We’ve been brainwashed for decades into believing that alcohol is fun, essential for socializing and will help us to relax. The combination of marketing and social pressure has left us with “false beliefs” about the necessity of drinking alcohol. We need to work on overturning those beliefs and if you are ready to do that then read this article.

We recently hosted a Sobriety Bootcamp, and here are 10 takeaways I’d like to share with you.

Find Your Whys

Many of us have resolved to take a break from alcohol but after a couple of weeks we grow bored with the challenge. We need to stay strong and focused and the best way to do that is to make a list of why you are doing this. Is it to improve your health or your relationships or to get fit or something else? Make a list of your whys and look at them every single day.

Avoid the Moderation Trap

I personally spent more than a decade stuck in this miserable place. I just couldn’t imagine my life without my beloved Sauvignon Blanc so decided I would just cut down. I discovered that the “low risk” limits are a bottle and a half of wine a week. So, I tried (and failed) to drink within those limits again and again. I finally accepted that I was dependent and would have to quit.

Don’t Fear Failure

Many people don’t even get started on this life changing journey because they worry that they will fail. The truth is that you may fail, over and over. You may have many “Day Ones” but the important thing is to keep trying. Log your alcohol-free days and aim for longer and longer Sober Stretches until it sticks. This journey is about progress not perfection.

Have Your Reasons Ready

Whether you are merely taking a break or want to explore an alcohol-free lifestyle be prepared for questions! Alcohol is the only drug we have to justify not taking. The best way to deal with this is to keep it light – “I’ve not been sleeping well so want to take a break from alcohol” is a good one. As a follow up you can say, “I’ve been alcohol free for a few weeks and feel fantastic!”

Use a Tracker

If you mark your day as alcohol-free in the morning you are less likely to spoil it by drinking in the evening. Whether you are taking a break for 5 days, 30 days or a year drop me an email janet@nulltribesober.com and I’ll send you one of our awesome trackers. Stick it on the fridge and watch those alcohol-free days mount up.

Play the Movie Forward

Whether you are tempted to drink or facing a boozy social event, this is a great technique to use. If it’s a craving, then imagine what will happen after that “one drink” you are thinking about. The chances are it will lead to another and even another which will result in that 3 am wake-up call when the anxiety kicks in. If it’s a social event, then just plan what you’ll be drinking in advance.

Don’t Be Depressed!

If you love your wine, then you will miss it at first but hang in there and you will start to experience the benefits of an alcohol-free lifestyle. Your skin will improve, your eyes will sparkle, and you will start to love mornings! There are thousands of delicious alcohol-free drinks available these days so there’s no need to feel deprived at all.

Acknowledge the Health Risks

As we know, “nobody gets out of here alive” but that doesn’t mean we can’t make every effort to Live Long and Die Well. I gave up drinking at the age of 63 and feel fantastic after 8 alcohol free years. I am convinced that giving up alcohol is absolutely the best thing we can do for our health and happiness as we age. Here are 6 Reasons to Ditch the Booze after 60.

Don’t Go It Alone

For some of us it’s not until we try to take a break from alcohol that we realize that we’ve become dependent. If we try to quit drinking alone, we often struggle. Most of us need a community to keep us on track and motivated. We need to be reassured that we are not the only one with this problem and that there is a way out. If you’d like some support, then check out Tribe Sober.

Dry July Challenge

The first step in changing our relationship with alcohol is to take a break. Have a month off drinking to see if you have become dependent. If you find a month without alcohol a breeze, then you are fine but if it’s really hard (or even impossible) that’s a sure sign that you need to make some changes.