An addiction to alcohol is commonly referred to as alcoholism and the diagnostic term is alcohol dependence. The state of addiction is hard to overcome because the body has actually changed in a way that it has become dependent on the intake of alcohol to function. Coping with an addiction to alcohol will require changes in lifestyle, learning new methods of being and participating in programs that continuously provide you with new ways of coping as new problems and temptations arise.
Step 1
Get the help of a mental health professional by involving yourself in a cognitive-behavioral treatment program. According to the National Institute of Health, learning cognitive-behavior coping skills is effective at changing a person's drinking behaviors by improving her behavioral and cognitive skills. Stick with treatment. Follow-through with the treatment requirements. Addictions are powerful and you will need the assistance from a professional to learn how to stop drinking alcohol.
Step 2
Attend a support group. Going to a support group at first might be intimating, but the benefits it will provide will be invaluable. Attend meetings at least once a week and more often when you feel it is necessary. Talk to people at the meetings. Share your stories and your challenges. Ask others in the group for ways things they have used to cope with their addiction. Align yourself with another member of the group who you can call when you need someone to talk you out of drinking. Call them whenever you feel it is necessary.
Step 3
Learn ways to reduce your stress such as yoga. The Yoga Journal reports making the practice of yoga a part of your life can be an effective way to focus your thoughts, gain control over your body and mind, and control your urges to drink. Participating in yoga will give you exercise, which naturally reduces stress, and give you an activity to replace your drinking habit. Engage in other stress-reduction techniques such as laughter and socialization with people who do not drink.
Step 4
Avoid temptations. Do not set yourself for relapse by hanging out with the people you used to drink with, keeping alcohol in the house or going to places you used to drink. Take new routes home from work. Get rid of any of the things you used to use to drink such as specific cups or bottles. Do not hang out at bars. Replace your old habitual drinking behaviors with new, positive behaviors.
Step 5
Turn to close friends and family members for support. Make those close to you aware of your addiction problem. Having a system of support will make it easier for you to cope with your addiction. Ask them for help when you need it.
Step 6
Create a plan for your future without alcohol. This will motivate you to maintain your sobriety. Include in your plan goals you want to accomplish and things you want to do. Work toward reaching these goals.
