Alcohol consumption during pregnancy can have devastating effects for the fetus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that women consume no alcohol while pregnant. Alcohol passes through the umbilical cord to the unborn baby and can lead to death or fetal alcohol syndrome disorders. These disorders may affect the child's brain, heart, kidneys and intellectual ability. If you become pregnant while you have a problem with alcohol, you may have difficulty quitting. Seek prenatal care for yourself and the fetus, even if you feel embarrassed about your alcohol use.
Get All Alcohol Out of Your Home
Remove all the alcohol from your home. Whether beer in the refrigerator, a bottle of wine you've been saving or the rum you keep for visits from your best friend, it all must go. Pour it out or just throw it away. If you can't bear to do that, give it to someone over 21 who drinks. Do not bring any more alcohol into your home---not even for a special occasion or as a gift.
Stay Away From Stores That Sell Alcohol
If you normally buy beer at a convenience store, avoid going in the store. Find a grocery store that does not sell alcohol. Avoid both the places where you normally buy alcohol and any other place that sells it.
Stay Away From People Who Are Drinking
Avoid people who are drinking alcohol. If they do not respect that you wish to quit drinking during this time, you may have to avoid them altogether.
Stay Away From Places That Serve Alcohol
Keep out of bars and restaurants where beer, wine or liquor is served. It is especially important to avoid places where you normally drink. The March of Dimes recommends that you stay away from parties where alcohol will be served.
Consider Seeking Treatment
If you cannot quit drinking by removing it from your environment, consider alcohol treatment. In an inpatient setting, you can be safely detoxified from alcohol and learn skills that will help you avoid using it during your pregnancy. You can receive outpatient follow-up after your inpatient stay.
Reward Yourself for Progress
When you abstain for a day, reward yourself with something you like, such as a foot massage or your favorite magazine. Mark a week of sobriety with a larger treat, such as an outing to watch a movie. Enjoy the benefits of your healthy lifestyle. You will begin to feel better and won't suffer hangovers.
Consider Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous has meetings all over the country. You can go and listen with no obligation. You don't even have to speak if you don't want to. There is no charge for attending. The other people there have had a problem with alcohol and understand what you are going through. They offer encouragement and a plan for quitting alcohol. The philosophy you will find at A.A. is "One day at a time."
Tell the World
Tell your friends and family your intention to quit drinking. This gives you accountability and allows others to encourage you. Knowing that people will be asking you about your continued abstinence can help you avoid temptation.
Stay Busy
Keep your mind active. One of the biggest tools used by treatment centers is keeping the clients busy from morning until bedtime. This keeps you from having time for negative thinking that can lead to drinking. Plan your days in advance and seek out opportunities to learn new things, share time with healthy friends and pamper yourself. You may wish to visit family members who have small children. Being around children will remind you why you are avoiding alcohol. It should be easy to visualize your own healthy child at this time. Remember the HALT principle: getting too hungry, angry, lonely or tired can lead you to take a drink.
Figure Out Your Issues
Find time in your life to work on the issues that lead you to alcohol. If you were a victim of abuse or you lack healthy coping skills, work on these issues. Seek mental health counseling or talk with a trusted friend.
