My Experience in Abstaining from Alcohol
It has been several years since I started taking alcohol. However, in the last few months, I decided to stop drinking alcohol due to the adverse side effects. Therefore, I have been sacrificing my time, energy money to alcohol drinking. In that sense, I quit drinking alcohol to save on my finance and time as well. From now on, alcohol abuse will no longer enslave me with fantasies that are neither real nor helpful. Alcohol abuse has messed my life from being broke to a dirty person, and principally deteriorating my general health. Whereas excessive drinking is harmful to my health, I narrate my experience of abstaining from alcohol and struggles I have encountered during this vigorous fight.
At first, alcohol enticed my heart when I saw my peers drinking openly in public. Be it in a party, club, bar, or at home, all seasons winter, summer, and spring, alcohol drinking was my habitual routine. Whenever I needed to blow out my loneliness and stress, alcohol was always beside me even without my friends and family. The eye-opener occurred one day after I passed out at a party and found myself in the psychiatric unit. The psychotherapist advised me that my liver was experiencing health problems as a result of excessive drinking. The doctor suggested that this could lead to liver cirrhosis and if not treated, could result in death. I am determined to take contingent measures that will restrict alcohol intake in my life. I am focused on shunning all alcoholic cravings by following my doctor’s advice on reduced alcohol intake. My life has been tough to cope with, but I am confident that in the long-run, all will be well. The act of abstaining from alcohol has made me uncomfortable and also contributed to some psychological withdrawal signs. My withdrawal symptoms include shaking, cold sweats, and anxiety.
In terms of feelings, my mood was low, and most of my days were gloomy. I felt lonely again, as I had already ended previous relationships with my friends. Most of my colleagues were still abusing alcohol and therefore, could easily pressure me into drinking alcohol again. However, the therapist gave me alternatives, such as intervention programs that keep one’s mind engaged. In the process of abstaining from alcohol drinking, I have experienced numerous struggles. One of the main problems I am facing is how to develop a coping strategy. I am finding it hard to find a new lifestyle that accommodates my recovery. Another struggle is boredom as most of my free time is not being used in drinking alcohol. Another struggle is relapse. Despite the many cravings and stress, I am working hard to avoid relapsing. Lastly, it is quite a struggle transforming from rehab to the home setting. There are a lot of obligations to consider for effective and smooth transitioning back home.
In conclusion, this experience has helped me with essential skills that I can utilize to bring awareness in the society about alcohol addiction. I believe that with the necessary resources, behavioural therapies, and rigid support systems, alcohol addicts can be helped to recovery, thus becoming a crucial part of our society. All in all, with the right determination and support, alcohol addiction and abuse can be eliminated in our community.