Recent studies have confirmed a link between genetics and
alcoholism, ending a seasoned debate regarding the heightened risk of
alcoholism in children with alcoholic parents. Avoiding the disease can be
tricky. In this entry, we will discuss some tips to help avoid alcohol
addiction for those that may be predisposed.
1 – Take early action. Avoiding an alcohol addiction can
only be accomplished by recognizing the risks before they become a larger
issue. Admitting that you have a problem with alcohol and taking action to
avoid its grasp in the only means of breaking the addictive family cycle.
2 – Keep positive. If you are aware of a heightened
alcoholism risk, you may choose to limit exposure to negative influences that
may encourage it. Ditch the bar scene and try involving yourself in activities
that revolve around something other than drinking. There a world of sober
activities to experience. Don’t let the bar scene hinder your potential.
3 – Request help from friends and family member. Those who
truly love you will hold back judgment. Use these individuals as a safety net
for combating potential alcoholism. Turn to them when you’re looking to go out,
and consider keeping them close throughout the holiday season. It can be easy
to fall into bad habits when surrounded by bad influences. By throwing yourself
into a crowd of positive behavior, you will feel more inclined to participate
positively.
4 – Take pride in your sobriety. Though it is not necessary
to shove your beliefs down other people’s throats, it’s important that you
recognize your commitment to sobriety as a positive thing.
Need Help?
If you are struggling with an alcohol addiction, our Above It All treatment
specialists are available to help. Pick up the phone today, and let our team
help you back on track towards the happy, healthy and productive lifestyle you
deserve.
Genetics!? Who knew!
ReplyDeleteLike many people, at the start of the year, I made a resolution to decrease my alcohol intake.
DeleteDrink Less in Seven Days by Georgia Foster has really helped me stick to this resolution. Georgia is a clinical hypnotherapist and alongside the written version of the book, there are also 4 "Hypnosis Hub" recordings that readers are encouraged to access to help them with the program.
One of the great things about Drink Less in Seven Days is that Georgia (and I"m going to call her Georgia because she kind of feels like a friend) is totally non-judgemental about how much you drink, why you drink, why you feel you drink too much etc. I feel that this is an area where people carry a lot of shame and negative feelings and to have someone who approaches an emotional issue like this with absolute objectivity is helpful in driving the desired behaviours. She's on your side!
There are two main parts to Drink Less in Seven Days. The first is how your amygdala (the part of your brain that deals with emotions and fear/stress responses) can actually work against your efforts to quit or reduce your drinking. It shows you how to move your decision to drink away from this very instinctive part of your brain to your prefrontal cortex which is the part of your brain that is more concerned with considered decision-making.
I found this part of the book fascinating, particularly the parts where she spoke about silencing your inner critic.
However, it was the second part of the book, where Georgia broke down different personality types. what triggers them to drink and how to circumvent these triggers that I found most useful. (Also fascinating, if like me you love a good theory of behaviour and the ability to proclaim "Yes!!!! That's me!"). Because it makes total sense right? If you drink out of social anxiety (which is me a little bit) your methods to success will likely be different to someone who drinks because everyone around you is (also me a little bit).
The biggest take away for me was starting to understand what triggers my wanting to drink and learning alternative strategies should I decide not to. I think a really important thing about Drink Less in Seven Days is that it is NOT about quitting drinking altogether. It is about cutting down to a level that you are comfortable with, whatever that is for you. And this feels more manageable than quitting altogether.
The cru of this type of book though is does it work?
So here's the real deal. I started this program in January. It's now March and I can count the times I have drunk alcohol on one hand. During this time I have been to pubs, bars and restaurants, entertained at home and been entertained at other people's homes so it's not like I have been hiding myself away. I have been around alcohol and people drinking as much as I ever was.
Will I drink again? Almost definitely. For me, this experiment was never about giving up altogether. And I have far too much fun making cocktails for this to give it up completely! However, I feel that moving forward I will be able to drink in a more mindful considered way.
Thank you to Georgia Foster for a thoroughly fascinating book that does exactly what it says on the cover!
Here's a link to The 7 Days To Drink Less Online Alcohol Reduction Program.
John
The most effective and widely used method for alcohol addiction treatment is individual counseling. During these counseling sessions, clinicians work with their addicted patients to uncover the root causes of their addictions - the thoughts and behaviors which led them to abuse drugs. By making these personal breakthroughs, alcoholics become better-equipped to deal with cravings and develop strategies for staying sober.
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Choosing a quality and an affordable rehab centers can cut the cost and may help the patient from recovery.
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