Blog

If you’re worried about your drinking and want to make some positive changes, we’re here to help. Cutting down or quitting alcohol can help you to be happier, safer and healthier. Hello Sunday Morning has a large online support community of more than 100,000 people, and offers a range of resources to help people who want to cut down or quit drinking. It’s a free service, funded by the Australian government and a range of philanthropic organisations. Like any big change, there might be times where it doesn’t feel easy, so it’s important to reward yourself with something as you make progress. It’s equally important not to be too hard on yourself if you slip up every once in a while.

Helpful Links

You may tell yourself that nothing is different and your family is just being paranoid or picking on you. Denial of these changes can negatively affect family members and family life. By Buddy TBuddy T is a writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism. Because he is a member of a support group that stresses the importance of anonymity at the public level, he does not use his photograph or his real name on this website. Shame is having negative beliefs about yourself and your self-worth. People in recovery can experience a lot of shame simply for having become addicted in the first place.

tips for 2022

“Social self” is defined as the way one relates to others and the ability to feel comfortable with other people. Initially, and for sometime afterward, alcohol may seem to enhance certain experiences. People may seem more accepting or less judgmental, and you might feel you “fit in.” You may convince yourself that experiences are more enjoyable and conversation more relaxed.

• It also covers some of the different treatment options that are available.
• But evaluations show, regardless of successful completion, taking up a month-long challenge to quit alcohol is linked to reductions in alcohol consumption six months and up to a year later.
• You’re likely to be in situations where you’ll be offered a drink.
• Because he is a member of a support group that stresses the importance of anonymity at the public level, he does not use his photograph or his real name on this website.
• Over time, we tend to remember positive experiences more vividly and in greater detail than negative ones.
• Irina Gonzalez is the Content Marketing Manager at Tempest, a digital membership program that empowers you to quit drinking and live alcohol-free.
• Symptoms of DT include confusion, changes in blood pressure, excessive sweating, fever, hallucinations, and seizures.

Sleep Meditation Using Guided Imagery

• Finally, even if your long-term goal is abstinence, moderation can be an effective bridge.
• But these days, you don’t have to lose it all or label yourself an “alcoholic” in order to re-evaluate whether your relationship with alcohol is having a positive impact on your life.
• After all, you can’t hang around your drug dealer or old drinking buddies and expect to remain sober for very long.
• Treatments can greatly reduce or eliminate most of the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal.

We offer both abstinence and moderation as options, and use only evidence-based methods. The above groups for family members of alcoholics, https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/alcohol-vs-drugs-comparison-of-addictions/ as well as traditional therapy options, may help support you. There is even a branch of recovery coaching geared towards caregivers.

I Tried ItI gave up drinking for a month — and what I learned about myself surprised me

Although alcohol abuse may sometimes take the appearance of a choice, at its core it is an addiction—and addiction is best thought of as a disease or a disorder. For some people, alcohol has been or continues to be a problem in their lives, and they have chosen to avoid it. For others, it seems to fulfill an ordinary social role—easing communication, helping them feel relaxed in new situations, or simply helping them unwind after a long day. However, the boundary between healthy and unhealthy alcohol use can sometimes get blurry. You may have also noticed, in the course of trying to quit, that abstinence is not a good goal for you.

In our alcohol-centric society, it sometimes feels uncomfortable when everyone around you is drinking and your own hands are empty. Choose a healthier alternative how to take a break from drinking like sparkling water, soft drink or a mocktail. But around 30% of people who start FebFast don’t get through the whole month alcohol-free.

Tell family members and friends you want to get healthier.

You may also need to change your route to work or home in order to avoid any triggers, or people, places, or things that make you want to use drugs or drink again. The more tools you have for identifying triggers, coping with stress, and managing your new sober life, the easier you’ll prevent relapse. Social media can also be a great place to start making sober friends by following hashtags such as #soberlife, #soberissexy, and #sobercurious.

How to Quit Drinking (or at Least Cut Back)