Admitting your Drinking Problems

Accepting Your True Condition Helps

A good first step in quitting alcohol is learning to admit your drinking problems. This will be the starting line of your journey. Admitting to yourself or to other people your actual condition will help in the development of confidence within you because you know it is a sign that you are now seeing both sides of the coin. It is a good symptom that you are now thinking reasonably after being blinded by alcohol addiction.

Don't Become a Victim of Alcohol. Don't Get Drunk. 

Accepting you are an alcoholic will initiate from the inside, realizing that your occasional drinking has become a regular habit. By then, it will appear on your mind that this regular habit has turn into uncontrollable drinking sessions and has developed automatically into a strong addiction. It will follow with the acceptance that alcohol abuse affects your life in many ways.

After you have realized the damaging effects of alcohol addiction, this will bring out the desire from within to repair those damages. Having an open mind and a broader point of view, you, as an alcoholic, can proceed to the next level by simply admitting your drinking problem. And that you know you need to have proper medical attention to help in dealing with alcohol withdrawal symptoms. You will discover that you are now willing to undergo treatments. In addition, you will notice that you are now eager to get rid of the habit.

Once you are familiar with the negative results of the addiction, it will be easier for you to pinpoint the problem and identify which actions should be taken into consideration. You will be able to know the importance of rehabilitation. You will be able to seek outside and medical help if necessary. And you will be able to ask for supports from your loved ones and make them part of your plans to quit drinking alcohol.

Admitting a drinking problem is difficult because of the denial aspects - a common and natural symptom that a person is really an alcoholic. This is the reason why a person needs to understand alcohol addiction at the starting point of this journey. He must realize how this condition continuously affects his personality, principles and relationships with others. Family members play a big role in the process. Once a person already admits his problems, the family can grab the opportunity to put the person into alcohol addiction treatments or programs. They should act while the iron is hot.

Take away the perception that admitting your own drinking problem is a weakness on your part. Don’t ever think that confessing your drinking problems to others is your disadvantage. In fact, it is a strong sign you are coming back into reality. In addition, it is an indication that you are now prepared to get rid of the addiction and that you are indomitable to put your plans into action.

I believe there are many ways to refrain from alcohol. If a person really wants to quit drinking, there are lots of different possible steps to take. If he truly has the desire to get rid of his drinking problem, he will do his best and try all options to succeed. Even in great circumstances, he will pursue and continue achieving his dreams. Even if you fail once or twice, you will try to rise up and move on.

Quit Drinking Alcohol on Your Own

Can a Person Really Quit Drinking Alcohol on His Own?

I, too, encountered this crossroad. When I became aware of my worsening condition, I also asked the same question - can I actually quit alcohol on my own with no help from a doctor or staff of a rehabilitation center? Or it is mandatory for me to enter a rehab and undergo addiction program? Do I need to be admitted or can I still recover even without medical treatments?

Crossroad

Due to the high rates of doctor’s professional fees, addiction treatments and in-patient rehabilitation costs, not to mention the privacy issues involved, the length of the duration you need to stay in the facility away from your loved ones (read as outside world, of course) and the required out-patient sessions after you’ve finished the in-patient program, you would think of finding alternative solutions. You would seek ways on how you can quit drinking on your own.

If someone is on the starting line of qiutting alcohol, he has two available options. First, he can quit drinking alcohol by means of his own initiative, meaning he can proceed by not going into any kind of treatment and just quit by his self. Second, he can voluntarily submit himself for an alcohol addiction program, usually conducted by a medical doctor in an alcohol or drug rehabilitation facility. Each of these two choices has different environment. And has different results for different individual, for that matter.

So, how can you quit drinking and fight alcohol addiction by means of your own initiatives?

The answer to the question may be simple. Or is, in fact, simple.

Seven (7) Simple Steps on How to Quit Drinking on Your Own

First, you need to have that rock-solid determination. This includes being motivated or inspired. A good foundation in achieving your goal, the determination to become a normal individual and to hold the wheel in controlling your life, can put your quit drinking plans into reality. It will tell you to keep on walking even if there are barriers along the way. It will push you on moving forward even on rough roads. It will even help you not to be interrupted by anyone or anything you will meet along the way. You will just go on, moving towards sobriety.

After having that willpower to quit alcohol in your hands, you should now make yourself physically, emotionally and psychologically prepared for the big fight. This is the second step that you need to quit drinking alcohol on your own. Being fit to quit makes a big difference.

Alcohol addiction changed your way of living. You absolutely ignored your diet because of the addiction. You may have skipped your meals because all you have in mind is alcohol. You may have eaten unhealthy food in the past because you are unaware of the effects. Drinking alcohol also affects appetite. This makes your body and mind weak and undernourished. Now that you are quitting alcohol on your own, you should do your best in bringing back the habit of eating healthy foods.

Third, you need to ask moral supports from your loved ones. Although, you are quitting alcohol on your own, you need to be constantly motivated during your journey. And one motivational technique that can be effective in terms of transforming you to a better human being is by believing you have a reason to live. Your family is the topmost reason why you must be sober all the time. The feeling of being with someone you trust can also help in building confidence within you.

Fourth, you need to have specific and detailed plans. If you want to reach the stage of recovery, you have to draw a specific angle and specify where your feet must make their steps. By doing so, you are not only familiarizing yourself with the problems that you will encounter but you are also motivating yourself to walk where you should be walking. Create an exact but realistic goal and do your best to achieve it.

Fifth, you need to keep away from your drinking buddies or friends, even from closed friends who are still drinking alcohol. Hanging out or being with friends who drink alcohol can trigger alcohol cravings. And will lead to relapse. If situations can’t be prevented, try tip on quitting on your own number six.

Sixth, you should learn how to say no and when to say no. Make your alibis always available for friends or relatives who will still insist even if you do told them your plans on quitting alcohol. White lies are good defense for situations like this.

The last but not the least is - take it one day at a time.

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms are the only barriers that definitely hinder a person to quit drinking alcohol on his own. The health risks, the possibility of mild symptoms becoming severe ones, the emergency situations, all these are associated with withdrawal symptoms that requires medical attention. Symptom of withdrawal like a simple headache can develop into terrible migraine that typically leads to other bigger health problems. This is the reason why a person who has been drinking alcohol heavily for years is subjected for medical supervision while quitting alcohol and is not advised to quit alcohol on his own. The condition is so severe that it needs not to be taken for granted.

If you are one of the many individuals who are showing signs of extreme withdrawal from alcohol, you should not do it on your own. You should seek for medical help so that you will have a better chance of recovering from alcohol addiction.

We have a choice, we always have a choice. If you are not confident that you can do it alone, then you can seek medical help. Otherwise, you can quit drinking alcohol on your own.

How to Motivate an Alcoholic to Stop Drinking

Tips on How to Motivate an Individual Stop Drinking Alcohol

Motivation is Important in Quitting Alcohol

Not all who visit Quit Alcohol Now blog are alcoholics. There are people who are here because they are seeking for ways about how they can motivate their friend or family member to stop drinking alcohol. This is because they witness the negative effects of the substance to that person. And they know that the only effective solution to the drinking problem is by stopping them from drinking.

How can they do that? How can you help a person stops drinking alcohol?

“An effective way to motivate an alcoholic to stop drinking is by helping him learn from the past, live in the present and plan for the future."

By simply promoting the motivation of that alcoholic so that he can maintain his sobriety. By strengthening the motivation deep within supports stronger determination which is a great weapon in beating alcohol addiction.

Benefits of those Motivations When Quitting Drinking

A person suffering from alcohol addiction but is well motivated can:

• push his limits to deal with alcohol withdrawal symptoms,

• admit his drinking problems

• have the eagerness to undergo alcoholism treatments

• concentrate on his plans to quit

• discourage relapse

• overcome alcohol cravings

• change negative thoughts to positive ones

• enjoy the quitting process

• give up alcohol easily

• resist temptations and invitations from drinking buddies

Motivational Techniques That Can Help a Person Stops Drinking Alcohol

Motivating an alcohol to stop drinking can be a little tricky. The person who abuses alcohol may be in the denial period and this causes him to refuse accepting any kind of advice. He may be in the stage where he doesn’t believe he has drinking problem and that he can stop drinking anytime he wants. The truth is that a common sign of alcohol addiction is when a person is denying the issue and rejecting the facts there are negative effects of alcohol in his life. But when he became aware of these and realize he needs to quit drinking alcohol, it will be easier for us to encourage him to give up the habit.

There are many ways to motivate an alcoholic to stop drinking. If he already decided he will quit alcohol, then the only thing we need to do is to make his decision stronger by giving him the reasons why he should continue going on with his journey.

One way to motivate an alcoholic who decides to stop drinking is to tell him about the benefits he will get if he quits and become an alcohol free individual. We can show him a list of advantages he can read so that he will realize the rewards of quitting alcohol. He will have a healthier system, free from illnesses. He will have a firm relationship with everyone in the family including his friends and co-workers. His mornings of hangovers and headaches will be gone. His financial matters will be stable. He will have the ability to think clearly and the skill to accomplish his everyday task effectively. If he quits alcohol and keep at it, he will no longer need to deal with issues associated with drinking problems. And he will have a better perspective in life, making him a better person.

Second is to remind him of the negative effects of alcohol in his life, in general. Motivate him to stop drinking by recalling the times he was unable to go to work because of heavy drinking. Remind him of the times he was with his drinking buddies rather than spending time with his family and loved ones. Remind him of the troubles he has encountered while he was drunk. Discuss with him of the past when he became totally irresponsible to motivate him to stop drinking.

Third is to let him understand the value of his or her family. A person who has been abusing alcohol for a very long time surely forgets the word family. He is so obsessed and he only concentrates on alcohol that he forgot he has family who love and care for him very much. By making him understand that he has his family that supports him, he will realize all his mistakes and will become eager to change his life.If he knows he has reason to quit drinking, he will do his best to fix his whole being. 

Lastly, you can motivate an alcoholic to stop drinking by means of supporting him all the way. If he sees that there are people who are willing to help him throughout his quitting journey, he will have that confidence to finish what he has started. He will not allow any interruptions to set in and he will make his life ready for future endeavors because he knows he has good reasons to stop drinking alcohol.

Photo from: http://ohsheglows.com/2011/07/09/10-tips-to-live-in-the-present/

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

Symptoms of Quitting Drinking Alcohol

Stay Sober Sign

If a person quits drinking alcohol, he will possibly experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Regardless of the duration he is abusing alcohol, those abusive behaviors still have physical and psychological, as well as emotional impacts, to his system. Despite the amount of the addictive substance he is abusing in the past, he still needs to learn the steps on how to deal with these symptoms in order to have a smooth quitting alcohol journey. One must realize completely the consequences, the difficulty, the health risks and the side effects involved in fighting a strong addiction. The effects of alcohol withdrawal symptoms can fluctuate to mild symptoms to very dangerous ones which have a possibility of becoming fatal symptoms. But, if a person has the right knowledge and information, he will have the correct instrument to use in dealing with this kind of problem.

Understanding the real definition of alcohol withdrawal symptoms can help in the improvement of one’s own condition. Familiarizing with the facts can widen his options and can help him in choosing which treatments or programs can help him overcome the addiction. Because every individual has a unique and a different condition, it is recommended to conduct a personalized study and implement an individualized and particular alcohol addiction treatment for each person.

What are alcohol withdrawal symptoms?

Alcohol withdrawal symptoms are the reactions of the body to the absence of the “satisfying effects” of what it thinks is important in doing its normal tasks – which is in this case, alcohol. In other words, severe symptoms are the effects of the excessive and long term use of alcohol. To put it in other terms, alcohol withdrawal symptoms are effects of the effects of alcohol addiction.

1. These are “after-sales products”, bonus as you may call it, of hard drinks and beer companies which they included, without your knowledge, when you bought their products.

2. There are many forms of alcohol withdrawal symptoms. These “warning signs” can be short term and long term symptoms, which can be associated with serious health issues or mild to moderate signs. It can also be physical, psychological or both, in nature.

3. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms are portable barriers in a race. An individual who wants to win the race should do his best and jump over these barriers. Failure to do so will result to additional damages.”

4. Many people can’t quit drinking alcohol due to these barriers. They suffer severe symptoms that they give up quitting and just drink again to feel better. That is why it is best to seek for professional help first.

Who can experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms?

All people who drinks alcohol and suddenly practice abstinence will and can experience symptoms. Many have asked: If I am drinking moderately for many years, will I still experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms? We are told that light to moderate drinkers also have the tendency to experience withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms are only mild by which these after-effects don’t create big impacts on their system. They can tolerate these signs and can go on without even having to undergo medical treatments.

On the other hand, people who are abusing alcohol for a very long period of time are subject for severe and serious symptoms. They are required to be under medical supervision and / or rehabilitation and detoxification programs to stop or at least reduce the pain and sufferings. The more a person abuses alcohol, the more withdrawal symptoms are expected to manifest. Due to the slow, addictive factor of alcohol, many people are unable to see the problems beforehand.

Duration of Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

While this all depends on the severity of the addiction and the intensity of the condition a person has, alcohol withdrawal symptoms may occur as early as twelve hours after the last drink.

The level of seriousness of the symptoms usually depends on the duration an individual has consuming alcohol and the quantity he usually consumes on a regular basis. How he quits can also become a factor. For example, if a person quits cold turkey, he is likely to encounter the “quick response team”.

The question is that do we need to gradually quit drinking to avoid alcohol withdrawal symptoms? Due to the uniqueness of every condition and situation, the answer may differ. It is very important to identify which approach is appropriate by seeking medical advice.  

What are the common alcohol withdrawal symptoms?

Here are some common symptoms that may occur when you quit drinking alcohol.

agitation

anxiety and panic attacks

confusion

delirium tremens

depression

diarrhea

stomach pains

hallucinations

headache

difficulty sleeping

irritability

nausea

vomiting

palpitations

restlessness

sweating

seizures and death

tremors

fatigue

Dealing with Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

It is difficult to deal with alcohol withdrawal symptoms. If alcohol has become your long time partner and you have decided quitting alcohol now, you may need to visit a medical doctor first. This is to know the real score Ignoring alcohol withdrawal symptoms can cause serious health problems in your quitting journey.  . Mild symptoms can escalate rapidly and can become severe or full-blown symptoms if not treated properly. You may suffer more rather than enjoying a smooth quitting process.

Good luck!

A Good Way to Quit Drinking Alcohol

Your Own Family and Your Decision to Quit Alcohol

A very effective and a good way to quit drinking alcohol is already in the pipeline, just waiting to be implemented, awaiting to be deployed. That is getting motivated by taking into consideration the importance of your family.

Family Motivation Can Help in Quitting Alcohol

Your family can be your motivation, your loved ones can be your inspirations. They are part of your life. They are in fact - your life. Make them your main reason why you want to quit drinking alcohol now. It is a good way to be motivated and tackle your drinking problem.

Determination is one of the keys of the door that leads to a room of opportunities when it comes to recovery and sobriety. Determination plays a big role in fighting alcohol addiction. It is a foundation that helps in making the promise of enjoying the full benefits of a sober world a reality. One cannot fully quit if he doesn’t have enough determination in his hands. He could have a control over his urge not to drink for a few days but sooner or later, he will get back into the usual habit because there is no sufficient willpower that will support his plans.

 A person can have the determination he needs to successfully quit drinking alcohol by simply thinking of and taking into consideration the importance his family to his whole being. It will make his will stronger and promote a firm desire to change his life. No matter how severe the condition is, if he has the determination to improve this condition, he will become eager to undergo necessary treatments.

You may want to become a responsible human being because of your loved ones. You may want to repair the damages alcohol may have brought to your life because you know now you have reasons to live for. Your family will serve as a guiding star and will enlighten your road to recovery from the dreadful effects alcohol has brought you.

Now that you are quitting alcohol and you are trying to maintain alcohol free, it is important to know the significance of your family. It is necessary to realize their values and make these values the top reasons why you want to quit drinking.

"It is highly recommended to make them a part of your journey in fighting the biggest fight in your life - that is with alcohol addiction."

Perhaps family members were part of the reason why you uncontrollably drink alcohol in the past. There may be some domestic problems that trigger you to abuse the addictive substance. I, too, have encountered those issues due to lack of communication between me and my family. I had to work long hours on weekdays and on weekends. And that situation makes my relationship to them somewhat vague. It triggers me to seek for other companions and force me to rely on other means of happiness.

 You may also have encountered some familial issues with some of your relatives and maybe you came to thinking that alcohol is the only ally you have. Well, there may be personal reasons and family concerns that push you to become a problem drinker, but it is your choice. You are the one responsible for your actions. You are in charge for your decisions. You family may have been a part of those decisions but you are the one that put yourself on the spotlight. You are the main attraction. Don’t blame it to somebody else.

Your family is your family. Blood is thicker than water, consider that. They may also have personal reasons in doing such actions. Understanding their emotions and decisions may bring back the rope that connects you with them. By simply doing this, you are letting go of the past and living with the present. You are actually refining your heart and washing away the negative thoughts. And definitely, this will help you in quitting alcohol and transforming your life for the better.

You should now focus on regaining their trust and respect. You must put them on top of the list of the reasons why you are quitting alcohol. By doing so, you will have the correct tool that will push you to continue your quitting journey. Don’t think of the past right now. It will only put your feet again on the edge. It will encourage depression and anxiety. You must remember that you have grown and you are mature enough now to identify the good from the bad. What is important now is that your family is still on your side to support you on achieving your goals.

Thinking that they are important and making them feel they are important will encourage them to think and feel the same way, too. Talking with them and telling them your plans in quitting alcohol will make them realize you are committed in changing your life. 

Three Kinds of Drinkers

People who drink because they like to.

Lots of people are called social drinkers. You will see them at parties or social gatherings, just enjoying a sip, talking and laughing, relaxing with their family, relatives or friends. Their use of alcohol is controllable and not habitual. When it comes to drinking, they can take it or leave it. They drink slowly and don’t usually get drunk. They absolutely know how to stop. They know when enough is enough.

People with attitude like this obviously don’t experience or struggle from alcohol addiction. They don’t need to stop drinking because, clearly, they can control their drinking behaviors.

On the other hand, people who drink like this are subject to develop a certain feeling of desire to drink again because they know they can control their drinking. They continue drinking because “what the heck, I can stop whenever I believe I need to stop”. With this, alcohol slowly penetrates in their system and the substance gradually makes its way to the top. Little by little, individuals with the “I-can-control-my-drinking-attitudes” are infiltrated by the addicting feature of alcohol. And because they are unaware of the situation, they tend to ignore their drinking patterns. They are apt to wake up one morning with the strong feeling of drinking again because they want to.

People who drink because they want to.

“Why a person becomes a problem drinker or alcoholic is still debated. Problem drinkers are those individuals whose use of alcohol interferes with their interpersonal relationships, health and well-being. They also put themselves and others in danger due to their risky behaviors, e.g., driving while under the influence.” (Well Informed, William B. Baun, 1997)

A person do have all the reasons to drink. He may be in the state of celebrating an occasion, stressed, depressed, or angry  to have a reason to drink. And once an individual, who used to have that “I-can-control-my-drinking-attitude” begins to have that sense of desire to drink alcohol to get drunk, he will eventually become a problem drinker. He will likely drink every night after work to satisfy his cravings of alcohol. He will possibly have to drink because he needs to. And with those constant drinking sessions, a kettle of fish will soon emerge on the scene. He will soon meet the lineup of effects of alcohol in his life, in general. Heath issues soon arise. Wrong decisions happen. Irresponsible acts immediately occur.

We need to make him realize the consequences alcohol may lead him. We need to make him understand the negative effects of alcohol. We need to tell him to quit alcohol before alcohol ruined everything in his life.

People who drink because they need to.

Alcoholics are individuals whose use of alcohol has gone out of control. When they take their first drink on any particular day, they cannot predict whether they will be able to stop before becoming drunk or passing out. They have developed a psychological, and sometimes a physical, dependence on alcohol. Alcoholics can suffer withdrawal symptoms such as DTs (delirium tremens) or severe alcohol poisoning. Both conditions can be fatal. (Well Informed, William B. Baun, 1997)

Alcoholics don’t acquire their addiction overnight. It takes time to pull down. Individuals who drink alcohol because of the perception they can stop at any time, have exposed themselves to the addictive substance enough to transform them to problem drinkers. Ignoring that condition will worsen the picture and those people will have to face the truth about alcohol addiction. They will become alcoholics and suffer the consequences.

It can be avoided by simply not starting. There will be no smoke without fire. We do not have to quit alcohol because obviously there’s nothing to quit from. You are very lucky if your taste buds have not yet encountered alcohol. Don’t start, and DON’T EVEN THINK ABOUT DRINKING. And if you have just started, quit alcohol now, it may save you from further damages.

Image Credits: Occupy Fun

Quitting Alcohol Poem

Free From the Chain

by: Aliyah Arsiton

I knew vodka,

I made him my papa.

I was with cola rhum.

She used to be my mom.

Gin was my brother,

Scotch was my sister,

And Granny Whisky

Took good care of me.

But that was long ago,

When my head was in my toe

I was totally insane

Tied my neck with a chain.

But now I’ve changed

My life is arranged!

I just quit the booze,

Free from abuse!

You can also quit

Just try to commit,

We all can be happy,

And alcohol-free!

-aliyaharsiton

I was totally hooked. I put alcohol on top of that pedestal, lit candles on both sides and worship it with respect and adoration. I made it a part of my family. I considered it a part of me. The biggest mistake ever!

Let Yourself Be Free from the Chain of Alcohol Addiction

What I am not aware of is that it slowly removed members of my family on the list one by one, until it (alcohol) is the only one left in the cast. Never would I think that it would only make me feel empty rather than feeling fulfilled. And when it happened, I felt being alone, I felt being deserted. This is when depression set in. To feel secure, I gripped alcohol’s hand, thinking that it is the only thing left in me and believing that it is my only ally.

But I realized alcohol is a wolf in a sheep’s clothing. You will see its true colors once you’ve learned your lessons… the hard way. But I am thankful that I quit alcohol now. I am free from the chain of alcohol addiction.

I recognize many people are in the same shoes, thinking and accepting that drinking alcohol would make their lives a lot easier. Believing that it would help them gets rid of depressions. But it is in fact the other way around. Alcohol and abusing it will only give birth to depression and misery. Drinking will deliver more problems. And one will wake up one morning totally constrained with a chain on their neck. The worst part is that they will soon discover that it is difficult to get out of the chain because both of their hands are also tied up!

Damage has been done. Crying about it is just adding insult to injury. I need to move on, forward. Quitting alcohol now is moving forward.

I need to choose happiness. Depression while quitting alcohol will only worsen the scenario. I need to understand more of myself, my own condition. I need to get rid of the negative thoughts to overcome alcohol cravings. I need to be happy and stay that way to get rid of depressions. I need to choose happiness to deal with alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

And I hope it’s downhill from here on.

You, too, can. The fact that you are seeking for best ways to quit drinking alcohol in the internet (that’s why you came across this blog) is a good start. Just apply what you’ve learned, sorting the fine grains from the edged ones. Implementing the good tips on how to stop drinking alcohol and getting rid of the not-so-good tips.

We have a choice. We always have a choice. We just have to pick the right choice/ s to get the right notes. Sometimes, our conscience tells us which to choose; sometimes our heart will dictate us how. The most important thing is that you have to continuously move forward. No matter how many times you tried.

If you are fed up with the troubles you are constantly getting into because of your uncontrollable drinking behavior, just do what is necessary. Quit alcohol now. Because you have a choice…

Quitting Alcohol and Depression

In quitting alcohol, depression can make you struggle more. And suffer more…

depression and alcohol addiction

Depression is the vitamin for any kind of addiction. It boosts energy and strengthens alcoholism. In most cases, it is the root of the drinking problem. Many people have been hooked, and are now suffering, because they ignore this situation. Without proper handling, depression will create a never ending cycle in the part of the alcoholic and one can’t win in the process even if he has the determination to quit drinking alcohol.

I realized that it is one of the major reasons why I, in the first place, was totally bitten by the jagged teeth of alcoholism. There are lots of depressing events and mistakes in my past that generate rants and sentiments. And those negative episodes in the past play a very big role in my drinking problems now. I handled such negative events by means of befriending of what I had believed previously can solve those problems. I have learned it the hard way.

Depression makes an individual who is quitting alcohol more vulnerable and prone to alcohol cravings, that very strong desire to drink again. It also serves as a trigger for relapse, paranoia and withdrawal symptoms. Depression makes a person feels sad, alone and hopeless. This condition will make his shell fragile and powerless. And if a person is weak, defenseless and unguarded, he will find himself back in the palm of alcohol addiction again.

If you are quitting alcohol, your mind and body are both experiencing reactions from the quitting process. A great deal manifests when you quit cold turkey. Your mind and body “think” you are taking away something that is important – an essential component that they need in order to stay alive. Your system senses that there is an insufficient supply of what is necessary for them to function well, which is, in this case - alcohol.

This is what alcohol withdrawal symptoms is all about. The sudden halt will cause your mind and body to show reactions - short term symptoms which include those feelings of sadness and despair. And when your mind and body feel that loneliness, they will sooner or later seek for “that essential component” in order to be happy, thus, triggering your entire system to crave for alcohol. If you allow this step in, you will see a bottle of hard drink in front of you. And in your back, the abstract figure of alcohol addiction laughing.

Depression is not something that you plan. But it is right around the corner. It is present the minute you decide to stop drinking alcohol. Sitting and waiting. It will stand up if you allow it to happen. Depression will take possession of your inner self, getting through the physical, emotional and psychological part of you until it surrounds your whole system, affecting your mind and body. Sometimes, you will have these feeling of irritability, loneliness and depression, all at the same time for no reason at all. These are all interconnected with withdrawal symptoms and getting rid of a habit. If an individual trying to quit drinking alcohol feels depressed, the shadow of the addiction will gradually sets in and will go through without warnings.

Depression happens when you allow those negative thoughts to rekindle. Because the addiction is already into the system, it is easier for it to light up itself again. There is already a sketch of pattern into the drawing board. Depression only needs to follow the pattern in order to illustrate the real picture.

Avoid getting those negative thoughts to set in when you are in the process of quitting alcohol. Choose to be happy, most of the time if not all the time. There are lots of positive things to be thankful about. Think of your family. Make them your inspiration, your ultimate encouragements. They will serve as a constant reminder that you need to stick with your plans on quitting and will pull you away from the ledge. They are actually your effective motivations. Think of them as a structure that will give way and collapse if you drink again.

I am not saying that you stop thinking. I am saying though that you need to change the way you think. If you are thinking of what you do not have in the past, then, now is the time to think the other way around. You need to filter those thoughts.

I know I need to be aware all the time. The cravings, the symptoms, the relapse are just around the corner. If I am weak and if I allow alcohol addiction to penetrate again, it will rekindle its flame and it will be very difficult for me to start again and put down the fire.

It is necessary for me to be vigilant. Quitting alcohol is a never ending task. Just like a mouse running in a circular roller coaster. If you stop moving, you may end up rolling over.

Quitting alcohol is a serious issue. We should be aware of that and we should always remember the fact that we cannot pull an instant solution out of a hat. We need to act. We need to continuously do something.

Pull out all the stops to quit drinking alcohol. Recovery is also just around the corner. Say hello now.

About This Blog

ABOUT THIS QUIT DRINKING BLOG

“There are three types of drinkers - people who are happy, people who are sad and people who are confused to which category they belong.” – Aliyah Arsiton

Introduction

You may want to quit alcohol now, as in NOW. Or you can suffer the consequences forever. I will tell you all the reasons for this appeal, using this quit drinking blog.

Everyone who drinks alcohol, whether it is an occasional drinking, for social gatherings, or regular intake in any given time, can become a victim of alcohol abuse. Furthermore, people who borrow courage and strength from alcoholic beverages and spirits, to overcome dark situations, are going out on a limb. The bomb could explode within a short period of time for some individuals and will take a while for others, but consequences will definitely find their way. Although a person believes that he got his drinking in his hand, the truth remains intact - everyone who holds a rocks glass or wine tumbler and imbibe the content is all doomed to failure. Not to mention the fact that this continuous, normal and make-believe “controlled” drinking behavior can lead to alcohol addiction that is a universal occurrence.

Each of us knows that alcohol can string anyone along to great deals of troubles. Even those individuals who understand they need to control their consumption and are fully focused to carry out the plan are candidates for disruption, in one way or another, and are apt to abuse alcohol. Even if some people recognize their limitations and entirely know when enough is enough, it will come to a certain point that they can’t resist the temptation – they will get drunk, will be unmanageable and will be liable for the damages of their actions.

This Blog is for People Who Drinks to Celebrate

This is one of the functions of this blog. This quit drinking blog is designed for people, who use and abuse alcohol for fun and excitement, to clearly show them how to recognize and realize all the undeniably negative factors and catastrophic effects linked with drinking alcohol, regardless of the quantity, the quality and the potency of the booze; the intensity of happiness the drinker is experiencing and the level of ecstasy alcohol provides to the drinker. No matter how much courage to control a person has, he may soon get caught to the trap and become one of the casualties. Despite the high level of contentment or happiness a person is contemplating, I believe that he is a potential target of alcohol, and every one of us is under the same possibility, no exemption. This reality is enough to dictate us that everyone should really quit drinking alcohol, or avoid alcohol in any way.

We all have the knowledge that an alcoholic beverage contains the substance ethanol, a by-product of fermenting sugars from yeasts. Ethanol is a psychoactive drug that affects the central nervous system, particularly the brain functions. This chemical provides “euphoria” to certain parts of the brain, thus, the brain will constantly clamor for this rewarding effect in order to feel good. If a person is exposed to this practice in a regular, continuous basis, it will eventually lead to addiction, which means that the person will become dependent to the substance and abstaining from it can cause withdrawal symptoms and other underlying effects.

We are also aware that alcohol, when taken in large amounts, can intoxicate anyone and can disrupt the balance of one’s physical and mental faculties or behavior.  Alcohol belongs to the list of depressants that makes an individual feel depressed and less active even if the real goal when drinking is to celebrate life or merely to seek creature comforts. Therefore, we reach the conclusion that we really need to quit drinking alcohol in order to prevent the aforementioned circumstances.

An individual is likely to abuse alcohol if he is in a good mood. A person who is happy is in the highest peak. He doesn't want to end this good feeling. He sure wants to maintain his or her happiness by drinking more alcohol especially if booze is already into his or her system. This is due to the fact that he is convinced that alcohol can put in some extra weight to the happiness he is already experiencing. He is also prone to drink up against his or her limitations because of this. Now, let’s try to fathom the next chapter that will take place if this is not addressed properly.

Everyone has the right to enjoy life, everyone can crack open a bottle, celebrate special occasions and be merry once in a while. Every person in this planet can paint the town red and get pleasure from the booze if they wish to. Everyone can also drink every single hour of every single day and can use and abuse alcohol to overcome fears and worries. 

But every human being also has the right to enjoy a tranquil environment, free from people getting out of hand. A mother or a father has the right to enjoy parenthood, free from juvenile delinquency brought about by alcohol abuse. Every child has the right to have a happy family, free from domestic violence due to intoxication. Every passenger in a car should be safe and secure, free from drivers who are under the influence. This world needs dependable civilization, free from dangerous drunks and irresponsible people who assume they can manage their drinking behaviors. This planet does not deserve inhabitants who only think of themselves and their drinking spree.

This Blog is for People Who Drinks to Cope Up with Sadness 

In addition, the following quit drinking articles are written with the intention of illustrating to people, who choose to cover up their negative emotions by drowning themselves with alcohol, that the substance has the ability to further push them down the drain, which will definitely promote additional destruction and distraction.

For instance, if a person is dealing with personal or domestic problem, and begins to pour alcohol down his or her throat to calm down or get back into composure, he might drink more than what he intends to consume because of the sorrow that the personal or domestic problem is causing him or her. No one can be in control if the strength of alcohol is intentionally used to deal with stress and depression. No one is in control when the spirit of alcohol actually possesses someone’s logical faculty. No one can be in total power to stop drinking if the energy of alcohol is more powerful than what a person holds.

This website is created with all these in mind. The purpose is to give a warning to people who don’t seem to notice the effects of alcohol in their lives. The goal is to encourage others to quit drinking alcohol for the simple reason – alcohol has the power to destroy. Period.

Admit it or not, drinking alcohol (whether it involves moderate or “controlled” consumption) can influence a person, and it has affected you, more or less. It causes butterfly effect that is applicable to both you and your loved ones.

Whatever make-up you’re wearing, happy or sad - you are likely to abuse alcohol, get intoxicated and suffer the aftermath even if you try all your best to do otherwise. The best way to deal with this is to prevent you from starting – that is to eliminate the “triggers” that influence you to drink and abuse alcohol in the first place.

This Blog Provides Articles that Provides Tips on How to Quit Drinking Alcohol

This quit drinking blog also has the goal of providing tips and techniques to eliminate “triggers” that activate the starting point of the drinking. There are reasons behind your drinking problem; there are harmful roots that need to be removed for you to enjoy the nutritious soil of the ground to where you are standing right now. I believe that a pound of prevention is always better than a pound of cure.

You may find it hard to quit drinking alcohol because you have no ability over alcohol now because it shattered your points of view but you sure have the ability to identify the triggers and get rid of the roots that may have caused your drinking. Quitting alcohol will be easier if you recognize the point where the fault lies down and address it properly.

These quit drinking articles can also be helpful in terms of self-development, enhancing coping mechanism and handling stressful situations. Nevertheless, the blog’s interconnected articles can help in preventing damages that are possible to happen and prevent further destruction if there are damages that already exist. The main reason for quitting alcohol is damage control. This blog is created to help control the damages in a person’s life when it comes to irresponsible drinking and abuse of alcohol. There is a need to quit because there is a need to put an end to the existing damages. And people who have realized the damages that drinking and abusing has brought forth into their lives know they need to quit drinking alcohol and put an end to the habit before it completely destroy their lives.

On other topic, this blog is NOT intended for those who are suffering from alcoholism – those people who are undergoing chronic and severe condition, though some quit drinking articles can help them manage their lives and taper off their alcohol consumption.

Alcoholics should immediately seek medical advice and undergo treatment in order to recover. All recommendations, tips and steps enumerated in all quit drinking articles herein cannot replace medical treatments, more so, cannot be used as medication. 

This blog is NOT a generalization. While I did my best to simplify the thoughts and terms in all articles, I also tried to be more specific and situational. Everyone is unique, and has different situations that need individualized approach to achieve the same result. While these quit drinking tips may be applicable to some individuals, it doesn't necessarily mean that it is suited for all individuals.

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QUIT ALCOHOL NOW by: Aliyah Arsiton

Now that I Quit Drinking Alcohol

"Quitting alcohol is tough and rough but it is worth enough." - Aliyah Arsiton

Quitting Alcohol is Difficult BUT it is POSSIBLE

"Quitting alcohol is tough and rough. But it is worth enough." - Aliyah Arsiton

Let’s not talk about the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, let’s focus on the starting point where we first set our feet on. Initially, it’s a fact that quitting alcohol is difficult, perhaps a Herculean task. Alcoholism, also known as (a.k.a) alcohol addiction is not just a habit, it becomes a way of life, an everyday routine. And that makes it more difficult to eliminate since it becomes a part of the system. So, I decided to start with a planned course of action to ensure the success of the quitting process.

Focus on the Starting Point First

A moviegoer does not start with the credits when enjoying a film; he is expecting to find the opening salvo when he enters a theater. Likewise, in changing a way of life, or for this matter, in quitting alcohol, I need to focus on the starting point instead of the last few minutes at the finish line. I know that if I don’t fully understand the point of origin, complications are likely to happen.

Self-understanding must be the most effective way to fight alcohol addiction. I believe that I can only be my best ally. I will not succeed if I don’t take the initiative. My family and friends may offer help and support in quitting alcohol, but if I don’t take the important first step, everything will be for naught. If I don’t make the necessary actions to stop drinking, I will be left alone in the dark and I will fall in a pit of desperation and tunnel of hopelessness. Since I consider myself as my best ally, I have to fully be aware of WHO I AM, and accept that self knowledge will eventually lead to self realization.

My system has been alcohol free for the past three months, and now, I try to recall how my problem started. Unfortunately, my memories don’t serve me right, the incidents that I can’t remember outnumber the times of recall. I cannot simply pinpoint how I started having a drinking problem. Did I drink for merry making or did I do it in times of depression? Was it a habit that I developed in the lowest point of my life or during the peak of my success? Was it my fallback when I felt hatred or was it simply treated as harmless activity? Or perhaps, I craved for alcohol for no apparent reason at all. Just for kicks, so to speak.

So many questions are left unanswered. Furthermore, new questions arise and the dilemma continues on and on now that I decided to quit drinking alcohol. This confirms the fact that I have to resolve the main question:

What’s the root cause of my drinking problem?

I used to think that I know myself very well. I can tell you what my name is, my exact home address, my age, and even during the times when I was not sober, I could still tell anyone important details about me. I know the color of my hair, I am aware that I have a mole on my right cheek near my upper lip. But all these descriptions are superficial, all these details are pretentious, and they don’t really answer the main question. Who am I? Self knowledge is more than just familiarizing with the color of your eyes or hair, it is more than telling to someone factual data about your name, address and favorites. Self knowledge encompasses your innermost feelings, your innermost thoughts and the origin of the emotions that hound your whole being in certain points of your life.

When it comes to my favorite celebrities or personalities, I simply follow them on Twitter or read their latest status in Facebook. I know what’s happening in their lives. Isn’t it ironic that I don’t do the same thing when it comes to my own life?

At this point, I am in the process of knowing myself. It is my strong belief that fully understanding my deeper feelings and thoughts can help me quit alcohol. Finding answers to most of my questions associated with my own personality can help me in cutting the roots of this addiction. I have faith that finding the truth and understanding myself will pave the way for the solution to my drinking problem that has enslaved me for a long period of time.

Slowly but Surely

Now that I am in the process of quitting alcohol, slowly but surely, I’m getting the idea that I’m starting to resolve the questions that haunt me. I’m starting to recognize the little but intricate details about the root of my alcohol addiction. I see the triggering areas and how I react to situations beyond my control. And as I begin to understand the roots, I start to strengthen my ability to control my reactions to situations.

Seek for the Roots

Before, I made decisions just for the sake of fitting into the standard flow of life. I chose the path not because it was the right one but simply because it was the path that made me happy. I did things without thinking of consequences. If I only knew myself well during those times, my life might not have turned upside down. I was lost then, and I kept myself hidden in a shell where alcohol ruled. My dependence in alcohol led to problems and these problems led to other problems until everything went overboard.

I begin to see things in a different perspective. I am now able to set my priorities and I realize what truly makes me happy. I know what I want to do with my life, and I understand where I want to go. For the first time in my life, I see the direction clearly.

Time should not be wasted for things that are unimportant. Life is too short to be wasted. Having fun once in a while is harmless, but it will be more fun if you engage in clean fun. I found out that spending time with my family can be the most enjoyable time in my life.

Now that I’m starting to rebuild my life by starting anew, I try to pick up the pieces which I left off for my own good, for my family and for the future. I will continue to know myself better and as I welcome the dawn of my new life, I see myself facing life’s challenges and dealing with problems with a strong faith and a happy disposition...

Now that I am quitting drinking alcohol, for the better.

Just do it! Quit Alcohol Now

"Quitting alcohol is a tunnel experience - there is light at both ends. You can surrender and turn back... or reach the other and continue the track." - Aliyah Arsiton

Advice in Quitting Alcohol

In my desire to quit alcohol, I used to think that there would come a time when a legendary white horse with a knight in shining armor from ancient times would suddenly appear before my eyes and save me from alcohol addiction just like the proverbial damsel in distress. I waited for so long but it seemed that legends are just like what they are; they only happen in your dreams. Unfortunately, the time I wasted waiting for an instant help only worsened my situation, it was like being pulled down in quicksand where I continue to sink every time I make a move.

The Truth Will Set you FREE!

From then on I realized that I’m the only one who can save myself from sinking in a desperate world of alcohol addiction. And I am the only one who can decide and choose whether to quit drinking alcohol or just let alcohol slowly ruin my life.

In my hands lie the solutions and in my heart emanates the conviction to rise from the ashes, just like a phoenix rejuvenating for a new life. I’m the only one who has the power to quit alcohol and break away from the seemingly impossible recovery from alcohol addiction. The knight in shining armor simply vanished into thin air, and reality sets in. There’s no magical wand, no magic spell, no Open Sesame in seeking recovery from alcoholism.

People closest to me provide support unconditionally, and for this, I am truly grateful. My family has never ceased understanding my predicament. My real friends never question my ways, yet they have felt that all they can offer is limited since they know they cannot pose a great influence on my behavior. They only have that fervent hope that I will start to help myself and quit alcohol so that I can soon get back on my feet and face the world with dignity and self esteem. They know that I cannot be likened to a handful of clay which they can mould the way they want to. I have to rely on my own strength, I have to find the path to recovery from alcohol addiction. The bone of contention is when shall I start?

The answer is:

NOW.

Hold On to HOPE

It’s not too late. It is never too late. If there is one thing that I should hold on to, it is Hope that I can quit alcohol. Great men and women in history did not achieve great heights in just one click of a finger. They also have enslaving problems that hindered their paths along the way. But they never stopped hoping. And another thing that I should hold on to is Faith. The inner faith that I can conquer my cravings for alcohol, I can withstand the pains and sufferings. This is my chance to lift myself up and make my life worth living. Then, I can probably say that I am living, not merely existing. I am a part of the universe, and not a mere speck of dust out of nowhere.

The first few days of quitting alcohol were the most critical, since the addictive substance has been in my system since time immemorial. Indeed, habits are hard to break especially drinking alcohol. It was like taking away an integral part of you. Just like cravings for food, hunger pangs strike when the digestive system makes you aware that it’s time to replenish yourself with food. I came to a point of realization that this was the greatest battle in my life. My head, my body, my whole system was craving for alcohol. It has been a part of me, even when I was working, a shot would give me that extra boost of power. All events in my life were never complete without alcohol. What will I do to break this chain?

Finally, I accepted the challenge. I quit drinking alcohol just recently. Breaking away from a bad habit was surely not a walk in the park. But I knew winning this battle was the best thing. I needed to start with the will to get it out of my system. I need determination to stop drinking. I felt that all of my senses were reacting to the sudden stop. Every nerve in my body seemed to panic with the absence of alcohol.

Just HOLD On

I had reached the difficult stage, the part I dreaded most, the time when I felt that my mind would explode into tiny shattered pieces… I was experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Moreover, I started to act strangely; I was on the brink of self destruction. The sufferings were too much; I couldn't sleep; I couldn't concentrate in everything I was supposed to do; and the saddest part of it all, I was tempted to take even a drop of alcohol just to soothe my aching soul.

If quitting alcohol is that simple, why then, do we have numerous rehabilitation centers where patients come and go, and eventually return in a much worse state? Why do we have casualties in the long run? Why do we continue to hear about people who were already rehabilitated and then suddenly committed crimes under the influence of alcohol?

The truth is, the war on alcoholism is a war that starts from within, and it should end from within. The fight against dependence on alcohol is a long struggle, but it is not a hopeless case. Stop blaming other people for the complicated situation that you are in now. I know that for my part, I really cannot blame anybody. I am responsible for my actions and I know that no matter how I try to find reasons for my dependence on alcohol, no amount of defense mechanism will help me.

The struggle is just like a winding road. There are low points and these are the crucial times. What then, can be done to motivate yourself from holding on? The determination to quit alcohol will find a way, the willingness to suffer will help and visualizing the beautiful future that awaits you will strengthen your spirit. It is like seeing what’s at the end of the road. This is the best motivation that will make you go on and push your plans to quit drinking alcohol.

If visualizing a great future where you are alcohol free is not enough, you can find other reasons to continue your struggle to quit. Think of the negative effects of dependency. Recall the many incidents how alcoholism ruined your life; the wounded spirit, the broken dreams, the endless rejections. Think of how alcoholism robbed you of joy in your life.

Take Actions!

It is not enough to ask for advice from other people. The pieces of advice may sustain you for a while, but at the end of the day, when you are left alone, you need to rely on your own determination, you have to develop the willpower to control the urge to drink again. Remember that you are responsible for your own life.

There is no need to wonder when that knight in shining armor would save you from the crutches of doom. The best time to start quitting alcohol is NOW. Do it NOW. No need for procrastination. In the end, your knight, much awaited knight, may turn out to be the hooded black silhouette angel of death, ready with his scythe, ready to take you in the deepest tunnel of doom.

Quit alcohol now before it is too late.