4. Rehab. There are many rehab centers that you can go into, and if you’re considering one I suggest you strongly consider the methods they use. I am not a fan of 12-step programs because of the “learned helplessness” part of their approach. But only you can decide if it’s workable for your particular lifestyle.
Some people simply cannot overcome alcoholism without help, no matter how hard they try. If that is you, then PLEASE check into rehab as soon as possible. It’s the best option to get your alcoholism under control. You’ll be glad you did.
5. AA. If you’ve read any of my Alcoholic’s Anonymous articles then you realize that I think AA is NOT the best option, and for a myriad of reasons. Numerous studies have concluded that only 5 PERCENT of AA’s members are able to stay sober for even one year. They teach learned helplessness which dooms their members (who believe alcohol is more powerful than they are) to a lifelong struggle against their addiction. The 12-Steps approach has been widely criticized for being ineffective and cult-like. Furthermore, they promote the idea that alcoholism is a disease – which inevitably leads to the victim-mentality of its members.
Please note: if you’re not sure, alcoholism is NOT a disease. It’s a bad habit that you’ve acquired over the years. And just like other bad habits it can ALSO be broken and replaced with a healthy habit. HOWEVER, having said that, it’s entirely possible that AA is a possible option for YOU. If you’ve tried the other methods outlined above, and have failed, then you should look into a 12-Step based program.
You CAN Overcome Alcoholism
If you’ve failed numerous times at overcoming your alcoholism then you should recognize what doesn’t work and change your strategy. Perhaps a combination of a couple of the methods might work best for you? Try #3 first, and then after a few weeks go to #2. The point is that you should NOT keep trying the same method over and over.
Learn from your own mistakes and CHANGE YOUR APPROACH. Because when you try a different tactic you might very well be successful, and you’ll soon be on the road to a healthier mind, body and soul. And isn’t that what we all wanted in the first place? ♦