Sometimes, just at a random time of the day, it will hit you – you can’t seem to live without touching a bottle of alcohol. That’s one way to realise you’re at rock bottom. This sudden awareness might be alarming, but don’t worry because there’s still hope. This article shares some tips on how to stop drinking when you’re at a point where being sober doesn’t seem attainable anymore.
How People Realize They’re at Rock Bottom in Drinking
For most people, the realisation that they are at the lowest point of their lives due to excessive drinking only hits when they experience serious consequences for their actions. Serious consequences can look different for everyone.
For some, it is the end of a relationship (familial, romantic, etc.), while for others, it is a dire diagnosis that makes the realisation hit home. Alcohol contributes to more than 200 health conditions, after all.
A job loss can also be the trigger for admitting that you need serious help. Perhaps you showed up drunk at work, harassed a co-worker, botched a task, and the list goes on. No matter, you still lost a good job, maybe even one you’ve had for a long time. Depending on how bad your situation is, a debilitating financial difficulty may even follow.
For some alcoholics, the rock bottom is sadly death. Drunk drivers are involved in about 32% of traffic crash fatalities in the U.S. Others die from alcohol-induced chronic health conditions, mental health issues, and substance poisoning.
Additionally, it’s not uncommon for an epiphany to strike at random. Perhaps you had the worst hangover when you awoke from the bed of a stranger. Or you might have just realised that you’re feeling nauseous in a random alleyway and have no idea how you got there. It may even be something as common as walking inside your house, but this time, you catch a glimpse of the mirror, not recognising the person in the reflection.
Regardless of how you realise that you badly need to stop drinking, know that you’re not alone. As long as you’re willing to commit to recovery, there are different ways to push through and many success stories from which to draw inspiration.
Immediate Crisis Plan When You Hit Your Rock Bottom
If you’re at the end of your rope and don’t see a way out, do not give up. More often than not, reaching your breaking point marks a turning point that opens the door to reconstructing your life completely. Here is an example of an immediate crisis plan when you hit rock bottom in alcoholism.
Admit the Problem
One major roadblock to your recovery is denial. You could put off things and find excuses to drink more even after you’ve acknowledged you have a problem. Recognising your conflicting feelings about quitting drinking is crucial.
The first step has already been taken if you’re willing to acknowledge that you have a drinking problem. Taking on alcohol abuse and alcoholism head-on requires a great deal of bravery and strength.
At this stage of alcohol addiction, your next immediate step is to get help. Remember that safety and stabilisation should come first in an immediate crisis plan. It’s necessary to customise the plan to each person’s unique circumstances and needs, consulting an expert when needed.
Seek Professional Help
If you’ve been a heavy drinker for a long time, you might require detox under medical supervision. Think about getting a therapist if you don’t already have one. Talking about your difficulties with a trained, impartial person can be a game-changer.
You might never be able to reflect on your past and patterns with a close friend or family member, even on your own. However, a mental health counsellor or therapist can assist you in doing just that. They can also provide you with the tools and techniques to stop thinking incorrectly, start doing better, find hope, and take back your life.
Additionally, your doctor or therapist will consider various factors, like your risk of withdrawal, your willingness to change, and your likelihood of relapsing, before recommending a course of treatment. They will also look into your past medical and psychological history, as well as any current illnesses and co-occurring disorders. These healthcare providers will assess your support level and social and living situations.
After that, you’ll follow the appropriate treatment plan. Depending on your situation, various options are available. For instance, if you require short-term medical care while recovering from severe withdrawal symptoms, one option is an intensive inpatient program. Therapies, programs for partial hospitalisation, and residential treatment are also other available options for you.
Get Support
Support is crucial whether you decide to treat your alcoholism through outpatient treatment, counselling, or self-directed therapy. Avoid attempting this alone. It is far easier to recover from alcohol abuse or addiction when you have support, encouragement, and direction from others. Without support, it’s easy to fall back on previous habits during difficult times.
Friends, family, therapists, other recovering alcoholics, healthcare providers, and members of your community can provide support. If possible, get help from family and close friends first; their encouragement is essential when you’re recovering. You can also try joining recovery support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and LifeRing Secular Recovery.
Plan for Triggers and Cravings
Going forward, you’ll need to make changes in your life. For example, you might need to establish some new relationships if alcohol was the focal point of your previous social life. Having sober friends who will aid in your recovery is crucial. Avoid drinking triggers (people, places, objects, activities, etc.) as much as possible.
Prepare actions to manage cravings, particularly in the first six months after you quit drinking when they can be the most intense. Good alcohol treatment adequately equips you for these challenges and aids you in developing new coping skills to deal with stressful situations, alcohol cravings, and social pressures to drink. Have someone on speed dial for when cravings come, for instance.
Don’t Give Up
No matter the treatment or support you get, you will still do the heavy lifting to be free from the shackles of alcohol. Your attitude toward your recovery is of paramount importance. Keep in mind that the good thing about hitting rock bottom is that there’s no other way but up.
Get Professional Help from HARP
Alcohol addiction recovery can be a difficult and drawn-out process. It might even seem impossible at times. However, keep in mind that it’s not. No matter how much you drink or how helpless you feel, you can overcome alcoholism and alcohol abuse if you’re willing to stop and are ready to receive the necessary support.
When you’re at your rock bottom, reach out to HARP Rehabilitation Centre. Our compassionate team is more than willing to help you learn how to stop drinking and overcome the lowest point of your life. We employ a well-rounded approach that combines therapeutic, clinical, and educational therapies to ensure lasting sobriety, no matter the severity of your alcohol addiction.
If you want to learn more, you can call, schedule a time, and get a tour of the compound at your earliest convenience.
