Self-Help Alcohol Treatment – Steps To A Sober Lifestyle

Many alcoholics can attest to the fact that overcoming alcohol and staying sober can be very difficult. Others may even manage to convince themselves that it's impossible to quit drinking alcohol before they even start any form of alcohol treatment.

It's important for you to understand that you CAN overcome alcohol and you CAN stay sober. It doesn't matter how long you've been drinking or how bad your addiction is. There's a way and you CAN survive it.

Tips On Cutting Down on Your Drinking

For many people, quitting alcohol is a feat itself. Many find it difficult to follow through with their plans. By properly channeling your commitment, you can stick to it. Here are some tips.

•    Start by setting a drinking goal. You may not be able to completely abstain but if your alcoholism is still in its early stages you can do it slowly. Do this by setting a limit for how much you will drink (say, weekly). Write this limit on a piece of paper along with your goal. Frame it or put it up where you can see it: on your refrigerator, bed stand or bathroom mirror.

•    Keep a diary. Every time you consume or drink alcohol, write down the time and date. This will help you track how often you drink in a week or a month. As you gradually reduce your limit (see the tip above), seeing your "progress" will motivate you into moving forward with your plans of quitting.

•    Stay clear of temptation. Slowly remove alcohol, bottles, bar glasses, drinking paraphernalia or even pictures of you drinking from your home or office.

•    Drink slowly and carefully. Instead of taking it in one gulp, sip it slowly. After finishing your drink, wash it down with soda, water or fruit juice. Insert at least a 1 hour break in between drinks. Never drink on an empty stomach!

•    Gradually increase your breaks from alcohol. Pick 1-2 days per week when you will not drink alcohol at all. After 4-5 weeks, take another step forward and try to completely stop drinking for a week. Look for other activities to take up your time. You'll be surprised by how you feel on these alcohol-free days, both physically and emotionally.

There will be moments wherein you'll find yourself powerless and weak. During those days, it never hurts to call on a friend or family member. Always remember: you are not alone.