If you’re ready to make a positive change, here’s what you may want to know about the recovery process. It might also be worth checking out a 12-step program in your area, like Alcoholics Anonymous or SMART Recovery, to see if it feels like something that might be useful for you. If you’re having difficulty sticking to your goal or just want some extra guidance, consider reaching how to overcome alcoholism out for professional support. At the end of the day, one of the most important tools you have at your disposal is self-compassion. Instead of criticizing yourself for having a hard time or slipping up and having a drink, remember that no one’s perfect. What matters most is your ability to maintain an open, curious outlook as you learn what does and doesn’t work for you.

While the process may take several years, the outcome is a happier, healthier life where you have the freedom to fulfill your full potential. The challenge of this stage is to essentially develop and maintain healthy life skills that will serve you for a lifetime. An exciting part of this period is that it can lead you to a happier life full of welcomed change and constant improvement. During this stage, most people focus their energy on coping with cravings and resisting the urge to drink.

Coping with alcohol withdrawal symptoms safely

Once you are clear on your goal, you may still need to prepare to change. Preparations include removing addictive substances from your home as well as eliminating triggers in your life that may make you more likely to use those substances again. Though addiction recovery is challenging, addiction is treatable. With supportive resources and the right treatment approach, you can overcome the physical and mental challenges you face in order to recover. Recovery is possible, especially with the help of loved ones and groups like AA.

The evaluation consists of 11 yes or no questions that are intended to be used as an informational tool to assess the severity and probability of an alcohol use disorder. Do your best to understand that they’re dealing with an illness. An addiction is a brain disorder, after all, and not something that’s easily resolved.

How Much Alcohol Can Kill You?

There are many program alternatives to the 12-step treatment offered by peer support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous. Some people don’t like or are not interested in the 12-Step model, even with the variations above or through organizations that facilitate the 12-Step model. Some people don’t like basing their recovery on the idea that they cannot control their addiction, when there is evidence that there are ways of practicing internal control over the recovery process.

• As you become more aware of the problems you are facing, you might then struggle with feelings of ambivalence even as you become more aware of your need to overcome your addiction.
• Even after admitting you have a drinking problem, you may make excuses and drag your feet.
• Alcoholics Anonymous or AA is the original recovery program that brought the world the 12 steps of recovery.
• Programs like Al-anon, Alateen and Families Anonymous offer opportunities for emotional support.
• 12-step programs are powerful peer support groups that help people recover from substance use disorders, behavioral addictions, and sometimes other co-occurring mental health conditions.
• But consuming large amounts of alcohol, even one time, can lead to serious health complications.

This stage typically starts 3–5 years after you’ve stopped drinking. People often need to address past trauma or familial issues during this time. While the abstinence stage of withdrawal causes mostly physical symptoms, post-acute withdrawal is very psychological and emotional.