4 Essential steps to overcoming alcohol addiction

People who are addicted to alcohol have a high risk of developing liver damage. Therefore, this habit must be stopped immediately. Alcohol addiction can be overcome in several ways.

The success or failure of a person to reduce and eliminate the habit of drinking alcohol depends on the severity, willingness, and support of the people around him. Therefore, to overcome alcohol addiction will not be far from the four steps below.

1. Define clear drinking limits

Once you have made the decision to change, the next step is to set your goals to be very clear. The more specific, realistic and clear, the better.

Gradually reduce how often you drink alcohol. For example, from accustomed to drinking 5 days a week to 4 or 3 days a week.

Tell your closest friends and family members if you are trying to quit or cut back on drinking alcohol. If you're drinking from your schedule, ask them to stop and remind you. Because, brain chemicals are very strong in influencing them in controlling thoughts such as making choices.

Also make specific times when you still drink alcohol, and when you don't. Set clear rules and adhere to these rules that you created yourself.

2. Choose the right treatment

Some people can stop drinking on their own, and some people need medical help to withdraw from alcohol safely and comfortably. So, choose the most appropriate treatment for your condition.

Which choice is most appropriate depends on how much the person has been addicted, how long the addiction has been, the circumstances in which they are living, and other health problems if any.

For people who have been addicted to alcohol for a long time, you may need medical supervision to reduce your addiction. Because, there will be several symptoms that appear when alcoholics stop drinking. These are called withdrawal symptoms (alcohol withdrawal symptoms). Symptoms that appear include headache, trembling, sweating, anxiety, stomach cramps, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty sleeping.

These symptoms will appear for only a few hours after an alcoholic has stopped drinking. The peak will occur in the next 1-2 days. This process will improve in five days. However, this is uncertain, depending on the severity of symptoms. During this process, it can be done on an outpatient basis, or in a special hospital that provides a special alcohol treatment facility.

Apart from medical personnel, you can also take part in therapy either individually or in groups with expert therapists. You can also choose a rehabilitation program with several people who have the same case along with an experienced therapist.

3. Find a supportive environment

Whichever treatment option you choose, the support of those around you is very important. Recovering from alcoholism is much easier when you have people with whom you can confide, provide encouragement, comfort, and guidance.

This support can be obtained from family members, friends, counselors, other alcoholics who have the same goal, and serving health professionals.

To make the situation even more supportive, try joining new communities that can take your mind off the urge to get drunk again. For example, join a volunteer community or enroll in a foreign language course.

With activities and activities that are contrary to your previous habits, you can increase your willingness to recover faster.

4. Avoid triggers that make you want to drink alcohol

Avoid things that trigger you to return to drinking alcohol. For example certain activities, places, or people. Try to avoid it by changing your social life. If you used to go out with people who like to ask you out for drinks at night, now cut back on how often you go out with them, especially at night.

Practice saying no to alcohol, under any circumstances. Even though there are some people who still offer it to you, remember your one goal of overcoming this addiction.