How Alcoholics can Stop Drinking
Make no mistake – it can be very difficult for alcoholics to stop drinking. If you are a true alcoholic and not just a problem drinker then the problem can be particularly challenging.Here is a solid path of recovery for any person who is serious about quitting drinking.
First, you must make the decision to stop drinking for good. Now this might sound redundant, but many who try to sober up will realize that they did not really have their heart into it to begin with.In some cases an alcoholic will attempt to stop drinking for the sake of another person, and of course this never works out.The internal drive to quit drinking has to come from your inner self, and this has to be stronger than your will to keep drinking.
Second of all, I would highly recommend a medical detox facility.Withdrawaling from alcohol is very risky can can actually kill a person if they are not being watched closely.Best if you can get help from a trained medical staff to see you through this safely.
Third, I would suggest that you go straight into a 28 day residential program or some similar treatment after completing detox.Attending a treatment program like this can have a bunch of additional bonuses:
1) You will have the safety and comfort of a protected environment where there are no opportunities for temptation to sneak in.
2) You’ll have group therapy and informative lectures that will show you how to live a sober life when you get back on the outside.
3) You’ll meet others in recovery who can become part of your support network for after treatment.
4) You will be exposed to AA and NA meetings and be introduced to the 12 steps and learn about how this can help you in recovery.
5) You will get a counselor who will work with you directly in helping you to overcome your personal issues that might have led you to drink.
6) The treatment center will set you up with an exit plan for leaving treatment where you can get some form of continuing care after you leave.
Treatment can be expensive in some cases but the cost is easily minimized if you manage to stay sober in the long run. In other words, the benefits outweigh the costs by a large margin, regardless of how much you spend to get in.
In conclusion, you need the following 3 things:
1) Make a decision to learn how to stop drinking.
2) Find a treatment facility with a medical detox unit.
3) Check into treatment and try to be as open minded as possible while there.
