Staying Stopped

Guides: Staying Stopped

How do you keep it going?

Staying stopped is often the hardest part of giving up drinking. It may take you a long time, possibly one or two years to adjust to a new lifestyle.

But remember you can succeed.

Take it slowly - try not to be impatient. For some people it is a 'day at a time'. Others choose to set targets for themselves. Intially three months, then six months and so on. You can talk to an alcohol counsellor about this.

There will probably be times when you want a drink - sometimes called 'craving'. It is important to plan for this.

It is a good idea to make a list of short-term alternatives to drinking - ideas which are realistic and can work for you.

Be patient: remember that at first the things you try may not work as quickly as the alcohol did.

Here are some ideas which others have found useful:

* Find alternative drinks to alcohol which you enjoy

* Go for a walk or take some other form of exercise

* Contact someone by telephone (see details on the left)

* Eat something

* Have a bath

* Distract yourself with something absorbing, like a good book

* Don't just tell yourself you're doing well, give yourself a real reward

These ideas may help you feel better in the short term but you will probably need to work on longer term alternatives. Discuss this in counselling.

For long term success it is important to keep in touch. Try to build up a support network. This could include:

* Regular attendance at a local support group

* Contact with others

* Regular counselling sessions

Also find alternative and enjoyable activities. Drinking takes time, so you must replace that 'empty time' with replacements that you find interesting.

It is important to find other ways of relaxing - whatever works for you. Have fun trying things out.

Some people benefit from medical help. Your counsellor can talk to you about this.

If things go wrong, come in and talk to someone about it and discover why it happened and what can be learned from it. Such a 'lapse' can be a chance to learn and move on and make your life how you want it to be.

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