A lot of people quit alcohol at some point in their lives due to a myriad of compelling reasons. Some develop alcohol-related medical conditions such as liver cirrhosis, nerve damage or alcohol poisoning, at which point their doctors advise them to quit drinking. Others are obligated to change their ways due to religious beliefs while a few more decide to lead a healthy lifestyle. There are a bunch of benefits to be derived from quitting alcohol. For example, alcohol is diuretic hence it dehydrates the skin, which ultimately diminishes its elasticity. It, therefore, follows that notable aftermath of quitting alcohol is glowing, soft and healthy skin. Unfortunately, the road to sobriety is not always a walk in the park, but it is possible if someone borrowed the following techniques.

Admitting To the Problem

People perceive their drinking habit differently with the majority viewing themselves as normal drinkers. Few can admit that alcohol abuse is a problem in their life, yet acceptance is a critical step to recovery. If an individual starts wondering whether they are addicted to alcohol, the chances are that they are taking a glass too many than they should. It would, therefore, help if they conducted a self-assessment by asking themselves the right questions. For instance, is drinking hindering them from achieving what they desire in life? Do they constantly neglect their responsibilities, for example, failing to spend enough time with their kids or missing vital work meetings? Do they constantly get involved in physical altercations when drunk?

If the answer to these questions is affirmative, the person in question needs to quit drinking. They will have completed the first step to recovery by acknowledging that they have a problem. Also, if an individual drinks heavily and perceives alcohol as their only ticket to having fun or relaxation, the chances are that they have an alcohol dependence problem.

Looking At the Good Side of an Alcohol-Free Life

There are instant gratifications and long term benefits to be derived from quitting alcohol. A critical step towards giving up on liquor involves tallying the rewards against the drawbacks accrued from alcohol intake. For instance, moderate drinkers spend at least three hours, three times a week drinking. This means that they spend one and a half months every year getting buzzed. Clearly, that’s a lot of time that could have otherwise been spent doing other productive activities.

One may argue that they drink alcohol as a means of forgetting their problems. However, this habit comes with a lot of collateral damage like diarrhoea, headache, impaired judgment and sexual misconduct, making someone wonder whether a few hours of ecstasy are worth it. Drinking alcohol not only inflicts harm to the user but also others including family members and the society at large. Luckily, there is a host of other activities offering the same benefit without the mentioned drawbacks. Such can best be described as healthy alternatives to unhealthy activities. A good example is meditation, which offers an excellent way of finding peace without abusing substances.

Take Advantage of Detox

Detoxification means the removal of toxic substances from the body. This goes a long way in restoring balance to the internal organs and systems. The body’s dependency on intoxicating substances like alcohol is thus reduced significantly.  With the help of a juicer machine an alcoholic will not only get rid of the alcohol-related toxins through juice cleanse but also get a healthy alternative to beer, Some of the juices one can make towards this purpose include beet and carrot juice via green juicing machine. To make this blend, one requires one carrot, ½ beet, I cucumber and one stick celery. This is one of the most effective detoxes for the body. Another excellent example is cabbage juice. With two carrots, a small piece of cabbage, two celery sticks and a handful of watercress, one can restore proper function of the liver.

Avoid Temptations

Most people find it hard to quit drinking due to the vast availability of liquor, or by staying near the people, places or things associated with drinking. It’s not unusual to find someone talking about their intention to quit alcohol as they fill another glass of their favorite whisky. This implies that the temptation to drink can be stronger than the desire to quit.

Temptations can be avoided by cutting ties with friends who can’t do without the booze. This is because an individual could start with an alcohol-free week, but in the end, fall back due to peer pressure from coworkers or friends. With that in mind, instead of seeking company from alcoholic friends, one should start seeking new activities to keep themselves busy. Ideally, a college class or an exercise routine will come in handy to not only keep one busy but also allow them to meet people with positive goals. One should also stop frequenting places like bars where drinking is the order of the day.

Sometimes, an individual might find it hard to make sudden changes in their lifestyle, which is acceptable. If radical changes don’t bring out the desired results, how about taking smaller steps. If that also doesn’t work, looking back and adopting a different approach and mindset could be worthwhile.

Handle Withdrawal Symptoms Wisely

The first two days after quitting drinking are arguably the most painful for an alcoholic. As their body detoxifies of the alcohol, they experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms that could easily lead to a relapse. Such include increased blood pressure, elevated temperature, tremors, insomnia, high breathing rate, and in some cases, seizures. Sometimes, these symptoms are life-threatening and, therefore, professional advice should be sought. Fortunately, a person can take advantage of rehab programs that professionally offer both outpatient and inpatient services. While it might not feel like it in the beginning, these difficulties are the beginning of an alcohol-free life.

Alcohol use disorder is an overwhelming condition that is often challenging to overcome. However, different approaches can be used for treatment. By comparing the above techniques, one should settle on a method that best suits their lifestyle and addiction level. This is because an approach that works for one individual might not work for the next person. The good news is that the struggle is not futile; an alcohol-free life can be extremely rewarding.