Don’t hit the bottle

Don't hit the bottle

For those who have started showing signs of being dependent on alcohol, experts believe it's time to kick the habit and stay sober. A strong will, acceptance of the problem and support of friends will go a long way in fighting the urge to raise a toastu00a0

It might have started with just a drink with the pals, but slowly became a habit hard to kick. That's the way every alcoholic begins his path down the road of inebriation. Today, an increasing amount of people are prone to becoming alcoholics owing to their lifestyles and the growing stress levels.

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According to doctors, the urban lifestyle is increasing people's dependence on alcohol. "The moment you start misusing and abusing alcohol and drink when you are not supposed to or expected to drink, you should know that there is a problem," said YA Matcheswala, head of the psychiatric department at Masina Hospital, Byculla.

Though alcoholism is a disease that catches on gradually, studies and experiments have shown that some people are pre-disposed to cultivating this habit. "Those who have a history of alcohol abuse in the house are more likely to hit the bottle," said Dr Ganesh Naidu, a general physician. "Environmental factors such as hailing from an area that houses several alcohol shops, is another factor that may decide if you turn to alcohol," he added.u00a0

So, even if you do consume alcohol more than necessary, stop it before you become an addict. However, staying sober is no child's play and requires strong will power and support. But, if one is equipped with both, there is hope around the corner. That is only if you are willing to give it a sincere attempt.

Here's how you can treat alcohol abuse:
Acceptance
First and foremost, you need to accept and identify that there is a problem. Usually, an alcoholic will refuse to accept the problem and go further down the path of self-destruction. Hence, acceptance is the first mandatory step to reformation. The moment alcoholics come to terms with their addiction, they can opt for treatment and take it one step at a time.
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Introspect and quit
Introspection is a crucial phase in order to become and remain sober. Introspection helps in overcoming the addiction and come up with ways to reduce the alcohol intake. Identify the time periods that you succumb to the need or temptation and try to resist it. Gradually, you can kick the habit.

Check into rehab
If self control, coaxing by family members and loved ones does not have the desired effect, the problem is much bigger. That's when rehabilitation centres play a crucial role in providing the much-needed assistance to those striving to battle with their addictions. Facilities such as doctors, therapists and helpers are constantly at their disposal. Apart from promising to help the victim quit alcohol, they also try their level best to ensure that chances of slipping back into the habit are minimal. In therapeuticu00a0 sessions, alcoholics interact with each other and share their deepest problems with one another.
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Support Groups
To muster the strength to give up alcohol, the support of other alcoholics makes a big difference and will help in the healing process by listening to others experiences. Joining a support group will give you higher chances of quitting the habit and staying sober.u00a0
-- Compiled by Poornima Swaminathan

Support groups in Mumbai:
Alcoholics Anonymous:
General Service Office of India, PO Box No. 16958, Byculla, Mumbai-400 027
Telephone: 91-22-2307 5134
Helpline: 91-22-2301 6767
E-mail: gsoindia@gmail.com

Masina Hospital:
Sant Savta Marg, Byculla East, Mumbai- 400 022
Telephone: 91-22-2371 4889
Helpline: 91-22-6450 7272/7171

Sewa Dhan:
4th Floor, Municipal Hospital Building, Bhardawadi,u00a0Andheri West, Mumbai-400 058
Phone: 26208317

Kripa foundation:
81/A Chapel Road, Mount Carmel Church, Bandra (West), Mumbai-400 050
Phone: 91-022-2640 5411 / 2643 3027,
91-022-2643 9295

National Addiction Research Centre:
Bhardawadi Hospital, 5th Floor, Opposite Navrang Cinema, Andheri (West), Mumbai-400 008

All psychiatry departments of government and private hospitals have a team dedicated to treating alcohol addicts