How To Get Sober In 2022? Try These 5 Tips To Finally Quit Drinking

Are you looking to get sober in the new year? If so, you're not alone. Many people want to quit alcohol in order to start the new year off on the right foot. However, quitting alcohol can be difficult, especially if you don't know how to go about it. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips on how to get sober in the new year. So read on for tips on how to make sobriety your New Year's resolution for 2022!

1) Find and Practice Stress Management Techniques

For a lot of people, stress is the number one reason why they drink. They use alcohol as a coping mechanism and they let it control their lives. If you're one of these people, quitting drinking is going to be especially difficult for you because cutting out alcohol means not having this easy way out.

One way to quit drinking when stressed out is to find a different method to cope with stress. When you are tempted to reach for that bottle of beer or glass of wine, you can do these alternative activities instead. Some suggestions include yoga, knitting, aromatherapy, going for a walk, getting a massage, or going to a comedy show. These activities will not only reduce your stress but they'll also give you something else to do with your time besides drink!

2) Let Go of Negative Thoughts

Are you always worried about everything? Do you wake up in the morning and immediately go into "what if" mode? If so, you're someone who engages in negative thinking. The problem with this is that these thoughts lead to anxiety and depression. And as we know, many people use alcohol to deal with these emotions.

However, this just exacerbates the issue because instead of clearing your mind, you're filling it with booze and muddling your thoughts further. If you want to quit drinking in 2022, try to let go of these thoughts whenever possible. You can do this by practicing self-compassion, journaling, mindful meditation, and positive affirmations. These methods will teach you how to be less judgmental of yourself and they'll help get rid of your anxieties.

3) Take Care of Yourself

Taking care of yourself means eating right, keeping yourself hydrated, having a good night's sleep, staying active, and practicing self-care activities. When you make these a part of your daily routine, this can help you rein in your desire to stop drinking.

For example, when you start eating better and exercising more, you'll experience a natural high that can drive out the urge for alcohol. You'll also feel great about yourself because your body will be healthy and strong which is something worth celebrating!

4) Find Alternative Social Activities Where You Don't Need to Drink

Alcohol is often touted as a social lubricant. Many people end up drinking alcohol because they are in social situations or places where it is unavoidable to drink alcohol like parties, nightclubs, bars, or pubs. However, there are ways to still connect with your social circle without alcohol being the focus of the meetup.

For example, instead of meeting a friend for a drink at the bar, why not suggest meeting for coffee or seeing a play together? Other suggestions include going out for breakfast, taking spin class together, going hiking, afternoon tea, bonding at the spa, and ice skating.

5) Get Professional Help

You know that you're already drinking too much and that alcohol is already interfering with your daily life. You can't focus on your work and your relationships are also suffering because you are always under the influence of booze. The problem is - you can't seem to stop.

If you feel that your drinking is getting out of control and it is no longer possible for you to quit on your own, then you might already be suffering from Alcohol Use Disorder. The best way to approach this problem is by seeking professional help.

If you are more than a problem drinker or an alcoholic, you may already require rehabilitation, Alcoholics Anonymous, or both.

Speaking to an alcohol addiction professional is an effective way for you to get through this difficult time and to learn more about your options. Depending on your situation, you can take part in either an outpatient or inpatient recovery program.

At Anaheim Lighthouse, we will personalize a program tailored to your specific needs. If you feel like alcohol is truly taking over your life, then do not hesitate to call us today.