How to Cope With Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol abuse or dependence is most frequently characterized by an incessant need to drink. A person who abuses alcohol may not always be an alcoholic, but may frequently drink too much and may make poor decisions because of it. Left uncontrolled, alcohol abuse can lead to alcoholism and lifelong addiction. If you constantly feel the need to drink to the point of drunkenness, crave alcohol, turn to drinking to deal with anxiety, miss work or have a friend express concern for you, you may have a problem with alcohol abuse. As with most problems, you can make life changes and learn to cope with alcohol abuse.

Instructions

• 1

  Acknowledge that you have a problem. Don't deny the issue or make excuses. Before you can cope with alcohol abuse, you must be honest with yourself and the people around you. Tell yourself out loud "I have a problem" and confide in a close friend or counselor.

• 2

  Avoid situations where alcohol is present. Realize that you need to avoid temptation when you first give alcohol up. If you're at a party where everyone is drinking, it may be difficult not to join in. Make a list of alternative activities you can do that don't include alcohol, such as miniature golf, going to a movie, hiking, watching a theater performance or going to a concert.

• 3

  Get rid of any hidden alcohol you have stashed in your house. If you have a bad day at work, get in a fight with your boyfriend, are stressed out with your children or even get cut off in traffic, you my have to resist the temptation of "just one sip." Toss out anything in your home so that you have a safe place where you won't be tempted.

• 4

  Seek help if you can't break free on your own. Don't feel like a failure if you keep turning to alcohol to cope with anxiety or stresses. Talk to your physician, a close friend, a pastor, a rabbi, a counselor, a priest or even a therapist if you're struggling. While you may not need to go to a rehab center, a professional may offer the advice and accountability for you to break free.