Like may people, the idea of drinking in moderation sounds like a great goal. After we try it enough times, we realize that this is an illusion, not reality.
Sometimes we need to practice quitting. This is my 3rd or 4th time going 100 days without drinking, aside from pregnancies.
My advice if you “relapse”
- Be nice to yourself, perfection is not the goal, a healthy, happy life is the goal.
- Practice makes perfect! I found that I could recognize the “stages” of withdrawal and it helped to figure out the timeline.
- Use an App, I am currently using “I am Sober”. I find that tracking the days, especially in the beginning provides motivation.
- Don’t overdo the sugar. Treats are fine but we are trying to have fewer mood swings.
- Get a lot of exercise, real exercise. Running is my lifeline.
- Read a book, I really like Alcohol Explained by William Porter and Alcohol Lied to Me
If you consume an addictive substance, over time you will become addicted. That’s it. You aren’t weak, You are broken. You have fallen into a self-perpetuation trap. The only way out is to stop completely. You need to act as though you have an allergy to alcohol.