Published: 13.04.2007
Keep on trying
Don’t give up
Most people do not cut down or give up drinking all at once. Keep in mind it took many years for you to get to where you are – it’s going to take some time for you to change your habit of a life time. At times you might find it difficult to stick to your goals. You may find you ended up drinking more than you were initially planning.
Do not get discouraged
If you fail to meet your goal, it’s merely a minor setback, something to learn from. It’s part of life to make mistakes, but acknowledge them, think about what lessons you can learn and move on. Keep on trying and don’t give up. Think of all the progress you’ve already achieved.
Things to remember
Don’t give up because of a bad experience. Take one day at a time and gradually it will get easier. It’s good to create your own support team, look to your family, friends and other people within your community.
Each time you stop a past habit, you’re one step closer to breaking that habit completely. The craving for alcohol will go if you mentally occupy yourself with something else. Talk to your doctor and/or counsellor concerning any difficulties, especially if you are experiencing problems with your physical/mental health which have started since you stopped drinking.
If this isn’t working
If you are having real difficulty reaching your goal it’s time to step back and re-evaluate. It’s important that you ask yourself ‘why is this not working?’ ‘What went wrong?’ Be honest with yourself. Answering these questions can help you formulate a new “plan of attack”. Your new plan may often be much better as it has been thought through in more detail.
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