Millions of people are overcoming alcoholism on a daily basis: unfortunately, it is a very difficult task to accomplish without having the pieces in place.
In order to start abstinence and move into alcohol recovery there are 5 questions that must be clearly understood and answered in the affirmative. These may sound deceivingly simple, but without addressing them, we are dead in the water. Here we go:
1. Do I have a problem, and is it alcohol?
This is easier asked than answered. Many people have problems, my husband, my job a DUI, etc, but can you see that many of these are related to drinking? Most alcoholics have tremendous difficulty seeing that alcohol is the root of the problem. This is because of the addiction characteristic called denial. Denial is turning a ‘blind eye’ to the problem. If the answer to the question is yes, I have a problem and it is alcohol, we move on.
2. Do I want to stop drinking?
In overcoming alcoholism, this is a yes or no question, no ‘maybe’s’ or ‘but’s’ allowed. Abstinence means stopping completely, not trying to cut down. Many alcoholics know they have a problem, but they either still enjoy drinking or the pain is not great enough to stop.
3. Is now the time to stop?
‘I can stop anytime I want to, I just don’t want to. I know I should stop, but…’ These are just a few common mindsets that will block alcohol recovery from getting started. Many people are overwhelmed at the idea of never drinking again and are looking for any reason to not take the first step.
4. Are you willing to develop a sobriety plan?
Just making the decision to stop drinking and stopping is not enough. Most people fail because they do not have a good, workable recovery plan in place. Not having a plan is just as dangerous as acting on a poor plan. Get some help from credible, knowledgeable professionals or self-help groups.
5. Put that plan in action.
You can have the best plan in the world, but if it is not implemented it does no good at all. One of the most common causes of alcoholic relapse is complacency. Many people have invested time energy and money in learning what needs to be done; they then fail to take action on the plan. Persistence and daily awareness is a key to recovery.
We have really only touched on a very few key mindsets and questions to get set up for success. There is a wealth of knowledge and help available to help in the quest for overcoming alcoholism.
And now I would like to invite you to access our alcoholism and alcohol answers at our alcohol frequently asked questions page. You may also claim our Free, massive Addiction Recovery Help Guide. To gain instant access, visit us at: http://AddictionRecoveryBasics.com
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
So what would be a good sobriety plan? I drink occasionally, but just as my friends, I drink to get drunk. I never have just a few drinks and that’s it. For me, the point of drinking is to get smashed, and I know that is not healthy. But I am not sure what a sobriety plan entails.
The first step might be in trying to limit or control your drinking so there are no bad consequences. If you have trouble setting limits and sticking to them, that may indicate that you might want some help with your alcohol drinking.
M
The thing is when I drink, the limits are out the door. Stopping at one or two or so has never been something I have done. In fact, the more I drink on a particular night, the more I will want. I don’t think that sounds to good for me, but I am at least able to recognize it for what it is.
I think these questions are crucial and need to be addressed by anyone who’s suffering from alcohol dependency. Admitting that alcohol is becoming a problem is the first step, but one should not stop there. The person must take steps to actively address and solve the problem.