There is no single piece of advice on what to do to get someone to stop drinking.Each organism and each situation is unique, which means that the solution in each specific case is unique.
Awareness of the problem of the need to give up alcohol
The fight against alcohol addiction begins when a person realizes that he is sick.Many alcoholics believe they can stop at any time and deny the existence of addiction, but in fact they continue to drink.And not even people who lack willpower.They cannot adequately assess the danger they are causing to themselves, their health, and their relationships with others.
For such people, the advice of loved ones or the arguments of experts are empty words.Even if they are persuaded to undergo treatment, everything will end, at best, in short-term abstinence from alcohol, and then the situation will return to the previous course.
So the basis for successful treatment of alcoholism is the alcoholic's understanding of his problem and his strong desire to change his life.
Looking for a reason
It is easier to fight addiction if you know the cause of its occurrence.The analysis will help you understand what aspects you need to pay special attention to during the treatment process.There are several main factors that cause the development of alcoholism.This is the influence of the environment, a lot of stress, habits, hereditary tendencies.
Often, a person, upon reflection, can determine for himself the main factors that lead to alcoholism.Psychotherapists can also help with this.
How did it all start?
It will be useful to remember how addiction begins.This will also help to properly structure further therapy.Maybe it all started with a few bottles of beer at night to unwind after a long day at work.Or colleagues at a new workplace celebrate all the holidays marked on the calendar.Or maybe alcohol helps to forget the frequent family quarrels.
Gradually, the habit became more and more ingrained, and now alcohol is consumed more and more often, and on weekends the dose is doubled.
Today's situation
Often, people come to the understanding that it is time to stop drinking when the addiction is quite strong.A person drinks almost every day, the amount of alcohol increases, the body gradually begins to malfunction, family relationships deteriorate, and problems begin at work.
One of these factors or a combination of them can play a dominant role in a person's decision to quit alcohol.The determining factor may be the wife's application for divorce, being fired from her job, or a sudden deterioration in her health.
It is not easy to make such a decision, but it is more difficult to start acting in the right direction.Moreover, it practically does not matter what exactly a person rejects.Quitting wine is just as difficult as quitting vodka.
Quitting drinking is not as easy as it seems
Despite what many coaches promise, there is no easy way to stop drinking on your own.Quitting alcohol, especially after prolonged abuse, is always stressful on the body and soul.
If physical dependence has formed, then at first the person will experience poor health.Therefore, the body will need a regular dose of ethanol, which has been successfully integrated into the metabolic process.
In addition, studies have proven that some time after a person stops drinking, he begins to experience mental disorders (increased anxiety, irritability, sudden deterioration in mood).Symptoms like these are one of the main reasons why many people relapse.The main thing is to be patient and go through the withdrawal period.
How to stop drinking properly?
There are two main ways to stop drinking.The first, as a softer one, suggests gradually stopping alcohol.It consists in the fact that the dose of alcohol is gradually reduced until it is acceptable or reaches zero.The advantages of this method include the possibility of low withdrawal symptoms.But the big disadvantage is that the risk of failure is very high.
The second method involves a sharp and complete cessation of alcohol.The advantage of the method can be considered high efficiency due to the absence of relaxing factors in the permitted dosage form.Disadvantages include a high likelihood of experiencing withdrawal symptoms.This method is not recommended for people who are drinking alcohol.
It is strongly recommended that the choice of technique be entrusted to a narcologist, who will make a decision based on the patient's condition.
Eliminating the cause of alcohol addiction
After identifying the factors that cause the development of addiction, those who stop drinking must eliminate them to stop drinking alcohol as soon as possible.If alcohol addiction is caused by constant stress and anxiety, you should try to find a solution to the existing problem and reduce the possibility of stressful situations to a minimum.
If the main reason for drinking is the constant company of friends, you should change your social circle.The usual evening hobby with a bottle on the sofa in front of the TV can be replaced by a walk or going to the gym.
Help from a narcologist, take medication
One of the most effective ways to stop drinking alcohol is to take special medications.Based on their principle of operation, they are divided into three groups:
- eliminate symptoms of hangover;
- reduce the desire for alcohol;
- cause an aversion to alcohol.
This tool is good enough to help overcome addiction, especially in the early stages, but there are situations when coding is absolutely necessary (in particular, if the disease is advanced).
Recently, in addition to drugs, food supplements that reduce the desire for alcohol and help you stop drinking are becoming more popular.
Help from a psychotherapist
Those who want to stop drinking without coding should consult a psychotherapist as soon as possible.Many techniques have been developed to get rid of a person's addiction.Some are based on the influence of hypnosis, while others use the principles of emotional stress therapy.
But you should not hope that one session with a specialist will guarantee healing.Most likely, you need a relatively long course and, of course, the desire and active work of the patient himself.
Group therapy
Communication with those who find themselves in the same situation and trying to get rid of addiction will be very useful.It is easier to force yourself not to drink alcohol when you know that you are not alone and can always find support from people who understand you like no one else.
Such communications can be found in Alcoholics Anonymous clubs or on special websites on the Internet.There people exchange techniques, opinions, share their achievements and mistakes.
Physical activity
Physical activity promotes the production of endorphins - hormones of happiness.For someone who stops drinking, physical activity will help not only improve their mood, but also get in shape, improve their health, and tighten their muscles.
The main thing is to act step by step and not burden the already weakened body.A good place to start is swimming, running, rollerblading, skating or cycling.You can go to the gym or go to yoga.
Healthy lifestyle
The best way to start a new life is to leave both alcohol and other bad habits on your own.Smoking, gambling, gluttony - all these addictions often accompany alcoholism.
Alcohol and nicotine addiction is common.After drinking alcohol, it is difficult to do without smoking, and smoking creates a desire to drink for many people.Therefore, to prevent a person from drinking, it is necessary to remove all provoking factors, including cigarettes.
Additional help with folk remedies
It is very difficult to stop drinking forever using only folk remedies, but they will be an excellent addition to other methods to get rid of addiction.
The following herbs are recognized as the most effective in treating alcohol addiction:
- hoofweed;
- lovage;
- sage brush;
- centaury;
- thyme;
- St.John's wort.
Decoctions and infusions of these herbs cause an aversion to alcoholic beverages.Some of the plants listed have quite strong effects, so they must be used with caution, according to the recipe and dosage indicated.It is better not to self-medicate, but to consult a doctor.
What are the benefits of quitting alcohol?
Recovery from alcohol helps to restore lost health, normalize the function of internal organs, and improve the condition of the nervous system.In addition, a person who decides to quit alcohol reduces stress levels, improves relationships with people, and restores damaged social relationships.
Health
After a person stops drinking alcohol altogether, some time passes until all toxic substances are completely removed from the body.Next, the recovery process will begin, which will take some time, but the first results can be seen quickly.
After quitting alcohol:
- immunity becomes stronger, a person experiences diseases less often and more easily;
- the function of internal organs (liver, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, kidneys) improves;
- the condition of blood vessels improves;
- brain function is restored;
- appearance improves (condition of skin, hair, teeth, nails), the person looks younger and healthier.
personal life
Quitting alcohol also has a very positive effect on your personal life.Opportunities appear:
- restoring family and friendship;
- gain peace of mind and self-confidence;
- engage in self-awareness;
- find new goals in life.
Society
After stopping drinking alcohol, a person's social life also changes, and he gradually returns to society.This can be expressed in the following:
- the appearance of new contacts;
- the opportunity to obtain a promising new job or promotion;
- topics for communication with people not related to alcohol gradually appear;
- the person once again feels like a full and respected member of society.
How to refuse to drink in the company?
Everyone who stops drinking sooner or later faces the question of how to stop drinking together.It's important to understand that your own health comes first, and there's nothing weird or embarrassing about saying no when asked for a drink.This must be done politely but confidently so that the proposer understands and accepts the answer.If someone continues to insist, despite voiced refusal, you should exclude communication with that individual.
You can motivate your decision and avoid unnecessary questions with the excuse of taking antibiotics, getting a test quickly, or the need to drive.
It is necessary to learn to refuse alcohol firmly and over time such offers will come less and less.Moreover, most often holidays are spent with relatives and friends, and these people usually know that someone stops drinking and will not offer him alcohol.
Conclusion
A person decides to stop being an alcoholic himself;no one can do it for him.But this decision is the first and, perhaps, the most important step on the road to healing.All further difficulties can be overcome if you steadfastly pursue your goals.The main thing to remember is that there will definitely be a surefire way to get rid of addiction.