Addiction & Recovery

to stop. I was going through a period when I hit rock bottom and I spent some time being honest with myself about the origin of my problems. I had some mental issues that I'm still being treated for, but I thought about the role alcohol played in my life and how it always seemed to affect my life negatively. From bad decisions I made while under the influence of alcohol to its destructive influence on my relationships and on down to its impact on my health and the way I felt, I realized I couldn't carry on with alcohol in my life.

So I came to the conclusion that I would try to go without alcohol for a month just to see how I felt. I didn't resolve to never drink again; I just decided to go a short period without it. Fortunately I didn't have a physical addiction to alcohol, it was psychological, but it was especially influential in social situations. So I didn't go to any parties and didn't hang out in places where people drank.

At first I thought about drinking sometimes, but I kept telling myself that going without it was a temporary thing. I realized after about a week that I was feeling better (I usually had horrible hangovers most days) and my sleep improved (I had thought for a long time that I couldn't sleep without alcohol). And when I went to the store or anyplace else, I was no longer worried about being caught driving under the influence, which was a major stress relief.

So I decided to keep it up. I told myself that this was going to be the new me. I wasn't going to swear off drinking forever, but it was never going to take control of my life to wreak havoc like it had before. And it worked. About once or twice a year I will allow myself to have a drink, if there's some special occasion. I'm responsible about it, though. No driving or doing anything else illegal. Usually I'll have a little hangover the next day and that will be all the reminder I need that alcohol is just not for me, not anymore.

So it really all comes down to you taking stock of the problems in your life and asking yourself where those problems originated. Seeing a psychologist or another type of counselor can be a big help. Tell your primary care physician that you're quitting and ask their advice on how to proceed. They might put you on an antidepressant or something else that might help to calm your nerves in case you have a physical addiction.

Just remember that this is a lifestyle change. You're starting off with a clean slate and your life is going to be different from now on. I think it's important also to tell yourself that you aren't really giving up anything. You could have a drink if you really want, but you aren't going to allow yourself to be led around by your bad habits anymore.

And treat yourself to some favorite things every now and then. Maybe you like candy bars or maybe you'd like to get a video game set, or maybe you like books. If you quit drinking, you'll soon realize that you have a lot of extra cash. After an occasion where you have a drink, decide to test yourself on how long you can go without alcohol this time. It's good to challenge yourself.

I've read that quitting on your own is just as likely to be effective as going to AA. Groups and talk about a higher power being your only hope turns me off, even though I believe in God. If you aren't a person who believes in God, that's fine. You can do this on your own if you have to, but I do recommend telling your doctor at the very least. He/She might be able to refer you to the right counselor. Best of luck to you!