How to Stop Thinking about Drinking – and get a Life!

[fusion_builder_container type=”flex” hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” overlay_color=”” video_preview_image=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” padding_top=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” padding_right=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” center_content=”no” last=”true” min_height=”” hover_type=”none” link=”” border_sizes_top=”” border_sizes_bottom=”” border_sizes_left=”” border_sizes_right=”” first=”true”][fusion_text]

Do you think about drinking a lot? Every day? Do you wake up feeling numb thanks to the drinks you had the night before and feel the guilt seeping into your pores? You start your day, drink coffee and go to work. Work goes well, you get on top of your objectives and eat something good. You start to think about drinking, your just reward for a day done well. You start to think about drinking despite feeling numb and guilty when you awoke. This blog will share with you how to stop thinking about drinking – and get a life!

Absolutely, let’s shift our focus away from the bottle and toward the vibrant tapestry of life still worth living to the full. It’s time to embrace the beauty of sobriety and discover the richness of experiences that your world has to offer. You may not know it as you are still drinking but sobriety isn’t just about stopping drinking. It’s about actively choosing to live life to the fullest. It’s about treasuring the simple pleasures, nurturing your body and mind, and finding fulfilment in the meaningful connections you make along the way.

It happens to be a fact that most people drink to hide away from reality, to hide away from something traumatic that happened to them as a child. Some people drink because they think are enjoying it but they are using it as a prop to ease their stress or to escape responsibilities, in the name of fun. Maybe it’s time to ‘raise a glass to a life’ without the crutch of alcohol!

Why Can’t You Stop Thinking About Drinking?

For many, this question reflects the daily inner turmoil, a tug-of-war between the desire for sobriety and the allure of that familiar escape. You are not alone but you can make changes and there are paths to freedom drinking, and thinking about drinking.

• The Power of Habit – the human mind is wired to form habits, and drinking, for some, becomes an ingrained routine. Whether it’s the clinking of glasses with friends or the solace found in a nightcap, these rituals create neural pathways that can be challenging to break. Acknowledging the role of habit in your thoughts is the first step toward understanding why they persist.
• Emotional Crutches – often, thoughts of drinking are closely tied to emotions. Stress, anxiety, loneliness, or even happiness can trigger cravings for alcohol. It becomes a coping mechanism, a way to escape or enhance feelings. Identifying these emotional triggers is crucial in gaining control over your thoughts and cravings.
• Society’s Influence – our society often romanticizes alcohol, portraying it as a symbol of celebration, relaxation, and even sophistication. Advertisements, movies, and social gatherings perpetuate this image, making it challenging to escape the pervasive influence of alcohol in our lives. Recognize that your thoughts may be shaped by external forces and societal expectations.
• The Fear of Missing Out – The fear of missing out, commonly known as FOMO, can play a significant role in why you can’t stop thinking about drinking. When friends and acquaintances share their experiences of fun and camaraderie over drinks, it’s natural to feel left out. However, it’s essential to remember that sobriety opens the door to authentic connections and memorable experiences that are often eclipsed by alcohol-induced haze.
• A Lifelong Journey – breaking free from the constant thoughts of drinking is a journey, not a destination. It requires patience, self-compassion, and a commitment to change. Seek support from loved ones or professional resources if needed. Surround yourself with people who understand your goals and can offer encouragement.

Rediscovering the Joys of Sober Living

Maybe you are one of those drinkers who constantly take breaks from alcohol, thinking that this will redeem you and that you can still be a moderate drinker. The sad fact is that when you stop drinking for a week or two, or a month, and then you start again, you actually return to that exact place where you left off. If you had been drinking 4 glasses of wine a night, or a bottle of wine a night, you will soon go straight back there – and some! Yes, soon this bottle will not be enough to stimulate the dopamine which is now saturated and bored with alcohol, and you will find yourself opening the second bottle of wine, and so you travel down the rocky path.

Try to remember the freedom of sobriety, those clear-headed moments, the profound connections you make, and the self-discovery that occurs when drinking is no longer the focal point of your life. Engage in activities you’re passionate about, like walking, hiking, practising yoga, or immersing yourself in nature. These pursuits can provide a sense of fulfilment and purpose that rivals the allure of drinking.

A Journey Worth Taking

While it’s entirely normal to wonder why you can’t stop thinking about drinking, it’s crucial to approach this challenge with kindness and determination. Sobriety is not just about abstaining from alcohol; it’s about reclaiming your life, your thoughts, and your sense of self. It’s about discovering the immense strength within you and forging a path toward a future filled with clarity, vitality, and authentic happiness. The journey may be challenging, but the rewards are immeasurable.

If you’d like some support on your journey to alcohol-free living, check out Tribe Sober Membership!

[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]