Alcohol addiction is not something people talk about too often. Probably because drinking at parties and other social events is so mundane. Even doctors don’t bat an eye with one glass of wine every night.
Plus, some people are about to do it in moderation. However, all this normally doesn’t really change the fact that this is a poison, and one is damaging their organs. This is why you must always think about quitting when it goes out of control.
Depending on the intensity of the addiction, the difficulty of quitting is determined. However, under the supervision of doctors and therapists, it gets fairly bearable. Although, once the recovery period is over and one is out of rehab when real difficulty ensues.
No doubt, the individual requires willpower and the support of some good friends to go through this and reach their final stage of recovery. In this excerpt below, we will be discussing the reasons behind how one should join events after alcohol recovery.
What To Know About Post Recovery
Post-recovery after an alcohol addiction, and here is what you should be prepared for. Just remember that you are not 100% healed right after you are out of rehab. So, take care of yourself. Holding perseverance and asking for rightful help is important.
1. Do Not Leave Therapy
Therapy is going to remain your saving grace even now. Probably because you are freshly out of rehab, and you will start facing triggers. You will need to continue CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). This is where you speak to your therapist about your past triggers and current triggers.
Most importantly, how can you get rid of them, or at least learn to control them? After you are out of rehab, it is your threats act as the tie between your treatment and temptations. In fact, being a therapist is something everyone should continue after a traumatic event (addiction).
2. Continue AA Meetings
AA is an anonymous meeting where a bunch of people sit together to talk about stories, problems, and solutions. An alcohol addiction AA meeting can help you to have a sense of collectively among all your other sober friends.
You will also get sobriety batches which can provide a sense of achievement, marked with motivation to carry on. Plus, the ability to help someone who wishes to reach your level of sobriety can be empowering.
3. There Might Be Some Urges
You might still deal with some post-recovery temptations here and there. The right thing is to keep them under control with other distractions or immediately seek help.
4. You Will Have To Change Friend Circles
You cannot keep hanging out in the same circle you once did, especially if they do not understand your predicament. The worst part would be for someone to offer you the ‘poison’ in ‘moderation.’ Make new sober friends who will accompany you to parties, and remain completely sober.
5. Start Holistic Recovery
Holistic treatment not just helps you recover but also gives you a much healthier lifestyle. These will include activities like:
· Yoga.
· Dancing.
· Acupuncture.
· Art Therapy.
· Music Therapy.
· Aroma Therapy.
All in all, anything which works as a natural Beta Blocker (the agonist drug for anxiety-causing chemicals) eventually helps to calm you. Afterall, it is the panic and jitters during temptations that can wear your efforts of control.
Navigating Your Way Through Social Events After Alcohol Recovery
Social events can cause anxiety among anyone who is just out of recovery. The anticipation of being triggered by everyone else drinking or someone forcing you to drink. However, you cannot avoid parties forever, and this seems like a good place to begin your sober training in the outside world again.
1. Bring A Sober Friend/Friends
Always have a sober companion who will accompany you. They should be by your side so that you have someone to converse with. Staying alone for too long in such events is not recommended.
Now, you will have two options.
– You can hire a sober companion. Since you will be paying them, they will not leave your side. They do provide mindful conversations and support in times of distress.
– Take someone whom you absolutely trust. Talk to them beforehand, and give them a memo of what to do when you are in a difficult situation mentally.
2. Leave When You Start Feeling
The moment you start feeling the hang of discomfort, whether physically or emotionally, leave the party. Make your polite excuse and leave the area on time. You did well for today; maybe for another event, you will survive the entirety.
Heartbeat fastening, jitters throughout the body, or any sign of panic, and you shouldn’t stay in the event a minute longer.
3. Have A Non-Alcoholic Drink With You
Always have non-alcoholic drinks with you. You can simply ask for a glass and pour your own drink. For people who do not know about your sobriety and do not wish to narrate the story, you can always have your non-alcoholic drink. You can shop online for non-alcoholic drinks, and get the best deals, and offers.
It will prevent you from questions like Trigger warnings!
· Why are you not drinking?
· Is everything all right?
· I can never do that; good for you.
· One drink will not hurt you.
Protect yourself from these triggering lines.
4. Talk To The Host Beforehand
If you are still not convinced that you should be going to the event, then why not ask the host beforehand about the alcohol situation?
You can also extend your trust and talk about your situation. A sensible host will understand and do what they can to prevent any triggering situation.
Do talk about bringing your own drinks with the host beforehand.
Healthy Drinks Are A Way To A Healthy Life!
These healthy non-alcoholic drinks shouldn’t just be for people recovering. If you are trying to get into a healthy lifestyle, you can always switch to these non-alcoholic beverages.
- You will not miss the smell or taste of alcohol. These tonics emulate them with perfection.
- You do not have to wake up with a hangover.
- There is no time to make yourself a fruity ‘cocktail.’ All hours are cocktail hours.