How to Beat Alcoholism and Live Your Best Life

Oh, if only there was a magic pill one could take and be done with alcoholism for good. Since there is currently no such miracle pill on the market, beating alcoholism remains a daily challenge for even the most dedicated to overcoming it. You can be completely on board, promising yourself and everyone around you that you have taken your last drink, once and for all, and still fall down again.

Many loved ones of alcoholics stand with mouths agape wondering why someone would continue to engage in such self-destruction via the bottle. “Just stop, will you,” they exclaim, flabbergasted that the simple act of will is so hard to summon. But to the informed, those who have done the research or sat in on an A.A. meeting or two, understand how alcoholism can render a person virtually powerless. The brain chemistry takes control and sends powerful messages and cravings that are literally unceasing.

So, how to beat alcoholism once and for all? While each individual with alcohol addiction will experience the grip of the disease in a unique way, there are certain steps to take that can slowly but surely release its hold on you. Learn here how to beat alcoholism so you can live your very best life.

How Alcohol Addiction Takes Root

The addiction process remains a mystery in many ways, however, there are some basic understandings in the scientific community about how alcohol addiction develops. Most people do not set out to become an alcoholic. They may initially participate in some alcohol use in social situations or as a way to relieve stress at the end of the day. In some people there is a genetic predisposition that can become activated even with moderate use of alcohol, swiftly ramping up alcohol consumption and eventually leading to alcoholism.

Others may abuse alcohol recreationally, binge drink, or start their alcohol use at a very early age, which can also be predictive of developing a problem with alcohol in later years. Still, others may use alcohol as a means of nursing emotional pain or past trauma that has not been addressed or processed. Over time, when tolerance builds and consumption increases, alcoholism may result.

The body adapts to the consistent influx of alcohol, as the alcohol impacts the central nervous system and reduces the brain’s own production of dopamine. After a while, these physiological changes take root, so when the individual attempts to stop drinking they are met with highly unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. That is when one becomes aware that they have an alcohol dependency.

What are the Symptoms of Alcoholism?

There are signs that alcoholism is developing. These signs and symptoms might include:

● Increased tolerance to alcohol, leading to more consumption to get the same result
● Obsessing over when you can drink next and maintaining a supply of available liquor
● Feeling guilty about the drinking behavior
● Lying about how much you drink or hiding the alcohol from loved ones
● High-risk behaviors, such as driving under the influence or risky sex practices
● Mood swings
● Irritability
● Disrupted sleep
● Mounting consequences of the drinking
● Want to quit but can’t
● When an attempt to quit, alcohol withdrawal symptoms emerge

How to Beat Alcoholism: 5 Helpful Steps

1. Residential Detox. The first necessary step to beating alcoholism is to undergo complete detoxification under supervision. A residential detox is needed due to potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms that can emerge unexpectedly.

2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. After detox is completed, active treatment ensues. Depending on the severity of the addiction, the individual can opt for either outpatient treatment or inpatient treatment of one to twelve months duration. Without therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) the addictive behaviors that are etched into the brain and psyche will simply reactivate. CBT trains the client to identify how the maladaptive drinking behavior was a response to disordered or distorted thinking. CBT then teaches clients how to replace them with positive, constructing thought and behavior patterns. Therapy includes learning coping skills, stress management, anger management, couples therapy, family therapy, recovery meetings, addiction education, and relapse prevention planning.

3. Strategic Aftercare. The continuing care component is of high importance when learning how to beat alcoholism. This is because the transition from the structured, predictable rehab environment back to regular life can provoke a relapse. Aftercare strategies include spending a few months in a sober living home, hiring a sober coach or sober companion if necessary, and weekly (at minimum) outpatient therapy sessions.

4. Productive and Purposeful Activity. Being productive and accomplishing tasks in recovery helps build self-confidence, job skills, and improves feelings of self-worth. It is important to identify a life purpose and to set new goals, and then actively pursue the steps to achieve the goals. Volunteer work is also a purposeful activity that can help reinforce sobriety as well. Incorporating these activities helps reestablish a structured lifestyle that is forward-thinking and productive.

5. Exercise and Nutrition. Restoring physical health is essential in a successful recovery outcome. The nutritionally depleted brain and body need to be fed with a steady diet of regular cardio exercise, such as running, cycling/spinning, swimming, hiking, walking, and dance cardio to replenish muscle mass, strength, and stamina while improving mood. Design a diet high in lean proteins, fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grain bread and pasta, nuts and seeds, and lots of water.

Capo By the Sea Premier Alcohol Treatment Program in Southern California

Capo By the Sea is an elite alcohol recovery program located in Orange County, California. The clinical therapists at Capo By the Sea understand the important treatment elements that can lead to a sustained recovery from alcohol addiction. The program consists of a ly supervised detox, CBT and other evidence-based therapies, and holistic therapies that can reinforce the progress made in psychotherapy. Capo By the Sea offers luxury accommodations and amenities in a gorgeous coastal setting, perfect to launch a lifetime of sobriety. If you are wondering how to beat alcoholism, contact Capo By the Sea today at (888) 529-2114.