Alcohol addiction is one of the most common addictions in the world, and beating it isn’t easy. If you’ve been struggling with an alcohol addiction, you may have already tried to quit a few times, only to find yourself being drawn back into the same bad habits. But that doesn’t mean it’s a lost cause; you simply need to find the right way to treat your addiction. Here are the most important steps you should take to get your road to recovery started correctly.
Contact a Treatment Program
People who go to alcohol treatment programs are much more likely to be successful than those who try to do it all on their own. And with all the different types of programs available, it’s easy to find one that fits your own unique needs and lifestyle. You could do an inpatient program where you live at a rehab facility for a certain period of time, or, if your addiction isn’t as severe, you could try an outpatient program.
The key here is that you take the initiative and get in touch with a treatment program. Most people find that the hardest part is making that first step and seeking help. Pick up the phone and get that out of the way. Once you do, it gets the ball rolling on your treatment.
Try Random Alcohol Monitoring
One of the best ways to keep yourself on track is to go with a treatment program where you can also do random alcohol monitoring. How this works is you’ll carry an enhanced breathalyzer, such as a Soberlink, around with you everywhere that you go. At random times of day, you’ll be required to blow into the breathalyzer, which has facial recognition software to ensure that you’re the one using it.
Your results get uploaded to the cloud where your treatment facility can see them. This random testing element can help you resist the temptation of having a drink, because you’ll never know when you need to take a test.
Stay Away from Any Bad Influences
The unfortunate reality when it comes to recovery is that not everyone will be on board with your decision. There will likely be people who encourage you to continue your old lifestyle or to “just have one drink” when you see them.
You’re shooting yourself in the foot if you continue to associate with these people. It’s important to understand that to beat an alcohol addiction, you need to make some hard decisions, including cutting off people who don’t have your best interests at heart.
Find People Who Will Support You
Building on that last tip, it’s also important for you to find people who are supportive of your goal to quit drinking. The support of others can make all the difference in your recovery. Consider which friends and family members will support you, and try to spend more time with them. Let them know what you’re doing and ask them to hold you accountable.
The adage “you are who you associate with” applies here. When you associate with people who respect and support your decision not to drink, you give yourself a much greater chance of success. You won’t be pressured to relapse, and you’ll want to stay sober so that you don’t let down the people who are supporting you.
No one needs to be a slave to their drinking habits. With the right approach, you can rid your life of alcohol and become a happier, more stable person.
