| Millions of people are overcoming alcoholism on a daily | | | | 'I can stop anytime I want to, I just don't want to. I |
| basis: unfortunately, it is a very difficult task to | | | | know I should stop, but...' These are just a few |
| accomplish without having the pieces in place. | | | | common mindsets that will block alcohol recovery from |
| In order to start abstinence and move into alcohol | | | | getting started. Many people are overwhelmed at the |
| recovery there are 5 questions that must be clearly | | | | idea of never drinking again and are looking for any |
| understood and answered in the affirmative. These | | | | reason to not take the first step. |
| may sound deceivingly simple, but without addressing | | | | 4. Are you willing to develop a sobriety plan? |
| them, we are dead in the water. Here we go: | | | | Just making the decision to stop drinking and stopping |
| 1. Do I have a problem, and is it alcohol? | | | | is not enough. Most people fail because they do not |
| This is easier asked than answered. Many people | | | | have a good, workable recovery plan in place. Not |
| have problems, my husband, my job a DUI, etc, but can | | | | having a plan is just as dangerous as acting on a poor |
| you see that many of these are related to drinking? | | | | plan. Get some help from credible, knowledgeable |
| Most alcoholics have tremendous difficulty seeing that | | | | professionals or self-help groups. |
| alcohol is the root of the problem. This is because of | | | | 5. Put that plan in action. |
| the addiction characteristic called denial. Denial is turning | | | | You can have the best plan in the world, but if it is not |
| a 'blind eye' to the problem. If the answer to the | | | | implemented it does no good at all. One of the most |
| question is yes, I have a problem and it is alcohol, we | | | | common causes of alcoholic relapse is complacency. |
| move on. | | | | Many people have invested time energy and money in |
| 2. Do I want to stop drinking? | | | | learning what needs to be done; they then fail to take |
| In overcoming alcoholism, this is a yes or no question, | | | | action on the plan. Persistence and daily awareness is |
| no 'maybe's' or 'but's' allowed. Abstinence means | | | | a key to recovery. |
| stopping completely, not trying to cut down. Many | | | | We have really only touched on a very few key |
| alcoholics know they have a problem, but they either | | | | mindsets and questions to get set up for success. |
| still enjoy drinking or the pain is not great enough to | | | | There is a wealth of knowledge and help available to |
| stop. | | | | help in the quest for overcoming alcoholism. |
| 3. Is now the time to stop? | | | | |