If you are resolved to quit drinking, here are the ten simplest ways for you.
It may sound saintly but this is crucial when you have decided to quit drinking. Ponder over what are you going through, is it alcohol dependence syndrome or is it substance abuse disorder? Let's first differentiate both to better understand them.
When you have a strong urge to consume alcohol that you can't control, and your body craves a high amount of alcohol to reach the desired effect, it is alcohol dependence syndrome. This condition of alcohol dependence needs medical help.
On the other hand, substance abuse disorder is a medical condition that leads to major damage and health issues. The substance may be drugs, alcohol, or sedatives.
Let the goal be anything, may it be for good health, better relationships, or to improve your financial condition, but have one. Clear addresses can only steer you straight to the destinations. There may be times when you feel like Alice of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland but setting your goals helps you stay focused.
Who would you like to ask for help? Family, friends, or a group of people who have gone through this phase in the past? It's up to you whom you call on.
As per ICD-10, AUD or alcohol use disorder consists of a wide range of damaging drinking behaviors. Understanding the symptoms of AUD and its effects may make you stick to your goal and strengthen your decision to quit.
Are there any places, people, or circumstances that drive you toward drinking? Identify them. Are you strong-willed not to succumb to these triggers? If not, avoid them. Sidestep the places like clubs or a gathering where alcohol is served. Change your routine and find new social activities that have no connection with alcohol.
Stress is something that you will find mentioned in almost every health topic. Take out any health issue and you will find stress as a cause of that. As we all know, meditation, yoga, and pranayama help us destress ourselves. Similarly, for those who are trying to quit alcohol, the same stress-relief technique would help in managing stress instead of turning to alcohol.
Ayurveda acts as a savior in every health aspect whether it is physical, mental, or emotional aspect. Ayurvedic nashamukti medicines or anti-addiction therapy come in handy in your "quit drinking movement." Herbs like Ashwagandha, milk thistle or Dhulikara, and Brahmi are known for their adaptogenic, liver-protective, and stress-reducing properties.
Ayurvedic remedies help people who abuse substances like tobacco, alcohol, and drugs. They are herbal and mostly have no side effects. These nashamukti medicines come in different forms such as drops or tablets. They restrain your urge for substances and rescue you from withdrawal symptoms.
According to the studies, alcohol use and malnutrition are closely related. Malnutrition may be due to their high consumption of calories in the form of alcohol or due to malabsorption of nutrition and low metabolism levels. They lack vitamins, protein, and amino acids in their bodies. Hence, eating a diet that is rich in these nutrients helps them overcome these deficiencies and resist the urge to drink.
Exercising is an excellent option when it comes to an excellent healthier alternative to reduce stress than drinking. Find the physical activities that help you forget your stress and feel lighter. Exercising releases the feel-good hormones. They de-stress you and keep you fit and healthy.
If executing all the above doesn't help, call for professional help. Counselors, therapists, or addiction specialists provide you with professional support and help you quit drinking as per your health condition and personalized needs.
Quitting drinking may seem like a herculean task but can be achieved if you are determined and focused. Treading through all the above-discussed ways, you can reach your goal of being sober. You have to celebrate your progress and try not to focus on your failures or mistakes if you commit any. Just aim for the destination where you will be a person who is healthier, financially sound, and happier with your loved ones.
Remember what Martin Luther King Jr. said, "You don't have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step."
