Alcoholism is a disease that can have a profound impact on your life. It can ruin personal and professional relationships while also damaging your reputation within the community. However, like most addictions, it can be hard to stop drinking alcohol once you become dependent on it. What are some strategies that can help you quit consuming beer or liquor for good?
Even Functioning Alcoholics are Still Alcoholics
Most people think that an alcoholic as a disheveled figure who panhandles for change outside of the bar or on a busy street. However, you can hold a job, maintain a marriage or otherwise keep up a respectable appearance and still be an alcoholic. If you notice that you hide your drinking from family or friends, can’t start the day without a drink or have built up a high tolerance to it, you may need help. It is best to get help while you still have strong personal relationships or a meaningful career to serve as motivation to get better.
You May Notice Physical or Mental Problems
You may notice that you get angry easily or that your personality has generally changed since have started drinking. You may also notice numbness or tingling sensations while walking or while touching something. The numbness is related to a condition called neuropathy, and it can result is serious injury or even death if left untreated. The changes in personality may be related to the fact that your brain is literally being rewired to function only when given alcohol. It could also be caused by depression as alcohol is a noted depressant. A lack of sleep caused by excessive drinking may also play a role in your mood changes or play a role in your depression. Once you notice these physical or mental changes, it may be time to see a doctor. He or she can tell you more about these symptoms and what will happen if you don’t stop drinking. In many cases, hearing that you could suffer organ failure or other significant health problems is enough to never have a drink again.
Getting Into Legal Trouble May Help You Quit
Getting a DWI is an easy way to lose your car, your money and your freedom. Those who are charged for even a first-offense DWI could face fines of $1,000 or more in addition to mandatory jail time. A DWI lawyer in Austin, knows that penalties may be increased if you hurt someone while driving drunk or have a blood alcohol content of .18 percent or higher. You may also feel a strong sense of remorse for getting into trouble and being an inconvenience to your family. It is also common to feel shame and remorse for hurting others or putting them in danger for driving drunk.
Find Someone to Hold You Accountable
If you want to quit drinking, it may be easier to do so when someone else is around to hold you accountable for your actions. For example, you may want to go to meetings or get someone to sponsor you. A spouse or close friend may also be willing to keep tabs on you and ensure that you aren’t drinking. Sponsors may also be helpful in the event that you have had a drink and are scared that you may have another.
Drinking alcohol is fine if you do so in moderation. However, if you feel like you can’t control yourself, it may be best to not start drinking at all. In some cases, it may take a major health scare, a legal problem or a job loss to get serious about quitting. The good news is that there are resources available to help you quit before one of those things happen.