How I Quit Drinking
Last year I wrote a blog titled Why I Quit Drinking but I never discussed how I quit drinking. This was mainly because I was only 9 months into my sobriety at that point and it felt premature to discuss my “hows” when they hadn’t been implemented for at least a year or more.
I’m now 18 months alcohol-free and I feel like I have a little more credibility to provide some useful suggestions on some things you can do to curb your liquid vice if that’s what you are seeking to do.
You are a walking example. Lead carefully.
There’s nothing cool about being wasted in front of your child/children. I don’t want my daughter to see me drunk all the time. I want to be a better example for her. I want to be more present for her. Reminding myself of these wants almost always helps me to reprioritize and resist my urges.
Replace the crutch with a healthier alternative.
For me, that is seltzer. The carbonation reminds me of what drinking beer feels like and it helps me to conquer most cravings when they arrive.
Focus your energy somewhere constructive.
I decided to channel all of my extra time and energy into reading, writing, and running. I used to get terrible sleep following a night of drinking and my mornings were often slow to start. Now, I have a regular sleep schedule, usually early to bed and early rise, and I wake up with a purpose.
Create a social contract.
Social media comes with many pros and cons, but what it mainly does is give us opportunities to broadcast things to a greater audience than we would normally interact with daily. You could use your social platforms to announce that you’re going to quit whatever behavior or activity that’s no longer serving you. Chances are most people in your network won’t care. But, there’s a good chance that a few people might be paying attention, and you never know what conversations or connections can come from that.
Rely on your support system.
This is a difficult journey, and the road ahead is easier with company. No one wants to fight their demons alone. Reach out to the people who care the most. Talk about your challenges. Ask for support whenever it’s needed. And if your support system is small or nonexistent, then search for a group to help you fill that void. There are people out there who are going through exactly what you are in one way or another, and they need you just as much as you need them.
