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If you feel like yourrelationship with alcohol needs an overhaul,youve got plenty of company.
Yulia Reznikov/Getty Images
Heres how to get to the sober place you want to be inand stay there.
Talk to a medical pro, even (and especially!)
if youre nervous about being honest with them about alcohol.
If you dont have a regular doctor, see a primary care provider or visit afree health clinicnear you.
It can feel uncomfortable to tell a doctor about your relationship with alcohol.
You might ask your physician, I drink X amount.
Do you think thats contributing to Y?
If you dont have atherapist, nows a great time to look into one.
Do a sobriety trial run, even if youre in it for the long haul.
There could be less gastrointestinal distress becausealcohol can irritate the GI tract.
Think through the situations when you tend to reach for a drinkand plan a new approach.
Your drinking doesnt happen in a vacuum.
A friend group youre socially anxious around?
A workplace culture that revolves around happy hours or partying to blow off steam?
When you review your notes, look for patterns.
(This isnt about laying blame for bad nights of drinking in anyone elses hands.
Its about setting yourself up for alcohol-free success.)
You might want to take a break from social situations where you know youll just feel tempted.
(And in general:Canceling plansisnt a crime!)
Just get a sparkling water, put a lime in it, and have fun, he says.
Hang out with other sober people.
(Take note, though: AA is geared toward people who self-identify as having alcohol addiction.)
The NIAAA has asearch toolthat can help you find support groups, including AA meetings, in your area.
Not drinking doesnt mean embarking on a life of hermitude.
Take up activities where drinking isnt an integral part of hanging outthink rec sports leagues and volunteer committees.
Take pride in your progress.
Will quitting drinking solveallof your problems, in health and in life?
No, because no single lifestyle change can do that.
From there, the benefits only compound with time.
you’re gonna wanna listen to your body.
Were cheersing you with sparkling water as you keep this good thing going.
