How to Battle Alcoholism

Alcoholism is a condition which revolves around four symptoms: Cravings or strong urges to drink, a loss of control when drinking, a physical dependence and the experience of withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea or shakiness, when not drinking. The last symptom is an increased tolerance to alcohol and the need and ability to drink greater and greater quantities of alcohol to maintain a level of intoxication. While alcoholism does not have a cure, there are treatment programs available, counseling and medication.

Things You'll Need

• Doctor
• Health plan
• Treatment facility
• Peer support group

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Instructions

• 1

  Admit that you have a problem and that your life and the lives of those you care about have been negatively affected to a significant degree.

• 2

  Make a commitment to sobriety. Resolve to become sober and assert that as your first priority in life.

• 3

  Talk to your doctor and health insurance company. See if addiction recovery is covered under your insurance plan. Ask your doctor to recommend a drug and alcohol treatment facility.

• 4

  Visit peer support groups. The most famous peer-support group is Alcoholics Anonymous. Visit www.aa.org to find the meeting closest to you. Other peer support groups include SMART Recovery and Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS). You can visit their websites at www.smartrecovery.org and www.cfiwest.org to find a meeting near you.

• 5

  Reach out to your sponsor. Most peer recovery groups offer recovering alcoholics a sponsor, a recovering alcoholic who has experience living sober. Talk to your sponsor and share your feelings, thoughts and concerns, and ask for advice.

• 6

  Ask your doctor for medication to combat possible withdrawal symptoms you may experience, such as stomach cramps, diarrhea or insomnia.