Alcohol: How to Deal With a Slip-Up

Alcohol: How to Deal With a Slip-Up (00:02:29)
Video Transcript

Changing your drinking habits is not an easy, quick thing to do.

It's a tough but rewarding journey that usually takes some time.

So if you slip up ... which happens to almost everyone ...

it's important to keep trying, even if you want to give up.

Because each try makes you stronger and more resilient and brings you closer to the person you're meant to be.

Now, a slip-up ... or lapse ... is not the same as a relapse.

A lapse is a one-time event and a relapse is going back to your old ways.

A lapse can make you feel guilty and disappointed. But that's not helpful.

What is helpful is being kind to yourself and asking yourself what caused you to lapse ... so you can prevent a relapse.

Take a minute to think about where you were, who you were with, and what you were thinking or feeling before you took a drink.

Was it something about your environment? ... Being in a risky place ...

around certain people ... feeling lonely or stressed?

What could have helped you in that moment?

Or was it possibly a craving that seemed unstoppable?

What might your cravings be telling you?

Perhaps you need more help in those moments ...

like medicines, substitute activities, or a few numbers in your phone of people you can call when you get the urge to drink.

And how about your support system?

Who's helping you meet your goals and check in with your plan ...

people who really want to see you succeed and understand what you're going through?

Remember ... the people who care about you want to help, but you have to give them the chance.

Thinking through these questions can help you understand your relationship to alcohol.

And that can help you strengthen your plan ... so next time ...

you can be in better control of what the next page of your story will look like.

It may be that you need to prepare a very specific "fire drill" plan.

Then, if you find yourself nearing a slip-up ... perhaps totally unexpectedly ...

you know exactly who to call or how to change your environment.

As you change or add to your plan based on what you continue to learn about yourself, remind yourself that you can reach your goals ... just like many others have.

Keep believing in yourself.

That belief can take you a long way.

Current as of: November 15, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.