Tell them that you’re worried, that you care about them, and that you want them to get help. If the person is open to getting help, offer to put them in touch with a professional. If the person refuses to seek treatment, consider consulting with a therapist, who can help you create a plan for treatment. To learn how to take care of yourself when you’re trying to help the alcoholic in your life, keep reading. As you prepare your plan to quit drinking, make a list of the barriers that might be standing in your way and brainstorm ways to deal with these problems. Potential solutions might include looking for low-cost treatment options, joining a support group, and talking to a mental health professional.

More time to meet new people, catch up with old friends and try new things. Once you’ve cut back on your drinking (so you’re at or below the recommended guidelines), examine your drinking habits regularly to see if you’re maintaining this level of drinking. Some people attain their goal only to find that old habits crop up again later. DaBaby went explain that he decided to quit drinking after an embarrassing situation with his daughter. Two researchers with ties to beer and liquor companies had been named to a panel that will review the health evidence on alcohol consumption.

How To Quit Drinking Alcohol

In general, it’s better to put time and effort into sobriety than to try to do the bare minimum. If you’ve struggled to quit
drinking, you should consider support groups, counseling or rehab. Self-help books or apps are less likely to
help you successfully quit if you are addicted to alcohol. You can find out if you’re addicted to alcohol by taking an
alcoholism assessment https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/how-to-stop-drinking/ quiz. These quizzes help you determine whether you meet the criteria for an alcohol use disorder
— the medical term for alcoholism, alcohol dependence and alcohol abuse. The
diagnostic criteria for an alcohol use disorder were published in the American Psychiatric Association’s fifth edition
of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

Alcohol has a way of seeping into various parts of your life, including how you spend time socializing and how you spend time by yourself. One of the most exciting—and sometimes intimidating—parts of becoming sober is discovering who you are without alcohol. https://ecosoberhouse.com/ Alcohol cravings are an inevitable part of detoxing and getting sober. When those cravings kick in, it’s normal to feel anxiety, fear or shame. These negative emotions coupled with a desire to drink are challenging to navigate, especially alone.

Have a Plan

Often, in trying to “help,” well-meaning loved ones will actually do something that enables someone dependent on alcohol to continue along their destructive paths. Make sure that you are not doing anything that bolsters their denial or prevents them from facing the natural consequences of their actions. Don’t allow the disappointments and mistakes of the past affect your choices today—circumstances have probably changed. Substance use disorder is a primary, chronic, and progressive disease that sometimes can be fatal.

• Some, on the other end of the spectrum, involve medically supervised withdrawal, or residential rehabilitation programs (rehab).
• People
  with minor alcohol problems or people who have already received treatment for moderate or severe alcohol problems usually
  benefit from AA.
• Programming can range from hour-long sessions a few times a week to several hours per day.
• In order to quit drinking, you may need proper medical support to detox safely.
• And for others it’s a combination of factors that motivates their move to sobriety.

The new guidelines were a major shift from previous ones, which recommended that women consume no more than 10 drinks per week and that men limit themselves to 15. In 2020, when the U.S. dietary guidelines were last updated, the government rejected the advice of its scientific advisers to set lower targets for alcohol consumption. This does not mean that a mental health condition will necessarily go aware when you stop drinking but abstaining from alcohol use can improve your symptoms and lead to better treatment outcomes.

Support Groups

For others, it’s their careers that have taken a hit due to the effects of their drinking. And for others it’s a combination of factors that motivates their move to sobriety. Professional treatment for an alcohol use disorder can involve outpatient therapy,  residential treatment, or inpatient hospitalization. The level of care you need often depends on the severity of your condition. Quitting early not only improves your chances of success—it can also reduce the need for higher levels of care.

If you feel that alcohol is endangering you or someone else, call 911 or obtain similar help right away. When you first stop drinking, your body will begin to detoxify itself. This can lead to withdrawal symptoms, including anxiety, tremors, sweating, and nausea.

Finding Alcohol Rehab and Treatment

DaBaby has announced his decision to give up drinking alcohol following an embarrassing moment in front of his daughter while inebriated. The North Carolina emcee made the declaration on Sunday (Dec. 3), taking to Instagram to explain the events that led to him to choosing to put the bottles down for good. Heavy drinking is typically defined as consuming eight drinks or more per week, according to the U.S.

You are setting to share the news that you intend to break free of all the lies and hurt. Keeping it clean and simple is a good way to start your letter. When you arrange these thoughts on paper, it can help you make room for all these conflicting thoughts. We are no longer taking on your name as we move away from you either. You don’t get to claim us as “Alcohol-ics,” anymore.

Start your Journey Today! 1-( 444-1838

You physically and mentally made me sick, and yet I still kept you around. People thought I loved you more, but that was far from the truth. Addiction, you’re a liar, a thief, and a cruel master. When things began to look up, you grabbed me by the ankles and pulled me right back into the mess. When I wanted to change for the better, you told me I couldn’t live without you. You made me into the person I said I would never become.

The Short Letter That Can Change Your Entire Life

This is my goodbye letter to addiction, a farewell to the false promises and illusions you created. Because of my time at Icarus Behavioral Health, I was able to leave my addiction behind and become a driven, healthy individual. It all started with me writing that letter to my addiction. goodbye letter to alcohol When I finished it, I felt a tremendous weight lifted from my shoulders. Even though it makes all the sense in the world, saying goodbye to drugs is difficult no matter what. Moving forward can be tricky, but you will be a better person once you say goodbye to your addiction.

Step 4: Express gratitude and farewell

Support the creation of new tools for the entire mental health community. Help children and adolescents process their grief using the Goodbye Letter writing exercise. Your client will be asked to describe who they are grieving, special memories with that person, and lessons learned from the relationship. What you do with your completed letter is up to you. Others choose to destroy their letters as a sign of being done with their addiction once and for all.

• Sure, there were times when I missed you when I felt weak or bored without you, but I was happy.
• Help children and adolescents process their grief using the Goodbye Letter writing exercise.
• Don’t invite them to pop in and visit after you heal.
• Because of my time in recovery, I now have those tools at my disposal.
• You might tell yourself, ” I want to write a letter to my addiction,” but you don’t know where to start.
• Yep, these are some of those not-good moments we had together.
• It’s okay to feel sad while writing your letter, but it’s also important to focus on the good things that are about to come.

You made me do things I never thought I would be capable of doing. You told me everything would be just fine if I would let you control my life. All you ever did was take and take, but you never gave. Actually, I take that back – you did give.

Because of this mastery, I’m now able to help others break loose from your chains too. For me, it was such a love-hate bond we had under the false pretense that I “needed” you to have fun, be social or to handle my emotions and stress. You had a way about you that made drinking seem like some kind of luxurious necessity. You preyed on my curiosity and then you sunk your teeth in with the hook that “all the cool kids” hang out with you so maybe I should too. Oh dear friend Alcohol, what a long, weary road we have traveled together. When I first met you at the ripe age of 15, I had no idea what an impact you would make on my life – and not the good kind, unfortunately.

And hindered my personal and professional growth. The worries you bring are no longer worth the pain. When you make the decision to get clean, you have to be one hundred percent comfortable with your decision.

Exploring the Surprising Addiction Comparison: Nicotine vs. Cocaine

Doing so can help you relate to others suffering from drug abuse and help you realize you are not alone. Your letter can also serve as a source of inspiration for others. You see, I am so much more than just another person risking their life through drug abuse, and I will not be a statistic. As good as I felt when I was with you at times, I felt terrible during others.

• You’ve caused me more pain than joy, leading to stress and lost opportunities.
• I mean, damn, I can barely remember all those late night documentaries we watched on Netflix.
• You caused an immense amount of harm to my mind and my body.
• I gathered up all the pain, trauma, and hopelessness and let it all out through this letter.

Goodbye Letter to Alcohol and Drugs

I remember when you first came into my life. I thought you would ease the pain of my youth and make my present pain go away. You brought more pain and suffering and became the neediest relationship I’ve ever had. Incorporate gratitude for the lessons learned and the strength gained through overcoming addiction. Bid farewell to addiction with sincerity, expressing determination to move forward without the presence of addiction. Saying goodbye to addiction is like breaking free from the chains of an incredibly cruel and relentless captor.

• When you arrange these thoughts on paper, it can help you make room for all these conflicting thoughts.
• You couldn’t handle even a few special days off so others could shine.
• Thank you for the good memories and I’ll try to forget the bad.
• I was deeply involved with a bad influence who was charming, promising, and liar.
• I’ve said goodbye to relationships that held me back and hello to ones that push me to be the best version of myself.
• In the next section, you will explain all your concerns.

Addiction, you are a tremendous liar. Like I said already, one of the things that gave me a sense of comfort was writing a goodbye letter to addiction. I gathered up all the pain, trauma, and hopelessness and let it all out through this letter. Addiction was the hardest relationship that I ever left behind, but it was the greatest thing I ever did. So it’s time I let you know that I met someone else and she promised to take care of me and nurture me back to health. She is filled with joy and gratitude and takes things one day at a time.

Unlike cocaine or heroin, alcohol is widely available and accepted in many cultures. how to wean off 10 mg prozac It’s often at the center of social situations and closely linked to celebrations and enjoyment. Matching the right therapy to the individual is important to its success.

But friends and family may feel unsure about how best to provide the support needed. The groups for family and friends listed in the “Resources” section may be a good starting point. If your loved one is suffering from alcoholism, try to exercise patience while also making time to practice your own self-care. Like any chronic disease, recovering from alcoholism can take time and may not always be a smooth road. Although your participation in the process can be vitally important, you also need to take care of yourself. Programs such as Al-Anon, which is a support group for friends and family members of alcoholics, may be beneficial as you help support your loved one on the road to recovery.

Charitable Care & Financial Assistance

Some people just need a short, focused counseling session. Others may want one-on-one therapy for a longer time to deal with issues like anxiety or depression. Alcohol use can have a big effect on the people close to you, so couples or family therapy can help, too. Alcohol causes changes in your brain that make it hard to quit. Trying to tough it out on your own can be like trying to cure appendicitis with cheerful thoughts.

When Is It Time for Treatment?

Alcoholics Anonymous® (also known as “AA”) and other 12-step programs provide peer support for people quitting or cutting back on their drinking. Combined with treatment led by health care providers, mutual-support groups can offer a valuable added layer of support. If you feel that you sometimes drink too much alcohol, or your drinking is causing problems, or if your family is concerned about your drinking, talk with your health care provider. Other ways to get help include talking with a mental health professional or seeking help from a support group such as Alcoholics Anonymous or a similar type of self-help group. Three medications are currently approved in the United States to help people stop or reduce their drinking and prevent a return to drinking. These medications are prescribed by a primary care provider or other health care provider and may be used alone or in combination with counseling.

You’re likely to start by seeing your primary health care provider. If your provider suspects that you have a problem with alcohol, you may be referred to a mental health provider. Many people with alcohol use disorder hesitate to get treatment because they don’t recognize that they have a problem.

Inpatient or Outpatient Treatment

Just like any other medical condition, people with substance use disorders deserve to have a range of treatment options available to them. Scientists are working to develop a larger menu of pharmaceutical treatments that could be tailored to individual needs. Certain medications have been shown to effectively help people stop or reduce their drinking and avoid a return to drinking. Couples and how to store pee family counseling incorporates spouses and other family members in the treatment process and can play an important role in repairing and improving family relationships. Studies show that strong family support through family therapy increases the chances of maintaining abstinence (not drinking) compared with people going to individual counseling. Too much alcohol affects your speech, muscle coordination and vital centers of your brain.

Studies show most people with this condition recover, meaning they reduce how much they drink, or stop drinking altogether. They may start drinking to cope with stressful events like losing a job, going through a divorce, or dealing with a death in their family or a close friend. Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re under stress and think you may be at risk for relapse. When seeking professional help, it is important that you feel respected and understood and that you trust the person, group, or organization to help you.

1. How does the program or provider handle a return to drinking?
2. Realizing you may have an issue is the first step toward getting better, so don’t hesitate to talk to a healthcare provider.
3. For serious alcohol use disorder, you may need a stay at a residential treatment facility.

Alcoholics anonymous and other support groups

If you do feel the urge to relapse, reach out to your therapist, sponsor or sober mentor (if applicable), a friend, or a family member. There’s no shame in having the urge to relapse, but telling someone sooner rather than later will allow them to get you the help you need. Certain events or emotional states may trigger a relapse in recovering alcoholics. Being aware of these triggers and knowing what triggers activate you or your loved one may help prevent relapse.

However, remember whats the difference between molly and extacy that relationships with health care providers can take time to develop. What kind of treatment does the program or provider offer? It is important to gauge whether the facility provides all the currently available, evidence-based methods or relies on one approach.

If you know someone who has firsthand knowledge of a program, it may help to ask about their personal experience. Professionally led treatments include behavioral treatments and medications. Many people struggle with controlling their drinking at some point in their lives. Millions of adults in the United States have alcohol use disorder (AUD), and approximately 1 in 10 children live in a home with a parent who has AUD. Recovery can take a long time, so you may need ongoing treatment.

How does the program or provider handle a return to drinking? Setbacks can be common, so you will want to know how they are addressed. For more information on a return to drinking, see An Ongoing Process. Evaluate the coverage in your health insurance plan to determine how much of the costs your insurance will cover and how much you will have to pay. Ask different programs if they offer sliding-scale fees—some programs may offer lower prices or payment plans for individuals without health insurance.

You can’t force them to stop drinking if they aren’t ready. These complications are reasons why it’s important to treat alcohol addiction early. Nearly all risks involved with alcohol addiction may be avoidable or treatable, with successful long-term recovery. If you’re worried that someone you know has an alcohol addiction, it’s best to approach them in a supportive way.

During the detox period is when many people experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Since some alcohol withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider before you stop drinking. Long-term, heavy alcohol abusers may do best by detoxing under medical supervision.

Brief Interventions are short, one-on-one or small-group counseling sessions that are time limited. The counselor provides information about the individual’s drinking pattern and potential risks. After the individual receives personalized feedback, the counselor will work with them to set goals and provide ideas for helping to make a change.

For a long time, I was performing jobs that I was capable of doing, but I didn’t really love. Since quitting drinking, I have aligned with what is right for me. No more ‘Sunday Scaries’ when going back to work on Monday.

Day Challenge

I find myself eating healthier simply because I’m paying more attention to my body now. When you stop drinking, you immediately get to benefit from savings you would have been spending on alcohol. It’s easy to lose track of just how much we’re spending on alcohol, and this saved money is a huge benefit you can put towards something meaningful in your life. To see how cutting out alcohol would affect your own finances, check out this alcohol spending calculator. Helping high performers feel & perform better by reducing or quitting alcohol. Maybe you’re considering quitting alcohol and going completely sober.

It’s easier than trying to cut down

Curious about how much your drinking habits are costing you? Try our Alcohol Lost Money Calculator to find out. Everything is done privately and discreetly. Access to one-on-one coaching and a supportive community ensures participants receive the motivation and accountability needed for sustained success and encouragement. benzo belly You know that yoga class you keep saying you’ll go to?

When I was drinking, greasy hangover food was a staple. I looked bloated in my “before” pictures. Cutting out alcohol improved my physical fitness, and my diet. In early sobriety I allowed myself a lot of treats for my sugar cravings, but that passed.

During this call, we’ll review your suitability for the program and discuss any relevant investment details. We will help you create long-term power over your drinking habits so you can powerfully choose the role alcohol plays in your life. Alcohol can exacerbate and even cause long-term depression and anxiety.

Because some jurisdictions do not allow limitations on implied warranties, or limitations of liability for consequential or incidental damages, these limitations may not apply to you. Through educational materials and actionable strategies, individuals learn about the impacts of alcohol and implement changes to reduce or eliminate their consumption. Participants start by committing to change and undergoing an assessment to tailor the program to their unique needs, setting the stage for personalized transformation. Continuing to drink excessively can cost many individuals at least $50,000 a year, according to results from an AFL “Alcohol Lost Money Calculator.

Online Program & Community

I lived for decades without it and I never take it for granted. Every morning is a good morning when living alcohol-free. Alcohol is known to weaken your overall immune system.

This has gone a long way towards improved sleep. … to empower participants to change harmful habits, develop healthy behaviors, and move toward personal and professional goals. Empowering high achievers with virtual coaching and community support for 90 alcohol-free days, with flexibility for moderation afterward.

MORE INSPIRING SUCCESS STORIES

When I was drinking, I was waking up hungover almost everyday. My first question of the day was “how bad do I feel? ” Now, I wake up feeling like my happy, healthy self. When I was boozing, weekends passed by in a blur of drinking and feeling hungover.

1. It seemed like alcohol was at least 30% of every restaurant bill.
2. Or maybe you wish to change your relationship with alcohol and stop drinking.
3. … to empower participants to change harmful habits, develop healthy behaviors, and move toward personal and professional goals.
4. While AA meetings are typically free, many published reports suggest its actual success rate could be less than 7%.

Cutting out alcohol has literally rewired my brain. I have more energy for new projects at work and at home. There is so much I want to accomplish in my lifetime and addiction art therapy ideas I finally have the energy and focus to make it happen. Unhealthy alcohol use can increase the risk of many serious health conditions such as cancer, heart disease, and liver disease. Now, I put my health first by drinking less.

Alcohol was making me sick, quite literally. My body was spending all its time trying to rid itself of alcohol that there was little left over to fight other infections, bugs, colds, flu, and more. Not to mention headaches, stomach issues, stress and anxiety all caused or exacerbated by alcohol. Taking a break from alcohol will force you to shake things up and act a little differently from the masses. But once you’ve done one brave thing, who knows what you’ll do next? If you found the courage to stop drinking, you might find the courage to ask for what you want in other areas of life too.

Carrying around less guilt and shame, less anxiety, and less stress is a gift to every single cell in my body. One fear I had before ditching the drink was that I wouldn’t be able to fall asleep without a nightcap. Learning more about alcohol and sleep helped me realize drinking was actually making my sleep worse. While alcohol can make us fall asleep faster, it decreases our quality of REM sleep, and causes us to wake up more frequently throughout the night. Now, I stick to an alcohol-free nighttime routine and wake up fully rested. I have found meditation to quiet my busy mind and, with practice, I am no longer afraid to be still with my thoughts.

I get my students to take a picture at the beginning of their 6 week course and another at what is central nervous system depression the end. A bottle of wine contains around 600 calories… that’s the equivalent of three doughnuts! Add in a bit of junk food (helpful for battling a hangover) and it really adds up. Your waistline will thank you for cutting out all those empty calories.

In the end, the people who mattered supported my sobriety, and I’m now able to enjoy more authentic time with them. Even though I drank cheap wine, it got expensive to keep drinking. It seemed like alcohol was at least 30% of every restaurant bill. I was stopping daily to grab a bottle or two of wine. Not only did cutting out alcohol help me save money, but it made me more financially stable in other areas.

Many of our clients charge the investment as a business expense under categories such as “business consulting”, “networking”, “mastermind”, or “advising”. If you prefer, you can also request a call by emailing us at We’ll provide you with a calendar link to book your call at your convenience. Say goodbye to the isolation of traditional recovery methods.

It doesn’t necessarily mean giving up booze altogether or signing up to sobriety indefinitely. Rather, it involves considering drinking less – and in some cases, not at all – and deciding to fit alcohol into your life more thoughtfully instead of mindlessly participating in drinking culture out of habit. With a search volume of over 1.3k per month, it’s definitely a movement that’s gaining in popularity. Now, having that many drinks over the course of seven days doesn’t mean you’re an alcoholic (though it can put you at risk of developing a dependency). First of all, alcohol in moderation is mostly fine and maybe even good for you, according to some research. The problem lies in the fact that it’s surprisingly easy to exceed what the experts call “moderate” drinking.

To avoid a relapse at this stage, your mental health is vital. In summary, the concept of controlled drinking in the context of alcoholism is fraught with complexities and divergent opinions. While it offers a potentially less daunting goal than absolute abstinence for some, it also carries significant risks that cannot be overlooked. The debate underscores the importance of personalized approaches to recovery, taking into account the unique circumstances, risks, and resources of each individual. The journey into alcoholism is seldom a linear path but rather a confluence of various factors that predispose an individual to addiction.

People will question your decision

In fact, many people have multiple setbacks before finally achieving a full recovery. I’ve chatted casually with friends about the reason behind my decision, and they’ve been nothing but lovely and supportive. But in new environments where drinking is the norm, I try to keep the fact I’m not drinking under wraps by ordering a Diet Coke or alcohol-free beer on the sly.

In fact, you haven’t had a drink in months or maybe even years. People who drink heavily or who drink alone may choose to stop drinking for several months, a year, or longer, depending on their needs. If you’ve been in a program, immediately connect with your counselor, therapist, support group, or mentor.

A drinking dream is a dream in which a person in recovery dreams that they drink alcohol again after becoming sober. It can also include acting in old behaviors that the person used to engage in while drinking. For example, it could include lying, fighting, being arrested, etc. We provide medical detox and residential treatment for alcohol and drug addiction at the United Recovery Project. Our team knows just how difficult recovery can be, and we want to be there for you each step of the way through tailored treatment programs based on your needs and a caring and knowledgeable medical support staff. Once it’s in the bloodstream, it’ll work its way to the brain and travel through the body.

For example, you might believe that you can’t quit, that recovery takes too much effort, and that you won’t enjoy life as much without alcohol. Preventing a relapse starts with having a strong recovery plan. Surround yourself with supportive loved ones, attend self-help group meetings, and/or go to therapy sessions. Initially, I thought giving up alcohol was betraying feminism.

• Alcoholism, more formally known as Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), is a medical condition characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences.
• That can quickly devolve into all-or-nothing thinking, she explains, or the idea that if you’re no longer dry, you might as well get plastered.
• The person may also recognize the risk for relapse and reach out for help.
• She said her friends at the time “kind of cosigned” her drug use and “it just kind of becomes this dark pit, bottomless pit.” But, during the pandemic, Cyrus said she was noticing challenges and felt she wasn’t emotionally present.

Rather, the https://yourhealthmagazine.net/article/addiction/sober-houses-rules-that-you-should-follow/ exact opposite happens, they make me feel extremely grateful that I’m sober and that I don’t have to live like that anymore. When I was in early sobriety, I had drinking dreams regularly and they always involved the act of drinking. Sometimes they included dealing with the day after a night of drinking – the hangover and trying to piece together what happened the night before while I was in a blackout. The dreams at that point in my recovery were usually about the things I did during my active drinking.

Biological, Psychological, and Social Factors

If a trigger is unavoidable, consider what you can do differently next time you face it. If you can recognize the warning signs of each stage, you can take action to avoid a relapse. According to Drink Aware’s 2019 study on drinking behaviours in the UK, year-olds were the most likely to be teetotal, with 26% refraining from drinking. Stock up on non-alcoholic options you love, like alcohol-free beers, kombucha, or fancy mocktails. Having something in your hand helps you feel part of the vibe.

Medical Disclaimer

From my experience, people don’t ask questions when you’re holding a drink, and I don’t want swerving alcohol to be my defining character trait when meeting new people. My biggest motivation for cutting out alcohol was the impact this had on my mood. As I grew a bit older, the days after drinking started to feel unfamiliarly grey, and I hated how sluggish I felt. It was a while until I touched alcohol again after this, and when I did the cycle repeated itself, leading me to trim down the amount of times I drank over the next few years. By New Year’s Day 2024, I was ready to try an entirely dry spell – here are five things I noticed when I stopped drinking. The three- to five-week period is also when sugar cravings brought on by the lack of alcohol tend to subside, Johnson adds.

Mental Health Newsletter

It will also depend on your mental state, your circumstances, and the recommendations of your doctor or therapist. If you’d truly like to incorporate alcohol into your life again, talk to a licensed clinician about it. Individuals who are healthy and stable in their goals and relationships may be able to slowly reintroduce alcohol back into their lives. Always talk to a professional about your plans before you begin to drink. The same Mintel survey explained that two-thirds of consumers aged reported worrying about the emotional impact of alcohol, while a similar figure reported that they wanted to learn more about drinking mindfully. This attitude means Gen Z are reducing their alcohol intake as a way to manage their emotional wellbeing, and may look at alcohol as an impediment to a robust mental framework.

A relapse is a return to using alcohol in a way that’s out sober house of control. If someone is in recovery, they might feel more of a temptation to drink again than normal. It’s helpful to have a relapse prevention plan that considers these triggers, with specifically identified strategies to address them. For people who have established a sustained period of sobriety, relapse doesn’t occur overnight. In a 2015 article published in the Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine, Dr. Steven Melemis described three stages that occur during relapse.

This was further fuelled by the fact that I felt many people, particularly those I didn’t know so well, preferred me when I’d had a few drinks – I was more relaxed, extroverted even, and had the confidence to entertain a crowd. For this reason, I tended to lean on alcohol as a way of making myself seem more appealing during certain social settings. My one-month stint turned into two after I noticed a slew of positive changes.

Your support helps us to tell the story

Meetings are plentiful and typically free, and participation is confidential. In AA, participants are encouraged to follow a set of twelve steps for recovery that begins with surrendering to a high power. Next, members learn how to cope with addiction, avoid triggers and find peace in their sobriety by working the 12 Steps in order. To learn more about how to succeed in early recovery, download The Sobriety E-book from DrugRehab.com.

I used to think my deep, drunken conversations connected me to people but often it was me just waffling on, not absorbing what whoever was sat opposite me was actually saying. Now I’m definitely more attentive and conversations are more interesting. I think I am able to connect more to the discussion and the person I’m talking to. When you stop drinking, you have to face tough and scary situations without alcohol and that helped me grown an innate confidence that’s stayed with me. If you often drink out of routine (like pouring a glass of wine after work), try swapping it for a different ritual, like making an alcohol-free cocktail or brewing a special tea. Experiment with no- and low-alcohol drinks until you find options that genuinely excite you.