What The Recovering Alcoholic Must Know

There are certain things that every alcoholic in recovery should know. Learning to live without alcohol takes a new perspective on life and on recovery. Here are some examples of what the recovering alcoholic needs to know or should know.

• You can change and sustain this change with help from yourself and others. Stay focused on the motivation and think about the consequences of relapse.
• Find yourself beyond the alcoholism. There were things you enjoyed before drinking; that gave you joy and purpose. Rediscover these areas of your life. Reconnect with loved ones and friends that you may have neglected during the addiction. Spend some time thinking about what was important to you pre-alcoholism and how you can begin doing these same things in recovery.
• Set yourself up for success and see yourself as a competent person. Any skill that you had pre-alcoholism is not gone; only hidden because of the addiction. Become good at something that can help you focus on recovery and boost your confidence.
• Learn how to deal with problems as they arise. Do not let problems fester. An unresolved problem can lead to feelings of anger or frustration. Address problems as you can but do realize that not all problems have to be solved today.
• Establish yourself in your community. Do volunteer work or join a club. Feeling a part of the greater community can help you feel a sense of belonging.
• Establish a large support network. Support from others can be your saving grace during difficult and trying times in recovery. Engage with members from 12-step meetings.
• Help others. As you progress in your recovery, share your wisdom with new members. You could be the person who encourages a member to return to another meeting.
• Invest in yourself. Establish friendships with non-drinking friends, find hobbies, and develop yourself personally and professionally. These investments can provide you with a source of strength and can motivate you to continue your path of recovery.
• Work on the relationships that may have suffered because of your drinking. Try to re-establish connections with family members by making amends.
• Learn to manage your emotions. Overwhelming emotions can jeopardize your recovery. If you feel angry, sad, or anxious, recognize these emotions and learn how to properly and productively work on them.