According to PsychCentral.com, alcoholics endure a period of grieving after they give up drinking. For people who are medically diagnosed with alcoholism and depression, this grief over being unable to drink is dramatically intensified. But these feelings do not need to take over your life. While the pain you feel is real, there are proactive steps you can take to quell the grief as a recovering alcoholic.
Tip #1: Find a Strong Support Network
Friends don’t let friends drive drunk, and individuals battling addiction don’t successfully recover without the support of friends. Finding a strong support network is critical to recovering from alcoholism and depression.
Look for groups populated by people who suffer from depressive disorders and are in recovery as you will relate to them most. Local AA groups can be a good place to start, as can substance abuse companies specializing in counseling and group sessions.
Tip #2: Avoid Temptation
Alcoholism leaves mental trauma that is somewhat relatable to post traumatic stress in the sense that alcoholics cope with triggers. Places, people, and other things can trigger urges and to indulge in a drink or two.
Avoiding temptation can be tough, especially if seemingly normal events like birthdays and office parties prove to be triggers. Find creative ways to diffuse those triggers. For example, you might stop by an office party and commit to only staying for half an hour to 45 minutes. If family gatherings and parties are triggers, you might need to forgo attendance during recovery.
Tip #3: Take Responsibility
Taking responsibility is an element of recovery hundreds of prior alcoholics ignore. You are responsible for your sobriety and the success of your recovery.
Changing the world around you isn’t a realistic expectation, but you can expect to change yourself. People around you won’t stop drinking – they aren’t required to. Chances are they won’t stop asking you to join them either, but you have complete control over your refusal skills. You can learn to say “no” and feel good about it.
Tip #4: Make New, Sober Friends
When you’re facing a recovery from alcoholism and depression, making new friends is tough. You tend to naturally withdraw from both family and friends, but pushing yourself to make new, sober friends is one of the best things you can do.
If you’re involved in a support group, you already have a springboard. Start with people there who you relate to and go from there. It may sound harsh, by replacing old drinking buddies with new, sober friends can help you avoid temptation and more easily say no when someone from your past presses you to drink.
Tip #5: Nurture a Strong Relationship with Your Doctor
The majority of recovering alcoholics who also suffer from depression take medications. One of the smartest things you can do if among them is to nurture a strong relationship with your doctor. The more freely you talk to them about unusual symptoms and the changes you’re experiencing, the better.
Alcoholism and depression present a challenging recovery, but you can succeed. Applying these and other tips is a great way to start!