Stopping Drinking - 3 Important Things to Remember

1) Do whatever it takes

Always remember that quitting drinking is probably the most important step in your life. Why? Because this means a complete change in your lifestyle, behaviour, social life, health condition, job, family... Actually, in every area of your life. A complete change. It makes you not only feel different, but stopping using alcohol switches your mind, soul and body to another state. It is well known that the alcohol withdrawal symptoms could be drastic, also in the beginning when you are sober only for some weeks or months you could probably feel as in a deadlock. But all those bad feelings eventually goes away, and then you see everything different - your dreams come true, your family members start to love and respect you much more, you experience success in your career and you finally find out what are the most important things in your life.

2) Reward yourself

As mentioned before, it's fully understandable that drinking cessation is not at all an easy process. To feel better and to celebrate your first success in this unpleasant journey, try to reward yourself. This doesn't mean that you need to find a 'new addiction' instead of your drinking activities. It will be great if you just, for example, saved the money you would normally spend buying drinks at the bar, and use it to do something you have dreamt of for a long time - buy some new clothes, change your style and appearance a bit to fit your new lifestyle, please your closest people with something cute, or probably save even more money and finally buy that car you have ever wanted!

3) Find like-minded people

For some people, most probably the biggest obstacle in quitting drinking is their drinker friends. Actually, you need to treat them and their habits from a negative point of view when you are trying to quit this destructing behaviour pattern. Some of us will just ignore our friends' calls on Friday night when they're trying to pull us out of the home for a drink, but for some this method simply will not work. The best approach for this situation is actually trying to find a different social group for yourself. Yeah, probably it might seem impossible in some cases, but, trust me - if your friends can't respect your choice to stay away from alcohol, they're actually not your friends. In such case, just try to change the environment where you spend your leisure time, for example, find some social groups online who are trying to do the exact thing as you do - quitting drinking.

Find out more tips on How to Quit Drinking more easily on my blog.

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Ten Tips To Help You Quit Drinking

The decision to quit an alcohol addiction is a hard one, so let's take a look at ten useful tips and hints that will help you walk down the path of a life without depending on alcohol.

1) Undertake it for your own benefit - You need to want it to be successful. Your good friends, family, or whoever might be suggesting that you stop shouldn't be the only element in your final decision to quit. If you do not undertake it for yourself, you'll only find yourself starting out with a setback.

2) The Benefits of Physical Activity - Many studies have shown that people who keep fit whilst attempting to remain sober are usually unlikely to backslide. Exercising tends to reduce tension whilst keeping an individual in a far more peaceful state, and that is a real benefit when making an effort towards sobriety.

3) Reward yourself - Sometimes men and women get so concentrated on establishing targets, that they fail to treat themselves for the ones they have already reached. Incentives are necessary to recuperate, as they really encourage you to stick to any sobriety plan you're on. So the more frequent the incentive, the more effective quitting alcohol becomes.

4) Do not guilt trip yourself when unsuccessful - Getting irritated with yourself for a momentary drawback will be non productive, and will make people more prone to not give up. If you do slip, just forget it and move on. This is alcohol addiction we're talking about here, one of the greatest problems that you are ever going to have to deal with.

5) Get Outside Support - No matter whether it's Alcoholics Anonymous, some type of therapy, or another established technique to get sober, be sure to find something beyond your normal span of thinking and viewpoints. Doing it alone is in all possibility not the very best idea, as a lot of your own thoughts and ideas might very well have been a contributing factor to your alcohol dependency during the early stages.

6) Spend as little time by yourself as you possibly can - For single people this can be a tall order. If you're unable to surround yourself with people, go outside more as this will help give you a fresh new mind-set with regards to daily life.

7) Make an alcohol free day to day program - Wake up earlier, include some physical activity in your schedule, the possibilities are endless. After all, to end drinking alcohol is to create a clean beginning on its own.

8) Defeating alcoholism is a distinct challenge for everyone that will come with its very own steps and timetable. There just aren't any rules or time limits for the change from alcohol addiction to sobriety.

9) For those who do have a problem with alcohol, then the very best action will be the first one mentioned. Decide to quit drinking today and you're be closer than before to an alcohol free life.

10) Just what support do you need to stop drinking today? - Make sure you take a peek at an amazing FREE guide to quit drinking titled "A Practical Approach To Understanding And Dealing With Alcoholism", which reveals a personalized plan for you to remove alcohol from your life permanently.

Learn More About How To Quit Drinking With This Tried And Tested Quit Drinking Guide Written By Ed Philips. You Will Discover How You Can Quit Drinking In Just 21 Days.... And Find Out For Yourself The Real Benefits Of Quitting Alcohol!

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Binge Drinking

Looking back now, I had not fallen asleep naturally in over twenty years. My body would just pass out from the overdose of my daily liquor intake. Learning how to live a normal life was the least of my worries. I was much more concerned with simply living.

I can still see my daily routine in full focus as I meditate deep into my sub conscience. It is not a place where I like to dwell, but somehow I feel that it is important to go back for a minute every now and again to validate my sickness. In the world of recovery, we call this rewinding the tape.

It is a bright sunny morning. I can tell because the piercing light is shining through the broken and chipped blinds of my bedroom window. My body is aching for another drink as my mind is trying to remember just how I made it to the bed at all. First things first, I must get up and get my day moving and try to pretend that I am not sick. As I crawl and roll over to the edge of the bed, I can feel my legs shaking as if they were filled with jello. My arms are bruised, the result of any gentle touch. This bruising is caused by a reaction where the body cannot break down ingested alcohol completely. (the first warning signs of alcoholism)

I begin to take one risky step off the edge of the bed bracing myself for the inevitable fall. As I lean over and place one foot solidly on the ground, boom, I fall flat on my face. At this point, I am in full panic mode as I am not sure if I will be able to get myself up. I crawl back to the side of the bed where my night stand sits next to the far wall. I reach for the bottom drawer and pray that I find my morning fix. My hand is rummaging through the drawer as I lay on the floor, feeling for a full mini bottle of vodka that I would keep for this exact moment. Yes, I say to myself, I found one, way in the back amongst all of the emptys. I struggle to get the cap off and immediately down my morning glory.

Once again within in minutes, my body is coming to life. Never failed me, just enough to be able to stand on my two feet and get to the kitchen. As I walk towards the kitchen at a very slow pace, I feel my stomach starting to churn, indeed I need to get sick. I welcome the release of all of the toxins, knowing that this will free my body up to handle more. A quick shower follows and then back to the kitchen for a tall glass of vodka and a splash of OJ. In minutes, I was out the door and on my way to another day.

Although my battle with addiction is now completely under control, I am more aware than ever that life is a battle for so many, each and every day. My prayers go out to anyone who is struggling, that you will find the answer and the peace that you so deserve. The choice is within.

To read the complete story of my journey, you can pick up my new book "In the Weeds" now available at http://amazon.com and http://barnesandnoble.com.

Brian Patrick Lewis, is a trained Chef, Author and Speaker. Check out his new book 'In the Weeds" and other articles at http://choicewithin.com/

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Physical Signs of Alcohol Abuse: Do You Have a Drinking Problem?

The definition of alcohol abuse

Alcohol abuse is defined as the excessive use of alcoholic beverages whether it is on individual occasions (i.e. binge drinking) or as a regular habit. For example, for certain individuals such as children or pregnant women almost any quantity of alcohol that is consumed may be considered legally as alcohol abuse, depending on the local laws of the state one resides in. Additionally, the heavy consumption of alcohol can lead to addiction and even be fatal.

Alcohol abuse symptoms

When an individual persists in drinking long after they are having health problems associated with it or they endure recurring problems as a result of their drinking, this is defined as alcohol abuse. For instance, those recurring problems include continuing to drink despite it causing problems on the job or in school, driving under the influence of alcohol, constantly getting into legal trouble, or shirking family and financial responsibilities. This is typically what alcohol abuse is comprised of.

When a person continues to drink alcohol in dangerous situations (e.g. driving while intoxicated or operating heavy equipment or machinery), or after having occupational, physical, psychological, and social problems, this is how alcohol abuse is defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, IV. The harmful use of alcohol such as drinking until you have mental or physical health damage is the definition of alcohol abuse according to the World Health Organization's International Classification of Diseases.

How can a person tell when they have a drinking problem?

The short answer to "how can I tell if I have a drinking problem?" is that if you need to ask, then there is a real possibility that you already have a problem with alcohol. If there are other people in your life who have expressed their concerns about you having a problem, then you most likely do. Finally, if you continue drinking alcohol in spite of numerous negative consequences, this could be a serious indication that a problem exists. Surprisingly, many people are able to quit drinking on their own.

When you believe that you have become addicted to or dependent upon alcohol there are additional questions that you will have to answer. It may be time to seek the professional help of an addiction treatment and recovery facility. The addiction specialists and staff members of these facilities are well-versed at dealing with alcoholism.

Recognizing the most common signs of alcohol abuse -The 7 most common

Whether you are concerned about yourself or someone close to you having a problem with alcohol, there are some very significant signs and symptoms that you need to be aware of. The following are the seven most common signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse:
When you are drinking alcohol, you get hurt or you hurt others.You blacked out after drinking alcohol. In other words, you were unable to remember what occurred during your drinking episode.You continue to drink despite having health problems caused or worsened by drinking alcohol, such as cirrhosis.You drink alcohol when it is risky, such as before driving a vehicle or while you are driving.You have problems at school or work because of drinking alcohol, such as excessive absenteeism or tardiness.Your drinking has led to legal problems, such as arrests for causing injury to someone or while driving under the influence.Your family members, loved ones, and close personal friends express their concern regarding your drinking.

There are additional signs or symptoms that you should be aware of which may indicate that your alcohol abuse has elevated itself to the next level. These include:
You change from drinking beer to drinking mixed drinks or wine because you think this will keep you from getting intoxicated or enable you to drink less alcohol.You do things in order to hide your alcohol consumption such as purchasing alcoholic beverages at different convenience stores or liquor stores or make excuses to justify your drinking.You drink alone, early in the morning, and are often drunk for long periods of time.You feel guilt and shame after your drinking episodes.You have physical signs of alcohol abuse or addiction, such as gastritis (a sore or upset stomach), redness of the cheeks and nose, and noticeable weight loss.You worry that you won't have enough alcohol to drink during the evening or for the entire weekend.

Another issue to consider if you are worried about a family member or loved one is that when it comes to children or teenagers, the indicators of an alcohol problem can be completely different from those that apply to adults. If you are concerned about one of your children or teenagers having an issue with alcohol, you should research the subject of teenager alcohol abuse or addiction.

Jake B
Author for Delray Drug Rehab

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Alcoholism Over the Holidays - When Moderate Drinking Becomes Problem Drinking

Alcoholism is a serious issue that we as a society need to be conscious of all year round. That said, the holidays can make it tough to be as aware of it as well as problem drinking as we should be. It's no secret that alcohol is a part of many holiday traditions from drinking hot spiced rum in front of the fireplace to champagne toasts at midnight on New Year's Eve. The holidays can bring about excessive drinking and a serious increase in alcohol related accidents and deaths. For example, many people who don't normally drink will engage in some alcohol consumption over the holidays. This can be alarming as many of these people have a low tolerance and therefore an increased vulnerability to the harmful effects of alcohol. At the other end of the spectrum are those who suffer from alcoholism and therefore normally drink to excess, but during the holidays feel less inhibited about their drinking thanks to parties filled with free flowing alcohol, so they can be even more over the top than they usually would be. Both of these scenarios can threaten one's safety when you consider the likelihood of passing out and being unaware of your surroundings, getting behind the wheel of a car or even severe alcohol poisoning.

Liquor billboards across the United States are reminding their citizens to be responsible during this holiday season. If you are over the age of 21 and choose to consume alcohol, know your limits, drink in moderation and always have a designated driver. If you suffer from alcoholism and are in recovery, do whatever it takes to remain sober whether it be attending extra meetings, having a set schedule or taking some time for yourself every day to reflect upon your recovery efforts and how far you've come. While alcohol can be an addition to a holiday party, it should never be the focus. Because when alcohol becomes the focus of any event and you equate it with your ability to have fun, problems are almost certainly abound. Alcoholism is a terrible disease that is in much closer reach for those who chronically abuse alcohol than they realize.

The holidays are intended to be a time to get together with those important to you to celebrate and give thanks for all that you have, yet too often these celebratory times are met with tragic endings by individuals who do not behave responsibly. The statistics speak for themselves; during the holiday season, two to three times more people die in alcohol related car crashes, and 40 percent of traffic fatalities involve a driver who is impaired by alcohol.

The holidays can be an especially difficult time for the recovering addict as well as an incredibly dangerous time for someone with an active addiction. If there's someone in your life who's developed a drinking problem, please don't wait. The sooner you get them help the less danger they'll be exposed to.

Ben Brafman, LMHC, CAP is the President and CEO of
Destination Hope, a licensed dual diagnosis substance abuse treatment center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Ben has more than 20 years of experience in the addiction and mental health fields, which led him to develop a combination of innovative treatment protocols at Destination Hope. He has been published on various topics including dual diagnosis and chemical dependency, and gives back to the community by educating other addiction counselors at his Academy for Addiction Professionals.

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Am I a Recovering Alcoholic or Did I Just Quit Drinking?

I had a recent e-mail discussion with an ex-girlfriend-turned-friend-and-confidant over my recovery from alcohol addiction. She is a recovering alcoholic, too. We had a close but volatile relationship in the late '70s. Our e-mail conversations became very intense. Some of the things she wrote were quite interesting and deserved further analysis.

She brought up my recovery from alcoholism. I have over eight years of sobriety. I indicated that my sobriety did not include AA attendance, but rather a spiritual awakening of my own. She did not buy this type of recovering from a deadly disease on my own without an AA sponsored program guiding my way. I told her that she was wrong, but after thinking about it, I thought she may be right about my sobriety in question. She had a really good point I must admit. At first, I didn't know how to respond.

After all, I do take pain medications for my back pain since 1995. The doses I take have increased through the years. And I do believe I am addicted to this pain medication, so how can I claim I am in recovery since addiction of another type is present in my current life. Also, I admit on occasion I do drink a non-alcoholic beer from time to time. The difference in the pain medication addiction is that I do not take it for the thrill. I honestly take it for pain relief. I have injured my back because of industrial accidents, car accidents, and home-related accidents. I also suffer from degenerative discs of my spine. And I don't drink non-alcoholic beer on a regular basis, rather than rare occasions, and when the real stuff is present in company. It makes me feel accepted by the drinking crowd. I usually bring my own. I must admit that these non-alcoholic beers contain 0.05% alcohol. With that said, I do question my recovery from alcoholism or addiction since my ex-girlfriend brought it up for discussion. She may be right. Maybe my recovery isn't genuine. Maybe I should claim I just quit drinking. It is debatable. How can I be recovering if I do not do the program 100%? To me, what I have been achieving these past eight years has been nothing less than a miracle. My mission has been staying sober whatever it takes. And so far It has worked well for me. The truth is, I guess I just quit drinking.

Earl D. Erickson is a self-published and internet author. His main writing projects include alcoholism and drug addiction, depression, suicide, and grief. He has recently written and self-published a memoir entitled, The Journey of an Incorrigible Alcoholic: The Paths I Chose and the Ones I Didn't. His memoir tells of one man's story of his struggles with alcoholism, drug addiction, depression, suicide, grief, recovery, and hope. His book is available online at Amazon or your favorite online retail bookstore. Also, it can be purchased at his website: http://www.SerenityLighthouse.com. His other articles can be viewed at EzineArticles.com. He encourages and welcomes receiving comments and e-mails from his readers.

Earl's hobbies include writing, reading, music, photography, gardening, fishing, camping, and the great outdoors. He is a native and lifelong resident of Tacoma, Washington.

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