---

If you are looking on the internet about ways to stop drinking alcohol or taking substances then you are more than likely past the stage of denial.  Or perhaps, you are you hoping to find reassurance that surely you don’t have a problem at all.  I’m here to tell you that if you have gotten to this stage, you do have a problem.  

You see, people who are not addicted do not question themselves or critique their own moves.  You don’t have to be a full on drug addict or alcoholic who is down in the dumps to know deep down there is a problem that is starting to brew.

Millions of people lie to themselves every single day or justify their actions somehow.  Have you heard these phrases?

“I can stop if I wanted to.”

“I don’t need to [insert drug or alcohol of choice] every night – I just want to.”

“I don’t drink every night so it’s not a problem.”

“I like the taste of [wine, alcohol, etc.]”

“I deserve to have a drink or two [or insert drug of choice.]”

People who say these things are only lying.  They are lying to themselves and they are lying to other people.  While it is true that not everyone who drinks alcohol or does drugs becomes an addict however, more people than you realize do.

You see, if it’s not a problem then most people wouldn’t do it to begin with.  Drinking alcohol and doing drugs is always a problem if it interferes with normal, everyday life.  If you cannot go on vacation or have a family gathering without being drunk or high, it’s a problem.  If you cannot relax at night with your family without it, it’s a problem.  It is pretty much always a problem if you are questioning it or if someone else is questioning your actions.

There is no need to wait.  Don’t lie to yourself any longer.  Reach out.  Get help.  Do whatever it takes so you can be in a place where you no longer crave alcohol or your drug of choice.  The path to sobriety is so much easier if you stop it earlier than later.  If  you don’t start the process today, tomorrow will be that much harder.  And next week.  And next month.  And next year.  It doesn’t get easier.

So what is the process?

The first step is acknowledgement.  I’m not here to force you into saying you are a drug addict or alcoholic because quite frankly, those negative associations only make people feel worse.  Instead, to acknowledge your behavior and the fact that you want to stop would be to tell yourself that you are ready to start a new journey – a healthier lifestyle.  

Once you acknowledge that you want to make a life change, come up with a plan on how you can achieve that success.  Who can you turn to for support?  Who can you convince to go on this journey with you?  Do you need rehab or can you get sober at home?

Come up with a script.  Everyone is going to want to know why you want to make this change.  What are you going to say?  Are you uncomfortable using the word alcoholic or drug addict?  You can say it’s for your health or you are just ready to move on.  Whatever you’re comfortable with, stick with that story and practice it because you will be asked often.

Find other sober people.  You can always start online and eventually you will find people in your community who are sober too.  

So why wait?  START TODAY!