Finding the Motivation to Quit Drinking

There are dozens and dozens of great reasons to quit drinking alcohol, from your physical health to your financial outlook, from your relationships and love life, to your mental and spiritual well-being. If you havent done so already, start thinking of the reasons YOU should quit drinking.

The MORE reasons you come up with the EASIER it will be to get over your alcohol addiction. Furthermore, of all the reasons you come up with, there will be likely be ONE reason that will mean more to you than any other.

Its been said many times that knowledge is power, and the more you study alcoholism the more knowledgeable you will become about how exactly it is harming you. Use this knowledge to find out what will motivate you to change your own behavior.

By thinking of all the reasons you should quit or cut back on your drinking, you will discover the one reason that is more powerful than all the others.

So, what will motivate YOU? To find out WHY you need to quit or cut back on your alcohol consumption, take an honest look at your life and figure out which areas are suffering because of your addiction. Is it your health? Has your doctor told you that you had better quit drinking or you may have serious health issues? Or, have you already been in the hospital because of your drinking?

Is it financial? Maybe youre fed up with wasting so much money? Maybe youre in debt up to your eyeballs, and yet youre pissing money down the drain? Maybe YOUR reason has to do with your family? Perhaps you are on the verge of a divorce, and its all because of your drinking? Maybe you think your kids feel embarrassed to see you, because you always seem drunk, and have lost their respect? Try to pick the ONE AREA or PROBLEM in your life that is the biggest headache of all (no pun intended) and do something about it.

Here is One Way to Figure out what will truly motivate you to stop drinking alcohol:

1. Make a list of all the areas of your life that your alcohol addiction is causing problems. Include everything, even if the list is several pages long, but make sure you have at least 5 problems written down. (for example: Getting to my job on time; Constant family arguments;  Feeling very unhealthy, Im wasting so much money on booze; My sex life is really bad; My spouse hates the way I am; I know my kids no longer respect me; Im always feeling sick)

2. Rank the problems in order, starting with the one youd most like to change if you could. If you have several problems marked as #1 then put a little more thought into it to figure out exactly WHICH one is the most important.

3. The problem or area you have ranked #1 is the one that means the most to you. Its the area of your life that alcohol is causing the most heartache. Use it as your inspiration: it is the biggest reason you want to quit or cut back on your drinking.

4. Write down at least a paragraph or two, preferably more, as to why it is so important to you. Go into great detail on the reasons why it would be so great to get your drinking under control so you can start to feel good about this one area.

5. Now, start to DO SOMETHING about your drinking problem so that this ONE thing will turn from bad to good. It even doesnt matter if you can only take a baby step towards sobriety, just TAKE THAT STEP and do something. Constantly refer back to the reasons you had written down to help you stay motivated.

The key here is finding the ONE problem that motivates you to change and then DOING SOMETHING about your problem. Remember, action is your most powerful weapon. You can read every self-help book in the world, but nothing will change in your life until you start taking action.

Youll notice an amazing thing happening, by the way. When you start taking action on that one area that means the most to you, all the other areas of your life will start to improve as well. Its as if the universe is rewarding you for being proactive!

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Do you have the motivation to quit drinking? You can get it as soon as you get reasons that MATTER to you, and are MORE IMPORTANT to you than alcohol is.

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If you have been unable to quit drinking then it is highly possible that you are physically, mentally and psychologically addicted to alcohol.

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Quit Drinking Alcohol Without AA With These 7 Fantastic Tips

Alcohol has taken over your life and your thoughts and you are looking at how to quit drinking without AA. The idea of going to an organized meeting may be overwhelming for you, or perhaps you are embarrassed or think you will see someone you know. Whatever the reason, you are seeking some tips on how to quit drinking.

Quitting an old habit alone will require you to take an honest look at your life to realize how much you depend on alcohol. Knowing what role alcohol is playing and how much time is spent around alcohol is important when you are trying to cut it out of your life.

How To Quit Drinking Without AA By Finding Your Habits

Right now you probably drink without thinking. Anytime you feel stressed or bored or lonely, you go and grab a beer or make yourself a cocktail. It is easy because it is readily available. However, being aware of your habits will better prepare you for quitting.

Notice when you most want to be drinking. If it is just on the weekends with friends, then you need to prepare yourself for noticing what setting you drink in and how much. If you drink after work to distress, pay attention to what you are drinking and how many glasses you have.

It is also important to notice your habits in what triggers your need to drink. There is a difference between drinking for social pressure or impression and drinking because you are stressed, lonely or depressed. Being prepared for what your drinking habits are will better prepare you for how to quit drinking.

Stop Drinking Alcohol On Your Own With An Alcohol Diary

You need to make a goal to write down what you are drinking and how much every single day for a month. You have to be honest with yourself and commit to writing down every drink. Do not make rules like, This is a special occasion, so this drink doesnt count. Every drink must count for the whole month.

Along with what you are drinking and how  much, you can also write down what the reason is for drinking. If it is a special occasion, you can note that. If you are having a drink at a business meeting, make note of it. If you are drinking during a big game, write it down.

Keeping an alcohol diary may open your eyes to how much alcohol you are actually consuming. It will also make you more aware of drinking and it will become less easy and natural. Knowing you must own up to your drinking habit by recording it will aid you in your goal to quit drinking alcohol.

Best Way To Stop Drinking Alcohol Through Moderation

When you go out with friends on a weekend to a club or a party, you may find that it is easy and common to get drunk. When you are home watching the game and drinking beer, it is pretty easy to throw back a 12 pack without much thought. This level of drinking is keeping alcohol in control of your life.

Make it a goal to drink in moderation. Instead of buying a 12 pack for the game, only buy a 6 pack. Instead of taking your credit card to the club, only pay in cash. Find ways to better monitor how much you are drinking in every situation.

It is easy to lose track of how much alcohol you are consuming. The more you drink, the more you forget about how much you have had. Making the choice to only drink a certain amount and sticking with it will help you accomplish your goal is one way to look at how to quit drinking without AA.

Quit Drinking Liquor Without AA By Breaking Old Habits

Sometimes we turn to alcohol just simply out of habit. You may not even desire a drink, but because you are doing the same old routine, you find yourself with a drink in your hand. This can lead to drinking during times that are unexpected.

You will need to break these old habits by replacing them with new things. Find new ways of doing things that will help you to avoid the same old routine. If you always have a drink when you get home from work, try to take a different route home to get your mind thinking of other things.

If you always have a drink with dinner, try buying a favorite soda to have instead. Find something to look forward to that will help break your old habits of drinking. The more new habits you can create without alcohol, the better your chances to quit drinking will be.

Giving Up Drinking Becomes Simpler When You Start Engaging In New Activity

When you quit drinking alcohol, you will find that you need something new to fill your life. Filling the time that you used to drink is very important in the quitting process. It will help you stay on track and also help you deal with cravings for alcohol.

Take this as an opportunity to pick up a new hobby. Many communities offer classes to learn a new skill or get into shape. You can become more involved in your community and improve your life with activity at the same time.

You can also look at activities you used to enjoy before alcohol took over. Maybe you really enjoyed cooking or baking. Perhaps you did woodworking or worked on old cars. Whatever your hobby, you can pick it up on your own or find a community group that enjoys doing the same thing. Engaging in any activity during the time that you usually drink will help you reach your goal to cut alcohol from your life for good.

You Can Give Up Liquor Through A Healthy Diet

While you have been drinking, you have probably also let your good choices in food go to the wayside. Along with alcohol comes unhealthy snack food such as potato chips, cheese sticks, greasy burgers and high-calorie sauces. Getting your body on the right track will help you   when looking at how to quit drinking without AA.

Ditch the unhealthy snack food and greasy fast foods. Instead, fill your diet with fresh fruits and vegetables. Eat baked or broiled protein every day to keep healthy energy going. Prepare meals low in oils and fats and high in vitamins through fresh foods.

Filling your body with healthy food will aid in curbing cravings for alcohol. Once your body gets a taste of a healthy diet, it will crave that instead. Keeping your stomach full will also help you to drink less overall as you wont have as much space for liquor. Stay focused on making your whole life healthier without alcohol and with healthy foods.

Get Rid Of Alcoholism By Drinking More Water

Along with creating a healthy diet with good foods, you will also need to drink more water. One reason you may find yourself drinking more than you think is simply because you are thirsty. Instead of going for a glass of water, you go for a glass of wine. Alcohol dehydrates you, which causes you to drink more wine and the cycle goes around and around until you are drunk.

If you stay hydrated with plenty of water, you will be less likely to as much alcohol. Instead, you will be able to enjoy your alcoholic beverage rather than gulping it down out of thirst. Water also helps to keep your stomach fuller, which causes you to drink less alcohol.

Being hydrated gives you a clearer, better working mind and body. A healthy diet of good food and plenty of water will aid you in your goal to stop drinking alcohol.

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Sober Sunshine Superman

I took a nice, long walk today since the sun decided to finally make an appearance after several weeks, and it struck me that even the little things in my life are more enjoyable since I stopped drinking alcohol. It simply was invigorating to feel the sun upon my skin, and I noticed that I felt stronger and healthier than I have in years.

I was genuinely enjoying my day, and wondered why and how I ever got out of the great habit of walking. The only bad part was I couldnt get that Sunshine Superman song by Donovan out of my head!

My walk reminded me that the sad part of drinking alcohol is that, while youre drinking it, you dont realize how much its numbing life. Even the little things, like taking a walk and feeling the sun upon your face, are numbed down to the point where they simply dont have as much meaning as they should or they used to. Its only when one sobers-up that you realize how much damage alcohol has done to your awareness.

Of course, some people drink to numb the pain but its at the expense of numbing everything in their lives, to the point that all they really care about is alcohol. As crazy as it seems, they place alcohol at a higher priority than their own best interests and often can not change until they have truly hit rock bottom and lost everything.

Why wait until youve lost everything, perhaps even your health, before your quit drinking? If youre trying to stop or cut back on drinking alcohol, I can only urge you to keep trying until you succeed. The major reasons to quit drinking alcohol are obvious from your health to your relationships to your finances.

But, youll find dozens and dozens of little benefits, too. Such as enjoying your day with the family, or getting a good nights sleep, or taking a walk in the park and feeling the sun on your face. All of these little things will suddenly have more meaning, and feel more enjoyable, when alcohol is out of your life.

Alcohol truly robbed you of all of lifes little pleasures and moments and diminished them until you no longer recognized how wonderful they were. But you can reclaim them as soon as you stop drinking, or reduce your drinking to a bare minimum. In short, when you sober up you will begin to genuinely enjoy your life again.

Besides, isnt that all we wanted in the first place?

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How your body copes with alcohol

When you drink, your liver filters out the toxin alcohol from the blood.

 

Alcohol is absorbed quickly by your body but takes longer to rid of. The liver is able to filter out about one unit of alcohol every hour. In general, if you drink more than one unit in an hour there\'s an excess of alcohol in the bloodstream that can't be processed by the liver. The more rapidly you drink, the higher your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) becomes.

A very high BAC severely impacts on mental and physical functions. Nerve functions are affected, such as breathing, heartbeat and gagging reflexes; body temperature can drop, resulting in cardiac arrest, and blood sugar levels can drop low enough to cause seizures.

A person with alcohol poisoning requires immediate medical attention to remove the alcohol from their system, as the condition can be fatal. In severe cases breathing may stop, a heart attack may occur, or a person may choke on their own vomit while unconscious causing death by asphyxiation. When severe dehydration occurs there is also a risk of brain damage.

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Substance Abuse and Co-Occurring Disorders

Understanding dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders

In a dual diagnosis, both the mental health issue and the drug or alcohol addiction have their own unique symptoms that may get in the way of your ability to function, handle lifes difficulties, and relate to others. To make the situation more complicated, the co-occurring disorders also affect each other and interact. When a mental health problem goes untreated, the substance abuse problem usually gets worse as well. And when alcohol or drug abuse increases, mental health problems usually increase too.

What comes first: Substance abuse or the mental health problem?

Addiction is common in people with mental health problems. But although substance abuse and mental health disorders like depression and anxiety are closely linked, one does not directly cause the other.

• Alcohol or drugs are often used to self-medicate the symptoms of depression or anxiety. Unfortunately, substance abuse causes side effects and in the long run worsens the very symptoms they initially numbed or relieved.
• Alcohol and drug abuse can increase underlying risk for mental disorders. Mental disorders are caused by a complex interplay of genetics, the environment, and other outside factors. If you are at risk for a mental disorder, drug or alcohol abuse may push you over the edge.
• Alcohol and drug abuse can make symptoms of a mental health problem worse. Substance abuse may sharply increase symptoms of mental illness or trigger new symptoms. Alcohol and drug abuse also interact with medications such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety pills, and mood stabilizers, making them less effective.

Addiction is common in people with mental health problems

According to reports published in the Journal of the American Medical Association:

• Roughly 50 percent of individuals with severe mental disorders are affected by substance abuse.
• 37 percent of alcohol abusers and 53 percent of drug abusers also have at least one serious mental illness.
• Of all people diagnosed as mentally ill, 29 percent abuse either alcohol or drugs.

Source: National Alliance on Mental Illness

Recognizing co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis

It can be difficult to diagnose a substance abuse problem and a co-occurring mental health disorder such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. It takes time to tease out what might be a mental disorder and what might be a drug or alcohol problem.

Complicating the issue is denial. Denial is common in substance abuse. Its hard to admit how dependent you are on alcohol or drugs or how much they affect your life. Denial frequently occurs in mental disorders as well. The symptoms of depression or anxiety can be frightening, so you may ignore them and hope they go away. Or you may be ashamed or afraid of being viewed as weak if you admit the problem.

Admitting you have a dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders

Just remember: substance abuse problems and mental health issues dont get better when theyre ignored. In fact, they are likely to get much worse. You dont have to feel this way. Admitting you have a problem is the first step towards conquering your demons and enjoying life again.

• Consider family history. If people in your family have grappled with either a mental disorder such as depression or alcohol abuse or drug addiction, you have a higher risk of developing these problems yourself.
• Consider your sensitivity to alcohol or drugs. Are you highly sensitive to the effects of alcohol or drugs? Have you noticed a relationship between your substance use and your mental health? For example, do you get depressed when you drink?
• Look at symptoms when youre sober. While some depression or anxiety is normal after youve stopped drinking or doing drugs, if the symptoms persist after youve achieved sobriety, you may be dealing with a mental health problem.
• Review your treatment history. Have you been treated before for either your addiction or your mental health problem? Did the substance abuse treatment fail because of complications from your mental health issue or vice versa?

Signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse or substance abuse

If youre wondering whether you have a substance abuse problem, the following questions may help. The more yes answers, the more likely your drinking or drug use is a problem.

• Have you ever felt you should cut down on your drinking or drug use?
• Have you tried to cut back, but couldnt?
• Do you ever lie about how much or how often you drink or use drugs?
• Have your friends or family members expressed concern about your alcohol or drug use?
• Do you ever felt bad, guilty, or ashamed about your drinking or drug use?
• On more than one occasion, have you done or said something while drunk or high that you later regretted?
• Have you ever blacked out from drinking or drug use?
• Has your alcohol or drug use caused problems in your relationships?
• Has you alcohol or drug use gotten you into trouble at work or with the law?

Signs and symptoms of common co-occurring disorders

The mental health problems that most commonly co-occur with substance abuse are depression, anxiety disorders, and bipolar disorder.

Common signs and symptoms of depression

• Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
• Loss of interest in daily activities
• Inability to experience pleasure
• Appetite or weight changes
• Sleep changes
• Loss of energy
• Strong feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Concentration problems
• Anger, physical pain, and reckless behavior (especially in men)

Common signs and symptoms of mania in bipolar disorder

• Feelings of euphoria or extreme irritability
• Unrealistic, grandiose beliefs
• Decreased need for sleep
• Increased energy
• Rapid speech and racing thoughts
• Impaired judgment and impulsivity
• Hyperactivity
• Anger or rage

Common signs and symptoms of anxiety

• Excessive tension and worry
• Feeling restless or jumpy
• Irritability or feeling on edge
• Racing heart or shortness of breath
• Nausea, trembling, or dizziness
• Muscle tension, headaches
• Trouble concentrating
• Insomnia

Treatment for co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis

The best treatment for co-occurring disorders is an integrated approach, where both the substance abuse problem and the mental disorder are treated simultaneously.

Recovery depends on treating both the addiction and the mental health problem

Whether your mental health or substance abuse problem came first, recovery depends on treating both disorders.

• There is hope. Recovering from co-occurring disorders takes time, commitment, and courage. It may take months or even years b ut people with substance abuse and mental health problems can and do get better.
• Combined treatment is best. Your best chance of recovery is through integrated treatment for both the substance abuse problem and the mental health problem. This means getting combined mental health and addiction treatment from the same treatment provider or team.
• Relapses are part of the recovery process. Dont get too discouraged if you relapse. Slips and setbacks happen, but, with hard work, most people can recover from their relapses and move on with recovery.
• Peer support can help. You may benefit from joining a self-help support group like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. They give you a chance to lean on others who know what youre going through and learn from their experiences.

How to find the right program for co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis

As with a substance abuse program, make sure that the program is appropriately licensed and accredited, the treatment methods are backed by research, and there is an aftercare program to prevent relapse. Additionally, you should make sure that the program has experience with your particular mental health issue. Some programs, for example, may have experience treating depression or anxiety, but not schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

There are a variety of approaches that treatment programs may take, but there are some basics of effective treatment that you should look for:

• Treatment addresses both the substance abuse problem and your mental health problem.
• You share in the decision-making process and are actively involved in setting goals and developing strategies for change.
• Treatment includes basic education about your disorder and related problems.
• You are taught healthy coping skills and strategies to minimize substance abuse, cope with upset, and strengthen your relationships.

Treatment for dual diagnosis or co-occurring disorders

• Helping you think about the role that alcohol and other drugs play in your life. This should be done confidentially, without any negative consequences. People feel free to discuss these issues when the discussion is confidential, nonjudgmental, and not tied to legal consequences.
• Offering you a chance to learn more about alcohol and drugs, to learn about how they interact with mental illnesses and with medications, and to discuss your own use of alcohol and drugs.
• Helping you become involved with supported employment and other services that may help your process of recovery.
• Helping you identify and develop your own recovery goals. If you decide that your use of alcohol or drugs may be a problem, a counselor trained in integrated dual diagnosis treatment can help you identify and develop your own recovery goals. This process includes learning about steps toward recovery from both illnesses.
• Providing special counseling specifically designed for people with dual diagnosis. This can be done individually, with a group of peers, with your family, or with a combination of these.

Source: SAMHSA

Treatment programs for co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers an extensive listing of licensed, certified drug treatment facilities. Similar treatment facilities are also available in other parts of the world. See References and Resources below for links.

Treatment programs for veterans with co-occurring disorders

Veterans deal with additional challenges when it comes to co-occurring disorders. The pressures of deployment or combat can exacerbate underlying mental disorders, and substance abuse is a common way of coping with unpleasant feelings or memories. Often, these problems take a while to show up after a vet returns home, and may be initially mistaken for readjustment. Untreated co-occurring disorders can lead to major problems at home and work and in your daily life, so its important to seek help.

Veterans often benefit from treatment and support from specialized programs that address the unique stresses veterans face. To learn more, see References and Resources below.

Group support for co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis

As with other addictions, groups are very helpful, not only in maintaining sobriety, but also as a safe place to get support and discuss challenges. Sometimes treatment programs for co-occurring disorders provide groups that continue to meet on an aftercare basis. Your doctor or treatment provider may also be able to refer you to a group for people with co-occurring disorders.

While its often best to join a group that addresses both substance abuse and your mental health disorder, twelve-step groups for substance abuse can also be helpfulplus theyre more common, so youre likely to find one in your area. These free programs, facilitated by peers, use group support and a set of guided principlesthe twelve stepsto obtain and maintain sobriety.

Just make sure your group is accepting of the idea of co-occurring disorders and psychiatric medication. Some people in these groups, although well meaning, may mistake taking psychiatric medication as another form of addiction. You want a place to feel safe, not pressured.

Self-help for co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis

Getting sober is only the beginning. Your continued recovery depends on continuing mental health treatment, learning healthier coping strategies, and making better decisions when dealing with lifes challenges.

Recovery tip 1: Recognize and manage overwhelming stress and emotions

• Learn how to manage stress. Stress is inevitable, so its important to have healthy coping skills so you can deal with stress without turning to alcohol or drugs. Stress management skills go a long way towards preventing relapse and keeping your symptoms at bay.
• Know your triggers and have an action plan. If youre coping with a mental disorder as well, its especially important to know signs that your illness is flaring up. Common causes include stressful events, big life changes, or unhealthy sleeping or eating. At these times, having a plan in place is essential to preventing drug relapse. Who will you talk to? What do you need to do?

Recovery tip 2: Stay connected

• Get therapy or stay involved in a support group. Your chances of staying sober improve if you are participating in a social support group like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous or if you are getting therapy.
• Follow doctors orders. Once you are sober and you feel better, you might think you no longer need medication or treatment. But arbitrarily stopping medication or treatment is a common reason for relapse in people with co-occurring disorders. Always talk with your doctor before making any changes to your medication or treatment routine.

Recovery tip 3: Make healthy lifestyle changes

• Practice relaxation techniques.  When practiced regularly, relaxation techniques such as mindfulness meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, and deep breathing can reduce symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression, and increase feelings of relaxation and emotional well-being.
• Adopt healthy eating habits. Start the day right with breakfast, and continue with frequent small meals throughout the day. Going too long without eating leads to low blood sugar, which can make you feel more stressed or anxious.
• Exercise regularly. Exercise is a natural way to bust stress, relieve anxiety, and improve your mood and outlook. To achieve the maximum benefit, aim for at least 30 minutes of aerobic exercise on most days.
• Get enough sleep. A lack of sleep can exacerbate stress, anxiety, and depression, so try to get 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep a night.

Helping a loved one with co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis

Helping a loved one with both a substance abuse and a mental health problem can be a roller coaster. Resistance to treatment is common and the road to recovery can be long.

The best way to help someone is to accept what you can and cannot do. You cannot force someone to remain sober, nor can you make someone take their medication or keep appointments. What you can do is make positive choices for yourself, encourage your loved one to get help, and offer your support while making sure you dont lose yourself in the process.

• Seek support. Dealing with a loved one's dual diagnosis of mental illness and substance abuse can be painful and isolating. Make sure you're getting the emotional support you need to cope. Talk to someone you trust about what you're going through. It can also help to get your own therapy or join a support group.
• Set boundaries. Be realistic about the amount of care you're able to provide without feeling overwhelmed and resentful. Set limits on disruptive behaviors, and stick to them. Letting the co-occurring disorders take over your life isn't healthy for you or your loved one.
• Educate yourself. Learn all you can about your loved ones mental health problem, as well as substance abuse treatment and recovery. The more you understand what your loved one is going through, the better able youll be to support recovery.
• Be patient. Recovering from a dual diagnosis doesnt happen overnight. Recovery is an ongoing process that can take months or years, and relapse is common. Ongoing support for both you and your loved one is crucial as you work toward recovery.

Related Articles

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Drug Abuse & Addiction Learning how addiction develops can give you a better understanding of how best deal with the problem.

Overcoming Drug Addiction Change is possible with treatment and support, and by making lifestyle changes that address the root cause of your addiction.

Understanding Addiction Addiction changes your brain over time: a big reason why breaking free requires more than willpower.

Common Co-occurring Disorders

Schizophrenia: Signs, Types & Causes With medication, therapy, and support, many people with schizophrenia are able to control their symptoms, gain greater independence, and lead fulfilling lives.

Resources & References

Helpguides Yellow Pages
Resources for public assistance, social services, and other health and human services.

General information about co-occurring disorders/dual diagnosis

Dual Diagnosis or Co-Occurring Disorders Overview of dual diagnosis, or co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders. Includes common signs and symptoms. (Dual Recovery Anonymous)

Dual Diagnosis and Recovery Learn about co-occurring substance abuse and mental illness, also called dual diagnosis. Includes common symptoms and treatment tips. (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance)

Factsheet: Dual Diagnosis Browse through an FAQ with helpful advice for both individuals with co-occurring disorders and their family members and loved ones. (Mental Health America)

Dual Diagnosis in Adolescence Fact sheet on dual diagnosis in adolescence, including treatments that help. (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

Treatment for co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders

In the U.S.:

SAMHSA Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator Provides a searchable database of private and public substance abuse treatment facilities. SAMHSA also operates a helpline: (800) 662-HELP (4357) with help in English and Spanish, or TDD at (800) 487-4889. (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)

Local State Substance Abuse Agency. Many states have their own listings of substance abuse treatment resources, toll-free hotlines, and information about accreditation. (SAMHSA)

International:

Dual Recovery Anonymous Independent, twelve-step, self-help organization for people who are chemically dependent and also affected by a mental health disorder. (Dual Recovery Anonymous)

Locating a 12-step program in your area

Twelve-step programs, such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, can be a good source of support as you go through recovery and are available in many countries around the world.

Resources for veterans with co-occurring disorders/dual diagnosis

Specialized programs can address the unique stresses veterans face.

In the U.S.:

Canada:

UK:

Australia:

Delving deeper into co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders

Comorbidity: Addiction and Other Mental Illnesses (PDF) In-depth report on co-occurring drug use and other mental disorders. Learn about causes, diagnosis, and treatment. (National Institute on Drug Abuse)

Authors: Joanna Saisan, M.S.W., Melinda Smith, M.A., and Jeanne Segal, Ph.D. Last updated: July 2014.

More Info =>> Substance Abuse and Co-Occurring Disorders

As many as 6 in 10 substance abusers also have at least one other mental disorder. Research increasingly supports the benefit of studying and treating co-occurring ,3 co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders Prevalence and Characteristics One in every five adults, or about 44 million Americans, experiences some type of ,Dual diagnosis (also called co-occurring disorders, COD) is the condition of suffering from a mental illness and a comorbid substance abuse problem. There is ,Co-Occurring Disorders Overview. Both substance abuse disorders and mental disorders have biological, psychological and social components; Co ,Alcohol and other drug abuse and addiction constitute major health and safety concerns in the United States, with costs running into the billions of dollars annually ,Many people with alcohol and substance abuse problems also have other mental or personality disorders. This is known as "dual diagnosis" or "double trouble.",We would like to show you a description here but the site wont allow us.,There is a need to clarify the rates of co-occurring disorder, and more significantly, the rates of mental disorder among substance abuse treatment clients.,Recognizing co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis . It can be difficult to diagnose a substance abuse problem and a co-occurring mental health disorder such as ,This TIP, Substance Abuse Treatment for Persons With Co-Occurring Disorders, revises TIP 9, Assessment and Treatment of Patients With Coexisting Mental Illness and

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Alcoholism Articles: Top 10

Over the years some of the alcoholism articles on my site have been substantially more popular than others. Usually these deal with specific ways to reduce ones alcohol intake, or how to stop drinking completely. Below are the top 10 most-read alcoholism articles.

1. 10 Steps to Quit Drinking I wrote this article a few years back and it simply offers common-sense ideas so you can take action. Some of the steps are a bit more obvious than others, but dont underestimate the power of each one.
2. 30 Great Reasons to Quit Drinking I probably could have written a 100 of these! In addition, you probably have a bunch of your own reasons that are even better than this list. Remember, the MORE GOOD reasons you have for doing something the MORE LIKELY it is that you will do it.
3. 10 Tips to Quit Drinking These 10 tips are simply good pointers to help you get your life back under control. This article also has a companion youtube video that I did a while back.
4. Reasons to Quit Drinking Here are a few generalized reasons to quit drinking. Although this list is a good one to start at, its important to also come up with YOUR OWN list of reasons that detail why YOU should stop drinking.
5. 5 Things That Will Improve When You Quit Drinking Based on my own experience, I noticed that there are 5 distinct improvements you will experience when you remove alcohol from your life.
6. Alcohol Lowers Testosterone, Increases Estrogen The influx of alcohol into your body also greatly increases the amount of testosterone in your system. Unfortunately, this is a very bad thing for most everyone.
7. Get Sober by Avoiding These 2 Mistakes These might be THE 2 most common mistakes that many drinkers make. If you avoid them your chances of getting sober increases dramatically.
8. How I Quit Drinking Alcohol Here are the 5 specific steps I took to stop drinking alcohol. They may sound strange, but what worked for me can work for you as well.
9. 4 Proven Remedies to Reduce Your Alcohol Cravings Dont just automatically give into the temptation of drinking. These remedies have been time-tested to help a lot of people get by that first urge to drink.
10. How to Stop Thinking About Drinking One of the biggest issues that problem drinkers encounter is that alcohol seems to always be on their mind. Well, one solution is to deliberately steer you mind AWAY from alcohol by giving it something else to ponder!

I strongly urge you to read as many of these alcoholism articles as you can until you find the one that hits home and inspires you to take action. If you dont find help in any one of my articles please feel free to contact me and I will be happy to respond as quickly as I can.

More Info =>> Alcoholism Articles: Top 10

Top Ten Signs Your Child May Be Using Drugs; Alcohol Consumption Often Times Begins During the Teen Years; Problems Connected With Uncontrolled Alcohol Consumption,Top 10 cited articles 2011. Impact of Alcohol Advertising and Media Exposure on Adolescent Alcohol Use: A Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies,10 Top Tips on Recovery from Alcoholism. Sunday 10th April 2011. Did you know that alcoholism has been proven to be a brain disease? Once the drinker has crossed that ,Alcoholism (alcohol use disorder) is a disease that affects over 14 million people in the U.S. Get the facts on the symptoms, treatment, and long-term ,Effects of alcohol abuse in the long term can be detrimental to every organ in the human body. Here are the top 10 most concerning alcohol abuse facts:,Find current medical research and in-depth information on alcoholism, symptoms and treatment of alcoholism as well as clinical depression. Expand your understanding ,April 24, 2012 (Atlanta, GA) A review of this year's literature identifies the "top 10" addiction medicine articles across a range of addiction-related ,America's Top 10 Alcohol-Drinking Citiesand 10 Most Sober Cities, Too In parts of the country, nearly 1 in 10 adults drinks heavily. Elsewhere, fewer ,The top 10 symptoms of alcoholism that one should identify in oneself or one's family or friends to diagnose alcoholism or alcohol abuse. this is the first step ,Here are the top 10 alcoholism articles on my site. I encourage you to read as many as you can, because you never know when one will "hit home" for you!

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7 Powerful Methods To Quit Drinking Alcohol On Your Own

The realization that your life can be happier and healthier has led you to the decision to quit drinking on your own. Time, money, happiness and health can all be sacrifices if your lifestyle involves abuse of alcohol or too much recreational drinking. Looking at every aspect of your life and how alcohol affects you will lead to healthier decisions.

Alcohol will affect how you function in daily life. It interrupts healthy sleep, it inhibits healthy diet, it can replace a hobby, and more. Making changes to bring back a healthy lifestyle and quit drinking will have long-term effects that will make you a happier, healthier person.

Quit Drinking On Your Own By Creating Healthy Sleep Habits

Often people will use alcohol to aid in sleep. Alcohol is a depressant, so it makes you sleepy after a glass or two. Sleep with the aid of alcohol tends to be unhealthy and interrupted by trips to the bathroom in the middle of the night and inconsistent breathing during sleep.

Instead of feeling refreshed, you feel tired when you wake up. The interruptions in sleep aided by alcohol can lead to bad dreams and stopping breathing while sleeping. Using alcohol as a sleep agent can actually give you worse sleep than getting a few hours of non-alcohol induced sleep.

To change this pattern, you have to make new ones. Go to bed at the same time every night and dont take daytime naps. Avoid drinking coffee or soda and smoking in the evening as these stimulate the system. You can also spend some time outside going on a walk or doing yard work as moderate exercise will make your body want to rest at the end of the day.

Stop Drinking Alcohol On Your Own By Having A Healthy Diet

Drinking alcohol that compliments a good meal is a fun social activity. However, if you are a heavy drinker or someone who cant stop drinking once you start, creating a healthy diet is necessary in your goal to quit drinking on your own. Eating a variety of foods will help you start new eating habits.

A good habit to create is to eat before you start drinking. This will cause your body to absorb the alcohol more slowly and you will already feel full, which will lead to your drinking less. You can also choose your favorite healthy foods to eat instead of alcohol.

Make sure you are getting plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables along with protein. Foods high in protein will help the body repair, provide energy and make you feel fuller, which will lead to less drinking. Healthy foods will also make you feel better, which will also lead to less drinking.

Best Way To Stop Drinking Alcohol Is By Staying Busy

One huge reason why people drink is that they simply have nothing else to do. They create a pattern of coming home, turning on the television and opening a can of beer or making a cocktail. They have a couple drinks and fall asleep in front of the television. This is not a healthy lifestyle.

If this sounds familiar, it is time to get busy. An easy way to do this is to pick up an old hobby. Instead of turning on the television, pull out an old project. You can also pick up a new hobby by taking classes. It is the perfect opportunity to learn something new or advance a skill long forgotten.

You can also stay busy by volunteering in your community. Not only does this give you something to do in your spare time that does not involve drinking, but it is also a service to others doing good in your world. You will meet new people and create new habits that lead to a healthier life.

Quit Drinking Liquor Without AA By Keeping An Alcohol Log

You may her many times from people that you should join Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). However, you may not feel that this is the right choice for you. If you choose to stop drinking on your own, one eye-opening step is to keep an alcohol log.

Every day write down how much alcohol you are consuming. This will help you to keep track of how often you drink, what you are drinking and in what context you participate with alcohol. The results may be surprising because drinking often occurs without much thought.

Once you have kept an alcohol log for a few months, go back and see if you have changed patterns from the first week. Try to set goals based on your own drinking schedule. If you find you have three drinks every night, try to only have one or only drink three nights per week. These changes will help in the process to quit drinking.

Daily Exercise Is A Great Way To Stop Drinking

Drinking alcohol is directly related to depression, lack of energy and poor health habits. You can change this by participating in daily exercise. There are many health benefits that are linked with the process to stop drinking alcohol. Exercise will keep you busy and give you more energy.

If you are not one to go work out or if you havent exercised in years, you can take small steps in daily exercise. Start small with a walk around the block or a beginning yoga class. As your body gets used to moving around more, you will be able to do more. No one expects you to get off the couch and go right into running a marathon.

Taking daily exercise slowly has an added bonus that you will probably lose fat and gain muscle. Exercise also helps in heart health and combats depression. You also wont be drinking alcohol while you are exercising, which adds to cutting back on consumption.

Give Up Liquor By Calculating The Cost Of Alcohol

Sometimes drinking has become such a habit that you forget to consider the monetary cost of alcohol. This could be putting a big dent in your paycheck and that money could be going toward other goals you may have. Vacations, home additions, new car or opening day tickets may become a reality if you start keeping track of alcohol spending.

If you have kept an alcohol log, go back and evaluate how much you drink in a week. If you are drinking two bottles of rum per week at $15.00 per bottle, that is $30 a week, over $120 a month and $1560 per year. The cost of alcohol really adds up quick.

Prepare a budget that acts as a guideline for how much per week you allow yourself to spend on alcohol. Take the savings from the difference and tuck it away for a special treat a year from now. This will make your goal to quit drinking on your own even more rewarding.

Cure Alcoholism Can Become Easier By Staying Happy

Staying happy sounds easy enough, but alcohol can lead to depression, which is not a happy state of being. Figuring out what makes you happy might be difficult, so you will have to analyze from day to day what that magic happy thing for you is so that you can turn it into a habit.

Drinking heavily will not make you happy. It leads to unhealthy lifestyle and memory loss from day to day. Think about the last time you woke up and felt truly good. Consider what you did the day before and if you can do it again. Even if you feel you havent been happy for years, you can go back to something that made you happy in your youth.

Possibly there are people in your life that make you happy. Happiness may be with your children or grandchildren, a childhood friend or cousin, a coworker or teammate. Write them a letter or give them a call. Plan a trip to see the people that make you happiest because if you are happy you are less likely to keep drinking.

More Info =>> 7 Powerful Methods To Quit Drinking Alcohol On Your Own

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