychological support, but this only happens when you have a weak will and an unstable nervous system. Accept help of any kind - there's nothing wrong with that, you'll just have more effective ways to overcome your addiction on your own.