Alcoholism is a disease that can be hard to overcome. Once you have been an alcoholic you may find it easy to relapse. In fact, many alcoholics slip back into alcoholism and may require several in-patient treatments to finally overcome the problem. Once you have gone through the initial stages of recovery and treatment you need to focus on staying sober. This may require much concentration on your part. Here are the top 5 tactics to avoid relapsing into alcoholism again.
- Avoid situations where alcohol will be served. Don’t go to a bar with friends where you may be tempted to have “just one drink”. Particularly during the first year, stay away from places where alcohol is the main form of entertainment. Start a new hobby or try new experiences that don’t center on alcohol.
- Let your friends know about your alcohol recovery and remind them before events that you will not be drinking. Getting their support will help them to keep you on the right path. Talk to them and let them know exactly how they can help. If they need to stop you from taking a drink let them know. Tell them that no matter what you say later you need them to help you stay strong. Count on your friends to keep you away from places where alcohol will be served.
- Don’t drink again – ever. The biggest mistake that some recovering alcoholics make is to assume that once they have gotten better they will be able to drink socially again. This is a misnomer. Anyone who has been alcoholic needs to be aware that the tendency is always there in the future. Even one seemingly innocent drink can often send the person back into a full relapse.
- Stay involved in an alcohol program such as AA. This will help you keep focused on staying sober. Find a program that works for you. Many local hospitals and churches offer ongoing groups for recovering alcoholics. Be sure to commit to at least one meeting a week.
- Become a sponsor to others who are recovering alcoholics. Help others who are new to the program get through the hard times. By helping others you are also helping yourself stay committed to the program and to staying sober. Your help will be appreciated and you’ll be keeping yourself focused at the same time.
