A sad but true face is that there are things in this world that can take complete control of us, if we allow them to. One of things tends to be alcohol. Many people start off drinking alcohol all in good fun but eventually lead themselves down very dark paths.
It usually starts with a drink here and there while out with friends. For some, it never goes any further than this. On the other hand, for some people, this is the beginning of a nightmare.
The problem with this nightmare is the fact that it doesn’t go away when you wake up. In fact, it becomes a daily struggle and in reality, it becomes a life or death battle.
Alcohol likes to play tricks on us. It makes us feel happy and forget our problems, at least in the beginning. However, this sense of joy is an illusion. Deep down inside our problems still exist and as those addicted to alcohol know, only become worse with every drink that is taken.
The same thing that used to bring joy will eventually bring nothing but heartaches and despair. We have all heard the stories of people losing their families, jobs and even lives due to alcohol problems. What is important to keep in mind is the fact that these “stories” are more than just a tale. It’s real life and it happens every day!
However, there are people who pull themselves out of the black hole that alcoholism causes and reclaim their lives once again. So the question is, when fighting such a powerful force, how are they able to be triumphant in the end?
Well, while it may be true that alcohol addiction is a powerful force, we have a source of power even stronger!
Our minds are unbelievably powerful. After all, our mind is responsible for controlling every single thing that our body does, from movement to breathing in our sleep. It is truly amazing!
You can use this power to create a positive mindset. This mindset can then be used as your attack force against alcohol.
Here are a few things you should take into consideration when creating your mindset:
• We are all responsible for our own actions.
Basically, unless someone held a gun to someone else’s head and demanded them to drink, it is their fault they are in the situation they are in. For some people this is rather hard to accept. However, before progress can ever be made, it is vital that a person can accept responsibility for their situation and not play the blame game.
• Remain positive.
It is extremely important that people battling any type of addiction, including alcoholism, have an optimistic attitude. Many people bock when they hear this. However it is true and even though it may not seem like it, it is possible. Keep in mind, it will be much more effective to keep positive thoughts in mind such as a better future rather than negative ones and beating yourself up for past choices.
• Get rid of the word try.
One of the best things you can do when creating an addiction busting mindset is to get rid of the word try. Don’t let that three lettered word sneak into your head and sabotage your battle against addiction! While this may sound a little dramatic, it’s not! That is exactly what happens. Saying things like, “I will TRY to stop drinking” really does nothing more than set yourself up for failure. Think about it, people who do this are basically dooming themselves to drink again, eventually. However, those who say things such as, “I WILL stop drinking and I WILL regain control of my life” make it very clear, their days of being a slave to an addiction are over!
Life has its ups and downs and everyone experiences their own forms of speed-bumps down their path through life. Some people give up and let their circumstances rule their lives and others fight and decide to take a stand for themselves.
The hard thing to accept when it comes to any type of addiction is the fact that it is much more than just a simple bump. In all honesty, for most people, it is something that they may struggle with for quite a long time.
However, one day at a time and one less drink at a time is the best way to think about it. Many people are terrified when they hear the word FOREVER when it comes to quitting. For this reason, you may want to consider avoiding thinking about it that way. Instead, think about it as not drinking for TODAY or even for the next five minutes if it is necessary.
It is a struggle in the beginning. However, each day that goes by without a drink will be another day of triumph. It does get easier as time goes on, that is not some type of urban legend, so do not worry!
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