No surrender!

For people from Ontario with drinking problems. For many recovering alcoholics, it’s too difficult to be the only nondrinker in the room. However, as in any other aspect of life, solutions can be found. Which is more important, a temporary misunderstanding by family or friends, or your life and the lives of others you threaten by getting drunk? Alcoholics who want to recover choose life. Whenever possible, you can ask a friend or relative to attend a social event with you sober, or you can try one of the tips from below.

* Be the Designated Driver – This tactic won’t work for everyone, and its success depends on your comfort level around people who are drinking. Some people do find a positive role in transforming themselves from the drinking buddy to the designated driver. The group can accept them in a different way, they don’t have to expel them. For others, being the only sober person in the room can be awkward, and being responsible for getting other people home may be too much pressure.

* Accentuate the Positive – Staying focused on the reasons why you’ve decided not to drink can get you through difficult moments. Really think about your payoffs for not drinking. You won’t have the hangover in the morning. Maybe when you drink too much you behave like a fool, so your reputation and self-esteem will be intact the next morning.

* Consider Medication – If you’re newly sober but have to be the best man at your brother’s wedding, you may want to ask your doctor about medication that can help you fight the urge to drink. Only a doctor can decide if it’s appropriate and tell you about the risks and benefits. Antabuse (disulfiram) blocks the breakdown of alcohol in the liver. It doesn’t affect you unless you drink, and if you drink, it will make you sick. Campral is another drug that is approved for treatment of alcohol dependence.

* Have an Emergency Plan – There’s a moment, the “oh, screw it” moment, when you’re frustrated, hurt, helpless, and miserable, and your concern about the more distant future is overridden by the desire for some relief for that feeling. Alcoholics Anonymous members call their sponsors, so opening up to a trusted sober confidant may help. So might leaving an event, even if it offends the host.

We strongly recommend to everyone reading this article to stay out of alcohol abuse, however, for those living in Ontario, if you or someone close to you have problems with alcohol addiction, we suggest you to visit DrugRehabServices.com.