10 Top Tips on Recovery from Alcoholism – Part 2

Recovery from Alcoholism – Tip 5: Honesty

True recovery from alcoholism begins with a commitment to absolute honesty. This honesty was one of the four absolutes of early AA.

It may be daunting to confront and share your history, feelings, and the fallout from your drinking, but this transparency is crucial. It’s about peeling back the layers to understand the root of your addiction. When you candidly discuss your drinking and its repercussions, you gain a realistic view of your situation, paving the way for developing the necessary skills and behavioural changes to turn your life around.

Rigorous honesty is absolutely essential to finding recovery from alcoholism.  Even though it may be painful or frightening to share honestly you are not likely to recover from alcoholism unless you honestly explore events from the past, your feelings, motivations and the consequences of your alcoholic behavior.
Sharing about your drinking and its consequences allows you to get a realistic understanding of your problem.  This in turn allows you to develop the coping skills and new behaviours required to change your life.

Recovery from Alcoholism – Tip 6: Guarding Against Relapse

Alcoholism is a persistent condition, and setbacks can happen. To reduce the risk of slipping back into old habits, it’s essential to have a plan. While in rehab, work on identifying what triggers your desire to drink and learn strategies to overcome these triggers. Your sobriety is precious; safeguard it with a well-thought-out strategy.
Alcoholism is a chronic, relapsing illness.  Many people fall back into active drinking.  While you’re in a rehabilitation centre you should make careful plans to ensure that you minimize the risk of relapse.  This involves identifying the triggers that lead to relapse and developing strategies to overcome them.  Your recovery from alcoholism is precious – make sure you protect it properly.

Recovery from Alcohol – Tip 7: Healthy Relationships

Recovery is a time to build trust and seek support from those around you. Engage with the entire community in your rehab program and avoid isolating yourself or becoming too close to just one person. Steer clear of romantic entanglements during treatment, as they can complicate your journey to sobriety.
It’s expected and productive for you to learn to trust your peers and ask them for support.

Make sure that you spend time with all of the community and don’t isolate or spend too much time with one member.  Also make sure that you don’t form a romantic attachment to anybody in treatment.  These are all dangerous to your treatment program and could place your recovery from alcoholism in jeopardy.

Recovery from Alcoholism – Tip 8: Complete Your Treatment

It’s tempting to cut your rehab stay short, especially when you start feeling better, but completing the entire program is vital. The treatment is designed to be most effective when followed through to the end. Staying the course shows commitment to your recovery and ensures you have all the tools you need for lasting sobriety.

Don’t leave treatment early.  The program is designed to be effective if it’s followed in its entirety.  People who discontinue treatment prematurely are not likely to find recovery from alcohol.  It’s like approaching a plumbing job without a full toolbox.  Show your commitment by running the course!

Recovery from Alcoholism – Tip 9: Aftercare Participation

Aftercare sessions are an extension of the support provided during your stay at the rehab centre. These meetings are crucial for discussing any challenges you face after leaving treatment and for getting advice on how to handle them. Consider transitioning to a sober living environment if available, as it can provide additional structure and support.

Aftercare sessions are special groups that are run for ex-patients at the rehab centre.  If your rehab centre offers such aftercare sessions then it’s important for your recovery from alcohol that you attend them regularly.  You’ll have the chance to discuss any problems you’re having in early recovery and receive advice on dealing with them.
You should also consider being admitted to a step-down facility such as a sober home, recovery or halfway house.

Recovery from Alcoholism – Tip 10: Cravings Do Not Equal Failure

Experiencing cravings during rehab doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Instead, address these cravings constructively by talking about them. Sharing your struggles can help diminish the power of these urges and reinforces your decision to stay sober. When cravings hit, reach out for support instead of turning to alcohol.
If you crave alcohol while you’re in rehab then don’t see it as a failure.  Rather deal with craving constructively by sharing about it.

talking openly about your craving you’ll discover that it goes away.  That might sound odd but the decision to share about craving represents a decision not to use alcohol.  If you want recovery from alcoholism pick up the phone before you pick up the drink.
If your life is out of control as a result of alcoholism then please don’t delay in calling one of our treatment coordinators for confidential and expert advice.
Part one of this recovery from alcoholism article is found here.

If alcoholism is causing turmoil in your life, seeking help is a sign of strength. Contact a treatment coordinator for expert advice. The journey to recovery may be challenging, but with each step, you move closer to a life of sobriety.

Part one of this recovery from alcoholism article is found here.