You may have a problem with drinking but may be too embarrassed to enter an AA meeting. Here a few simple steps to help you kick the habit without going full turkey.
First, as cliché as it may sounds, acknowledge that you have a problem. You need to accept that you are an alcoholic. Then you can proceed to the next step, understand why you drink. Do you start drinking when you had a bad day at work or when you argue with your spouse? Identify the little triggers that set you off and have a game plan of what you will do when faced with that trigger. When having an awful day at work, getting a manicure, or calling a friend out for a coffee. Know your triggers and know yourself.
Second, commit yourself to the goal of abstaining from alcohol. You are a smart human being who does not need alcohol to function. Yes, it may be difficult for you to get through the day at first. Do not listen to the little cravings or little commands that your brain sends to you demanding for alcohol. You are the master of yourself. You have lived once before and functioned perfectly well without alcohol. There is no reason you could not do it again. Make your mantra: I will quit for good. Repeat it to yourself every time a trigger presents itself to you. Say an affirmation of your success in the morning, afternoon, and before sleeping.
Third, learn to say NO and set boundaries. If a friend asks you out for a drink, be absolutely ready to be firm in your reply. Say no thanks, I’m quitting. Tell your friends of your intentions and tell them that you need them to be there for you. If you have to avoid your group of drinking friends for a certain period of time, do that. Tell them you are not burning bridges, you are just trying to quit alcohol. They will respect you for it and help you on your road to sobriety.
Fourth, be patient. Enjoy recovery from your addiction and do not be disheartened if you relapsed. If you relapsed once, that does not mean you will fall all the way down and hit rock-bottom. Surround yourself with persons that support your recovery, judgment-free. Do not be hard on yourself if you relapsed after a certain period of time. After that relapse, say to yourself, I will try harder and this time I will succeed by taking it one minute at a time.
Most of all, remember that you are also doing quitting for yourself and your family. These reasons should be the biggest motivation and inspiration to keep on moving forward.
