Managing Your Alcoholism: 7 Things to Avoid

 

Alcohol-related problems are among the most rampant health problems in the United States. An alcohol use disorder can range from mild to severe. Over 23 percent of the admissions to public treatment centers are related to alcoholism.

 Are you ready to quit drinking or reduce it to healthier levels? Find out how to recognize the common mistakes, and how to avoid them.
  1. Failure to Overcome Temptations

 

It’s normal and common to have urges or a craving for alcohol. Just around the corner lurks that old enemy – temptation. It could be while you are with friends, at a family function, or when you are out in social situations. The holiday season can also be the source of potential dangers for recovering alcoholics.

 

Take a step back and try a different approach with a different mindset. If it’s a situation where you can get rid of the alcohol, then do. You must avoid places where you used to have a drink. Fortunately, while urges may make you uncomfortable, they can’t hurt you.

 

  1. Not Involving Your Family

 

The disease of alcoholism affects every family member’s life. Unfortunately, some people hide the problem from other family members or friends. This is because they fear that if relatives or friends found out the full extent of the problem, they might try to help.

 

The recovering addicts don’t know that support and encouragement from family and friends can make all the difference in terms of a full recovery. Family and friends can provide emotional support, as well as other kinds of support, like money. Therefore, discussing your addiction recovery plan with someone you believe cares is a smart move.

 

  1. Hanging Out with Bad Influence

 

Some of the people in your life are often part of your addictive cycle. Your social identity is often molded by your social inclination and by your desire to be part of the “in-crowd.” The desire becomes a problem when you feel obligated to drink more than you normally would. Hanging out with bad company helps diminish a gene that prevents you from developing alcohol addiction.

 

Direct influences can be as overt as open encouragement to drink. You must be aware of the danger of being polite and not wanting to confront a situation. Your best course of action is to form a healthy personal identity and healthy peer relationships.

 

  1. Being Dehydrated

 

Alcohol is a diuretic and it can dehydrate you. Dehydration is the loss of water and salts from the body. The reason alcohol doesn’t hydrate you is due to a substance that causes you to pee. Dehydration can shrink your water-based brain tissue, making those dreaded hangovers longer and worse. Alcohol also effectively strips your body of electrolytes, making you feel weak, dizzy, and thirsty. The good news is that you can reduce the effects of dehydration. Drinking 120ml per shot of alcohol consumed will help stave off dehydration. Alternatively, drink a rehydration solution designed for sick children. Choose one made with coconut water and aloe vera liqueur.

 

  1. Being Idle

 

The urge to engage in alcohol consumption becomes greater when you are idle. The best thing you can do is go on a hunting trip. Get a fully customizable rifle and head out to the forest. You will be able to keep yourself engaged and away from bad influence.

 

  1. Keeping Alcohol In the House

 

One of the biggest problems that people face when quitting drinking is having easy access to alcohol at home. Alcohol availability and easy access to alcohol are related to higher chances of drinking. For many people, alcohol in the house has always meant alcohol in their stomachs. It is an extra temptation, that with a little planning, you can avoid. If there is alcohol in the house, don’t drink before doing important tasks.

 

  1. Drinking on an Empty Stomach

 

Alcohol absorption in the stomach is very fast. When you drink alcohol, you don’t digest it. High alcohol consumption without eating can lead to harmful consequences. It can cause you to enter a state of inebriation when the alcohol-saturated blood flows to your brain.

 

Slowing down the time it takes for the alcohol to enter your bloodstream is essential. If you have food in your stomach, it’s going to slow the rate of alcohol absorption into the bloodstream. Keep this in mind and go for those free meals at the bar tonight.

 

Long-term recovery is not a final destination, but it’s good you’ve recognized you have a problem. Remember that Quitting is easier if you follow the rules.