Knowing how to avoid alcohol may be the deciding factor that helps you maintain sobriety during this pandemic. In recent times where isolation and social distancing have become the norm, recovering alcoholics need to be more intentional about their recovery. Most recovering alcoholics rely on treatment centres and support groups to keep up with their recovery. However, due to the social distancing laws, it may be difficult to attend support group meetings. As a result, we have come up with a few concise tips to help you avoid alcohol.

Times of crises such as the coronavirus pandemic can increase the chances of a recovering alcoholic suffering a relapse. This is because the isolation protocol can lead to heightened feelings of stress and anxiety. Since statistics have shown that many alcoholics use the bottle as a tool to cope with stress and anxiety, isolation can be a danger. However, a relapse is preventable, and you can stay sober. 

For people trying to stop drinking, the road to alcohol recovery can be steep, at best. However, without the company of trusted peers and supports, it can be an even harder journey. If you have recently completed an addiction program, the prospect of being on your own can be scary. But, the good news is you can practice social distancing, stay safe from the coronavirus, and still say sober. 

It goes without saying that the first step should be to get rid of all forms of alcohol in your home. However, there’s more. As experts with practical experience dealing with alcohol addiction, we offer hands-on knowledge that can help you stay away from alcohol.

Tips To Help You Avoid Alcohol

The first step to ensuring that you stay sober, even in isolation, is to learn how to avoid alcohol. We will be giving you a few practical tips that will prove useful.

However, you should note that it is not enough to know these steps. You must put in the effort and stay committed to your alcohol recovery journey. Here are a couple of practical ways you can avoid alcohol during this period.

Stay positive

Positivity is key in alcohol addiction recovery. First off, know that you can get through this period without slipping back into your old drinking habits. However, to be able to do this, you need to maintain a healthy, positive mental attitude. You must believe that you can get through the pandemic without alcohol. Once you have this strong mindset, you will find that it is easier to resist the urge to start drinking again.

Understandably, it may not be easy to maintain a positive attitude at all times. Sometimes, a shadow of doubt may creep into your mind. This may be unavoidable. But, you can control whether or not you will dwell on these negative thoughts. Instead, you can carry out activities that can distract you until the moment has passed. Or better still, you can pick up the phone and call your sponsor a loved one. Whatever you do, always try to stay positive.

Eat healthily

One of the essential tips to avoid alcohol is to practice a proper diet. Good food can go a long way to help you with your sobriety. So, if you want to stay sober and off alcohol, then you should check what you are eating. 

Food influences the way the brain functions. Without a healthy diet, your brain may not be able to produce enough neurotransmitters. Or even worse, it may provide it in excess. This can cause you to feel anxious, irritable or starved. All these are feelings that will not help you with alcohol addiction recovery.

Also, you should have a good food diet regimen. This will help your brain to balance the levels of serotonin, a hormone that will help you relax. To maintain a proper diet, you should eat foods high in complex carbohydrates, such as those found in legumes and vegetables. 

Furthermore, you should also combine your carbs intake with protein. This will help to keep your body functioning optimally. Similarly, a proper diet will help keep your cravings for alcohol to a minimal level.

Find a hobby

Another tip to help you avoid alcohol is to find something that you love doing and invest time in it. Social distancing and isolation protocols may mean that you have to spend long hours at home. This can lead to an intense level of boredom and idleness. These are two things you do not want if you are looking to maintain sobriety. Idleness will give your mind time to reflect on your drinking past. Worse, you may start to obsess over the future and your alcohol recovery.

This can be a danger for a recovering alcoholic. So to prevent such mind-roaming, you should get a hobby. Preferably, choose something that you love doing and will keep you happy.  Keeping your mind engaged continuously will help you to avoid drinking alcohol. However, this does not mean that you should not spare time for rest and sleep. Sleep if you have to, as this is equally important for your mental and physical wellbeing.

Exercise regularly

The role of exercise in preventing alcohol relapse cannot be overemphasized. Regular exercise will promote your physical and mental health. Furthermore, engaging in active activity can help to boost your mood and make you feel better. This way, you are less likely to turn to a bottle to help you cope with a dampened mood. 

Also, exercise can help you reduce stress as it raises your heart rate and causes your brain to release certain chemicals. These chemicals can help to combat both short-term and long-term stress.

Besides, regularly engaging in exercise can help you reduce the urge or craving to drink. We are not saying you should go to the gym as this may be against social distancing laws. But, you can exercise in and around your home. 

Whether through yoga, aerobics or weights, exercise can help you put a stop to alcohol addiction. There are home workout routines that can help you stay on your exercise game. You should take advantage of them.

Connect with people

Reaching out to people that support your treatment can help you avoid alcohol. Social distancing does not mean social isolation. In recent times, a lot of addiction support groups have moved online. Take advantage of these online platforms to reach out to peers that can help you. 

Also, if you feel the need to, you can place a call to your sponsor or addiction treatment centre. This can be very effective in helping you prevent a relapse. The internet and telecommunication channels can bring you closer to loved ones and your support systems. Connecting with these people is a significant way to avoid alcohol during social distancing.

Final Take

Hopefully, you have learned a few things about how to avoid alcohol during this pandemic. But, remember, you have to practice these tips and commit to them. It may not be easy, but if you put in your best, you can avoid an alcohol relapse. 

Do you have further questions on ways to avoid alcohol? Or perhaps you need help with your alcohol recovery? Please reach out to us. We’d love to help! Call Inspire Change Addiction Rehab in Vancouver for addiction treatment programs.

Related article: Addiction Treatment Centres in Vancouver: Are They Prepared To Handle The COVID-19 Outbreak