No one can deny the importance of formal rehabilitation for many alcoholics, but there are also people who have conquered their drinking problems through self-help or self-recovery approaches. This does not mean you should avoid treatment if it is necessary. It simply means you can, if you choose, experiment with ways of achieving sobriety and happiness before seeking therapeutic or medical remedies. There are plenty of ways to get help. You can try some or all until you find the path that fits your needs best.
Step 1
Think about what makes you feel comfortable. Who are the people and what are the surroundings you enjoy most? This will help you on your initial path out of the drinking world.
Step 2
Talk to family, friends, clergy or mentors about your drinking and your desire to quit.
Step 3
Listen to their advice, but always make your own choices and take responsibility for them.
Step 4
Try out self-help organizations. Whether it is Alcoholics Anonymous or a similar program, it can't hurt to explore and find out what you want or need. Such organizations introduce you to other people with similar problems to help you share the way you face difficulties.
Step 5
Observe your thoughts and feelings about drinking. They may represent your addictive voice, according to Rational Recovery, an organization that promotes self-recovery. Your addictive voice is telling you it wants a drink. You respond by saying, "I don't want a drink." Whenever your negative voice hits you with harmful thoughts, fire back with "not now" or "never," till you are always saying, "I will never drink again."
Step 6
Use your humor, which is a strong ally in your recovery from drinking, says Dr. Clifford Kuhn, The Laugh Doctor of Natural-humor-medicine.com. There is nothing funny about the ravages of alcoholism, but humor during recovery takes the pressure off and helps you go through the process lightly with confidence.
Step 7
Break the habit of negative thinking and develop new positive habits, suggests A New Beginning, a website for people in recovery. The path of self-discovery should include doing whatever works for you.
Step 8
Write down issues that may be responsible for the low self-esteem that led you to drinking. Think of the people who aggravated you and ask yourself, why? Can you forgive them? Can you value yourself more in doing so?
Step 9
Find creative ways to start empowering yourself and be responsible for your life. Pay attention to the times you feel good about yourself, honoring your strengths, skills and talents.
Step 10
Be thankful for the family and friends around you. Look ahead and think of what the future will bring if you can control your drinking.
