7 Tips for Alcohol Self Help

Safely Stopping Alcohol

Human pride is a powerful emotion. We like to believe that we are invincible and able to manage our stuff, right? Being in control gives us a feeling of autonomy, a sense that we can handle the trials that life tosses our way. But when it comes to quitting alcohol, especially after a lengthy history of heavy alcohol consumption, self help alcohol treatment can actually be dangerous.

Alcohol detox and withdrawal is the starting point for achieving sobriety. This process can be quite daunting, and is, in fact, one of the biggest obstacles for even attempting sobriety. The alcohol detox process will be experienced in a unique way for each individual, varying in severity depending on various factors. But it is the unknowns, those dangerous and unpredictable withdrawal symptoms that can make self help alcohol treatment a serious health risk.

For this reason alone, no one should attempt to approach alcoholism recovery on his or her own. It is always advisable to have medical supervision available during the detox process. The symptoms can become highly unpleasant causing many to quit altogether, never even making it into recovery. The medical and emotional support available through a medical detox helps ensure a safe transition from detox to active treatment.

Why Alcohol Self Help Treatment Can Be Unsafe and Ineffective

In alcohol detox and withdrawal the body becomes very unstable as it attempts to adjust to the absence of alcohol. Medical detox services will provide the benzodiazepines to help reduce the risk of seizures, anxiety symptoms, and insomnia. They also provide relief for the nausea, fever, and headache that are common withdrawal symptoms. But mostly, the trained detox team will be prepared for a potential medical emergency should severe withdrawal symptoms emerge on around day three. These could include hallucinations, delusions, paranoia, seizures, mental confusion, and the delirium tremens (DTs).

Without a formal treatment program, the individual will never learn how to change fundamental thought and behavior patterns that will otherwise leave them tethered to their addiction. Psychotherapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy in particular, will assist you in making these important changes to help ensure a sustained recovery.

Self Help for Alcohol After Completing Treatment

Hooray! You have successfully completed a rehab program and are now equipped with the recovery tools and strategies to help you avoid relapse. Now that you have worked through underlying issues in therapy and stabilized physically and emotionally, this is the point where self help alcohol treatment can come safely into play.

Self-care following rehab is very important. This will involve caring for all aspects of your well-being while also accessing continuing care services to reinforce sobriety.

The 7 tips for self-care include:

1. Nutrition. Alcoholism is very hard on the body. Chronic alcohol consumption affects all major organs, the immune system, and your appearance. Restoring health will involve making positive changes in the diet, including such foods as lean proteins, fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy, nuts and seeds, sources of omega-3, and vitamin supplementation if needed, especially thiamine, folic acid, and vitamin C.
2. Exercise. During the years of alcohol abuse the body was probably neglected.so getting back into physical condition is another important goal following rehab. Regular exercise, versus sporadic, is the key to improving overall fitness. Exercise can include running, hiking, cycling, brisk walking, dance cardio, spin class, swimming, and gym workouts.
3. Stress-reducing techniques. Stress is the number one trigger for relapse. To manage stress effectively it is important to access the strategies taught in rehab. These might include deep breathing exercises, yoga classes, mindfulness training, meditation and prayer, massage therapy, acupuncture, and journaling.
4. Embracing a sober lifestyle. Getting sober and staying sober are two different things. In order to stay sober you have to adapt to a new sober lifestyle, where recovery is the top priority. Find new sober friends through 12-step meetings or other support groups, sober Meet-up groups, sober travel groups, sober workout facilities, and volunteering at A.A.
5. 12-step meetings. Alcoholics Anonymous’ 12-step meetings are a free and accessible source of peer support. The meetings are available in virtually every community, offering an opportunity to share your stories, gain new insights and inspiration, and find a sponsor to further enhance your recovery process.
6. Sober living housing. Sober living housing can be important if you do not have a supportive home environment. Sober living, even for just a few months, allows you to live in a drug and alcohol-free space with others who are also committed to sobriety. Sober living offers the time to practice recovery tools, establish new healthy habits and a regular schedule again, and experience accountability.
7. Outpatient therapy. Ongoing weekly therapy is essential following rehab, and should be part of the recovery process for at least six months. Therapy provides a sounding board and support system for the challenges that will crop up in early recovery, helping you overcome the obstacles and proceed in recovery.

Leading Resource for Information on Alcohol Recovery

The Treatment Specialist provides an extensive library of resource material regarding addiction, mental health, and dual diagnosis disorders and treatment. The specialists are well-versed on addiction and recovery and can offer free support and guidance toward treatment options for alcoholism. Don’t go it alone! Alcohol self help can be too risky to attempt without professional assistance so contact a Treatment Specialist today at (866) 644-7911. Learn about proper medical detox options and avoid stopping drinking cold turkey without the proper medical guidance and care.