While there are a number of external steps you have to take when you go through rapid alcohol detox, much of the work you must do is internal. Until you change the way you think, and stop telling yourself certain lies, you’ll find it difficult, if not impossible, to change the way you act.
Here are some common self-deceptions and the truths they are obscuring:
You say: “I choose when, where, and how much I drink. I’m totally in control. ”
The reality is: “I get the urge to drink and I have to drink. My alcohol addiction controls my life.”
You would like to believe that you can go to parties and hang out with people who are drinking without succumbing to the urge to drink, but unfortunately, at this point in your life you can’t. That’s also true for the idea that you can just have one drink and stop after that. You’re simply not there yet. But you can be when you’re ready to address your addiction.
You say: “There is no way I can beat my alcohol addiction. I’ve always been addicted to alcohol and always will be addicted to alcohol”
The reality is: “I am in control of my destiny. It will be hard work, but I can get sober and stay sober.”
Surrendering to your addiction is, of course, not good for you or for those who love you. And it’s not necessary. It’s true that you may not be able to beat this condition on your own, but with a plan and with support, you absolutely can.
You say: “I won’t be able to find the strength and courage to beat my alcohol addiction until my life really hits rock bottom. That will be my sign. Until then, I’ll just keep drinking.”
The reality is: “There’s no need to reach some arbitrary point on the misery scale before I take action. I can, and should, take action right now.”
It’s true that many people end up in a very dark place before they see the light, but you have it within your power to start striving for recovery at any point in time. And, of course, the sooner you begin, the less damage your alcohol addiction will do to your life and the lives of those around you.
Face the Truth and You Face a Brighter Future
Being honest with yourself is a critical first step toward changing your life. We can help. Contact us today at (800) 205-6107 to find out about our rapid alcohol detox services.
Content medically reviewed by Vicky Magobet, PMHNP-BC, on October 29th, 2017.
