I really want to quit drinking for good, but it is really difficult for me to do so. How does one overcome the craving of alcohol? How does one consciously embrace sobriety? I dont want it to ruin my life like it did my grandfathers. Before I get a family of my own one day, I dont one them to see me as the alcoholic. I want to be such a good man for my a future wife and my children.
2007-01-01 14:11:08 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Mental Health
You're already at the first step of healing...admission of having a problem.
Now, call your local churches to find out where the local AA meetings are, and get a start on it.
BEST of luck to you, and WAY TO GO!!!!
2007-01-01 14:13:17 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I don't think anyone ever conquers the alcohol demon. The best you can hope for is to conquer it one day at a time with abstinence. You will always have a craving for liquor, sometimes more so, sometimes less so. When you have that craving, go to a meeting. Yes, AA is not exactly a thrill, but it kills an hour where you know you won't be drinking and that is usually all it takes for the urge to pass. If the urge doesn't pass, call your sponsor, the relapse prevention unit at your detox, or your drug and alcohol counsellor. That's all I can say. You will always be an alcoholic, but you don't always have to be a drunk. Good luck!
2007-01-01 14:17:04 · answer #2 · answered by sweet_leaf 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you have cravings for alcohol then consider seeing your doctor for medicine that can reduce those cravings. My husband quit cold turkey about 6 years ago and he had been drinking since he was a teen. He was in his 40's when he quit. You need to realize that you have an alcohol problem and that once you do decide to quit you may never have another drop of alcohol. That means watching what cough medicines you take and what mouthwashes you use as many contain alcohol. If you cannot quit on your own get some help. Congratulations on wanting a better life.
2007-01-01 14:14:44 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have other vices. To me all vices are the same. First of all alcohol is not the demon. It is up to you to conquer your own inner demon. You have the power within you, but it is not easy.
You become what you think about. If you think about drinking you become a drunk. If thoughts of drinking emerge from your unconscious cancel them by doing something else.
Spend the next year of your life gradually weening yourself from alcohol to the point where you're only using it moderately. I don't believe in abstinence. In my humble opinion, abstinence will only lead to a quick 'Rebound effect'.
When you feel that 'scared' feeling it's simply your body going through with-drawls. Make note of this consciously and remind yourself this initial threshold will only last 3-weeks.
Before you know it you will be living a life of moderation - Nature's most Noblest invention.
2007-01-01 14:32:49 · answer #4 · answered by rusty_1491 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My father was an alcoholic and he quit after 25 years. I was a smoker and quit after 13 years. The trick is know that you will crave this crap and you will battle the demons everyday for about 2 mos. Sike yourself out. But know IT WILL GET EASIER. Trust me you will be so proud of yourself that alone will boost your confidence. You can do it. Alcohol almost killed my dad (liver transplant)...dont let it kill you..... GOOD LUCK!
PS...A three day vacation out of your usual surroundings is a good way to get through the first few days..
2007-01-01 14:15:56 · answer #5 · answered by DanielleR 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I've quit drinking for 14 years after going to AA. Alcohol screwed up both my parents and was on the way to doing the same for me. It really works, if you have the motivation, I promise.
2007-01-01 14:34:36 · answer #6 · answered by Vincent F 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I say "Congratulations!"-- You have a strong desire and strong principles and now you need to set some goals and get some support to follow through on quitting "for good" (for great).
I grew up in an alcoholic culture and one of my parents is an active alcoholic. I had a "drinking problem" that would have developed into alcoholism IF I hadn't had a husband who loved me through my ups and downs while he "quit drinking for good" himself. I am happy to say that I haven't had a drink in 15 years, and I only ever regretted it (and very, very briefly) once during a wine tasting tour as part of a business trip with my husband... no, I don't drink anything alcoholic any time.... my choice. I have also found out that sugars convert to alcohol in our bodies, and it gave me a new consciousness of the way I sometimes crave sweets and overeat them.... just another form of alcohol abuse.
I am very moved by your desire to be a good man for your future wife and children. Our adult sons made similar commitments. It is going against the tide, so to speak, but I have found that there are surprisingly large numbers of young adults who are making wonderful healthy and peaceful choices in their lives. Count yourself in that group. Look for some new friends from within that group (Alateen. Alanon. Church Youth groups. Volunteering organizations, eg., soup kitchens, activities with challenged youth, etc.)
Connect with supportive older adults who don't drink and who will mentor you in a non-alcoholic lifestyle. You might find them in the same groups as above.
Max your nutrition: eat generously from raw, ripe, fresh, organic fruits and veggies and limit/eliminate highly processed, sugary, transfatty foods.
Drink pure water when you are thirsty.... cut back on soda, coffee, black tea, other caffeine drinks, sugar-y juices and dairy. Stay away from tobacco and other smoking stuff. Drugs, including pharmaceuticals, can induce feelings of need for alcohol. Any of these drinks may trigger a desire for alcohol. As you hydrate yourself you will feel marvelous, darling.
If you are really, truly serious about wanting to kick the habit, and you want to do it without the benefit of prescription drugs, etc., then you might want to check out the most effective method I have come across: Emotional Freedom Technique.... EFT is easily learned and easily applied. You can download the free "Get Started Package" at http://tinyurl.com/yh5zhu, or if you want to dive in right away by purchasing the inexpensive instructional DVDs go to http://tinyurl.com/ycwle8
I celebrate you in 2007!
2007-01-01 14:29:46 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Go to an AA meeting! They really will help you there!! Go to alcoholics-anonymous.org and they will direct you to a meeting list. It's really nice to have friends to help you through it everyday. My ex found AA, not in time to save our relationship but in time to save his relationship with his children. I think that it's absolutely admirable that you are reaching out and I wish you the best possible luck!!
2007-01-01 14:15:31 · answer #8 · answered by answergrrl3 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its only a demon if you let it be, Drinking is not a problem. The problem is knowing when to stop. Most people can not quit anything on there own that's why "specialist" and such are a growing field. To beat it get involved in things, volunteer in community, spend time doing things, free time or idol hands welcome demons.
2007-01-01 14:16:04 · answer #9 · answered by κύριος κτίστης 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
go to AA maybe, or a similar thing is you are not religious
or ask a doctor for some of those pills that will make you not like the alcohol
maybe you could do it on your own, maybe not though
maybe substitute some good food or iced coffee
maybe check into a rehab program
2007-01-01 14:14:51 · answer #10 · answered by kurticus1024 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋