Alcohol Freedom Blog

“Magic Bullet” Requires Commitment and Ongoing Consultative Therapy

Breaking an alcoholic or problem drinker’s resistance to treatment is a critical dilemma that many have experienced. Medical experts have developed drugs to treat the symptoms of withdrawal, the cravings that drive so many to drink and the depression that so often is related to alcoholism. The medical community is far better equipped today to deal with harmful alcohol addictions then anytime in history. Yet the struggle to accept the fact that a serious problem exists is still preventing millions from seeking help.

Continue Reading »

So you’ve decided to take the pledge. Or maybe you just decided it’s time you started controlling your alcohol consumption better.Congratulations!

There are some simple steps to take that will make it easier for you to reach your goal of modified or total abstention from drinking. Your compulsion to drink could become obsessive in the early stages, washing over you in waves like wild surf.
If your spouse is still drinking, even socially, watching as they nurse their drink like a child with their first ice cream cone of summer makes it worse. At this crucial time in your recovery, your spouse should abstain from drinking in front of you until you are better able to deal with others drinking around you. Continue Reading »

Alcoholics are renowned for being stubborn people who could use a healthy dose of modesty. Being humble is not on their radar. There is no standard template that defines ALL alcoholics, but they do share many qualities, most of which they’d be advised not to brag about. The most compelling character trait of most alcoholics is their selfishness. I’m speaking of selfish behavior that occurs before they do something about their drinking.

Continue Reading »

When you drink too much you barely realize that the alcohol you consume is slowly taking over your life. Sure it may feel good to over indulge and feel the high that comes with drinking more than the usual; it takes away the real world for a while and helps you to relax. In the church basements it’s said that if you enjoy the way you feel when drinking, you should be very careful where that could lead.

Continue Reading »

If you were diagnosed with a health problem like high blood pressure and your doctor told you needed to exercise more, eat right, quit smoking and take a particular medication religiously or else you won’t last long, you’d get serious no? Why would treating your excessive drinking be any different?

If left untreated, your abusive drinking will only get worse and eventually kill you just as surely as if you ignored your physician regarding high blood pressure. The only difference is alcohol will be a painfully slow demise littered with familial collateral damage caused by your inability or selfish refusal to formulate and stick to plan of recovery.

Continue Reading »

It took me a good six months before I enjoyed my first morning of freedom from alcohol and a feeling of well being that told me the hard part was over.

Some take longer and some less time to feel the initial stirring of serenity and peace flow through their bodies. There is a slight feeling of anticipation tempered by a subtle anxiousness because of the unknowns you will face. You’ve waited so long for this feeling, others have talked about it and you’ve witnessed how some recovering alcoholics seem to beam when they speak about their new lives.

When you stop drinking you will be able to enjoy many things once again, things you used to do without even thinking twice. Chances are you will never take life’s simple pleasures for granted again.

Continue Reading »

The healing process takes many forms when recovering from alcohol abuse. Some alcoholics need to recover physically before they can start the really important phase of their recovery, which is re-connecting with those people who have been hurt because of their excessive drinking. For many recovering alcoholics they must start ALL forms of emotionally healing right out of the ‘recuperative’ gate.

Continue Reading »

There is no doubt about it; alcohol is a very difficult addiction to control. Statistically 90% of people who receive treatment for alcohol abuse end up relapsing before their 4th sober year is complete. This is an astonishing number and testament to the firm grip this wily threat has on the vulnerable drinker. Continue Reading »

During early stage recovery it is particularly difficult to avoid giving in to your craving for alcohol, yet you must persevere. It is critical to focus on your sobriety for that day, hour or even the next minute if that is going to help you from taking that first drink. Your entire being must be about avoiding alcohol at all costs. Frankly, even if you tried, there is little else you will think about in the early days of being alcohol free.Your situation with alcohol will be foremost on your mind and probably should be in the early days of sobriety, but eventually you will need to get on with your life, trying to regain a normal lifestyle again. It’s challenging - reminders of alcohol will be everywhere and unless you relocate to a cave somewhere you will need to adjust your mind to the new reality that is your life free from alcohol. Continue Reading »