Sipping a beer at a football game is a simple pleasure many can enjoy without a second thought. For individuals struggling with an addiction, however, frothy beer or sweet wine can become an all-consuming obsession. An alcohol addiction is recognized by many medical professionals as a disease. As with any other ailment, it’s essential to seek treatment in the form of professional counseling, group accountability and lifestyle changes which will enable you to manage your addiction.

Step 1

Admit to having a problem. One of the first steps in handling any addiction is to recognize that you are struggling with something beyond your control. Acknowledging a certain level of helplessness will provide the impetus to seek support from others, according to Alcoholics Anonymous.

Step 2

Join a support group. Organizations, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, have developed a time-tested program for addressing and managing alcohol addictions. You’ll meet other individuals who share your struggle and benefit from the accountability offered by group meetings.

Step 3

Evaluate your relationships. A study on alcohol abuse and alcoholism, conducted by the Peter D. Hart Research Associates for the Rush Recovery Institute, highlighted the importance of relationships in the road to recovery from addiction. Your friends and family can help you by encouraging you to face your addiction. Loved ones may also unwittingly enable addicts by encouraging alcohol consumption at social events or dismissing the seriousness of addiction. Deepen your relationships with individuals who will support your commitment to overcoming addiction.

Step 4

Avoid situations which make self-control difficult. If you were on a diet, you would avoid bakeries so the scent of cookies wouldn’t lead you astray. Use the same avoidance technique to manage your alcohol addiction. Steer clear of bars, liquor stores and pubs. Go to restaurants with a friend who will help you drink water instead of wine. Give the liquor aisle at the grocery store a wide birth so you don’t catch sight of the bottles.

Step 5

Talk to your physician. An addiction to alcohol can have many serious physical repercussions. It’s important to be honest with your physician about your addiction so that he can give you a complete physical to screen for health problems. You doctor may also be able to suggest support programs for addicts in the local area.

Warnings Seek medical help immediately if your alcohol addiction makes you dangerous to yourself or others.

Tips

Consider professional counseling to help manage your addiction. Some insurance plans cover counseling and rehabilitation services.

Your approach to quitting alcohol is not going to be exactly the same as the next person. However, there are many things you can do to find yourself on the right path to a better life in the near future. Once you are alcohol free you can really begin to enjoy your life! Visit http://drug-treatment.in/