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30 Days Alcohol-Free: Common Challenges on the Path of Quitting Alcohol

30 Days Alcohol-Free: Common Challenges on the Path of Quitting Alcohol

What To Know

  • “How to overcome alcohol cravings during sobriety” is a common question for many on this journey, and there are actually few resources available these days that provide a solid answer.
  •  Although I discuss in detail some specific nutrients to be aware of in this article, ensuring a balanced diet low in processed, inflammatory foods is a good rule of thumb.

The 30 day milestone alcohol-free is both a commendable and difficult one.

It brings about transformative changes, but it’s during this time when common challenges tend to arise, I know they did for me, countless times.

As you set forth on the path of quitting alcohol, it’s crucial to be aware of common challenges that arise.

In this article, we’ll explore 3 key hurdles individuals may face during the first 30 days of alcohol recovery and provide actionable advice for navigating it successfully.

Let’s dive in.

Overcoming Alcohol Cravings

One of your most common challenges in sobriety, especially during the early days, is alcohol cravings.

“How to overcome alcohol cravings during sobriety” is a common question for many on this journey, and there are actually few resources available these days that provide a solid answer.

Below are some effective strategies, some even pulled directly from my book, which will (finally) be coming to you this year.

Identify Triggers to Stay Alcohol-Free

I also describe these as substance cues, I tend to chop and change. These are better described as prompts your body is familiar with, triggering a sense of opportunity to relapse.

An example is passing the bottle shop on the way home, or going to the bar where drinks are readily available. This is known as a Perceived Opportunity Trigger.

Read more on Identifying your Triggers here.

Engage in Mindful Distraction

At the end of the day, cravings are temporary, so if you can engage in activities that captivate your attention, they will dissipate.

This could be as simple as going to the gym or doing some outdoor exercise. This will promote feel-good endorphins, and completely take your mind off alcohol.

Stay Alcohol-Free with Supplementation

Knowing the right supplements to take can be an affordable option for stamping out intense cravings.

Supplements such as Glutamine, N-acetyl-Cysteine and Magnesium all have some solid efficacy for assisting with alcohol cravings.

For more information, I recommend bookmarking this article – Alcohol Cravings: 3 Supplements That May Help You Stop Drinking For Good.

Daily Habits and Relapse

If you’re looking for some effective strategies for staying sober after quitting drinking, cultivating daily habits is absolutely essential.

This doesn’t just include drinking habits but supporting yourself mentally and physically.

Staying Alcohol-Free Requires Routine

Chronic drinking doesn’t create a good daily routine, especially one that isn’t focused entirely on alcohol.

Creating daily habits provides structure and stability, and overall supports your well-being and mental health. These two pillars are crucial for being resilient in sobriety because there are always challenges.

I discuss my top recommendations for good routines and habits in this article – Staying Sober: 5 Simple Habits You Should Be Doing To Sustain Long-Term Sobriety.

Nourish and Provide Nutritional Support

Another area that isn’t well supported, and if anything, is severely thrown out of balance during chronic drinking is our diet.

Chronic alcohol intake actually causes some severe nutrient deficiency, so it makes sense to nourish this vital area.

 Although I discuss in detail some specific nutrients to be aware of in this article, ensuring a balanced diet low in processed, inflammatory foods is a good rule of thumb.

Relapse Acceptance

Should you relapse for whatever reason, take this as an opportunity to improve, rather than getting lost in the weeds.

Relapse does happen, and all of our journeys are unique. Sometimes, we must face failures of relapse to generate long-term success.

Learn more about this concept here – Addiction Relapse: The Importance of Failure in Long-term Sobriety

Support Groups and Social Pressure

Let’s be honest, the social pressure aspect of not drinking is challenging enough, especially when you’re trying to stay alcohol-free.

The number of times I googled “Support groups for alcohol recovery around me” until I realised, I could create my own accountability network.

Accountability is a BIG thing in long-term sobriety, and I talk about it a lot in most of my articles, so I won’t re-iterate here – But you can read more here.

Let’s discuss a few solutions for these social pressure-esque challenges.

Create a Support Network

Accountability, accountability and accountability, you saw it coming. Finding people who can keep you accountable on your journey will help tenfold.

You may choose to go out and find an alcohol support group, or use friends or family, let them know that you’re quitting alcohol.

Navigating Social Pressure Alcohol-Free

It is possible to still be sociable while staying sober, and the key is to be open to the people you hang out with.

Let them know you’re quitting alcohol, and the ones that accept it will support you.

There is an array of Alcohol-free drinks these days too, giving you plenty of beverage options (and they taste pretty good!).

Local Support Groups

Sometimes, it’s beneficial to connect with like-minded individuals who are on similar journeys.

Sharing and hearing stories that you can relate to will also encourage you to push forward on your sobriety.

These people will also act as accountability partners, so there’s an added bonus too.

You can use the AA website to find local groups around you.

The Takeaway

As you continue forging ahead on your path to sobriety, remember that your journey is unique, and setbacks are part of the process.

Relish the victories, learn from the challenges, and celebrate each day of newfound strength and resilience.

 Here’s to your unwavering commitment and the brighter, alcohol-free days that lie ahead. Stay strong, and may your journey be filled with triumphs and personal growth.

If you have any feedback regarding this article, reach out. Help Clarity reach more people and quit addiction by following us on Instagram, it’s also the perfect place to message us and ask questions!

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