I’m always up for a cocktail now and then, a few beers when the game is on, and some of my Happy Hours are the happiest ever... But it can be pretty simple these days for a single guy to slide down that slippery slope from good times to full-on addiction.
If you’ve been catching up on your sports news, you know that CC Sabathia has just admitted his own drinking problem, and is in rehab as I’m writing this. So it’s not just losers and the weak who fall victim.
In fact, statistics have shown men often drink more than women, and have more of a tendency to become addicted to alcohol.
Whether it's the bar scene or the college party life, single guys, when we’re left to our own devices, can get ourselves into some pretty deep trouble. Often we don't even realize the trouble we’re in until it’s too late—and we wake up in jail or walking into an intervention from friends and family. If you’re thinking you may have a drinking problem (or a drug problem), here are some steps to take:
1. Recognize You Have A Problem
Most of the time it isn't the addict that sees they have a problem... it’s someone else in their lives who points it out to them. Usually followed by a big argument where the addict says they are positive they can quit whenever they want to. Those that realize they have an issue on their own, often only realize it after they hurt themselves, someone else, or end up in jail.
You can see if you’re on the path to addiction though, and help yourself stop before it gets out of hand. The trick to this is knowing the signs and symptoms of addiction and working to be aware of your own actions.
If you crave your drug of choice when you don't have it—and maybe you even start to go through withdrawals when you don't have a drink—that is a definite sign of addiction. If you prefer a drink or a drug more than spending time with your friends, miss work because you are high or drunk, or you quit doing things you love, those are also signs of addiction.
2. Get Help
When you finally notice these signs in yourself, you can get help. Even if you don't notice the signs on your own and it takes an intervention to wake you up, there is help you can look to. Wanting to quit as a single guy may be tough... You need to realize that in order for rehab to work, you have to want to quit for yourself. For guys with a family, you can also look to your wife and kids as reasons why you need to control your addiction.
Think of your health as a motivating factor to quit, too. Both drinking and drugs can permanently damage, and even destroy, your liver. Take time to look at how your addiction is destroying your health and understand that you'll be much healthier and happier once you are free of drug and alcohol abuse.
The loss of a job or getting kicked out of school over your addiction could also be a factor in realizing it's time to get help. There are many places out there that help people with addiction. Rehab consultation services, like those provided by One Recovery Center, can help you determine the type of program that'll fit your needs best. People respond to treatments differently and it's important to find one that's tailored to each individual.
3. Start Living A Better, Healthier Life
Once you have been treated for your addiction or drinking problem, one of the most important things to do in order to stay healthy and sober is to change the things you are doing. If it was the crowd you hung out with that got you into trouble, start looking for some new friends. If you were getting drunk because you were bored, find a hobby. ANY hobby. If stress from your job is what made you do drugs, start looking for a new career.
You also want to work to make your body healthy again, which means eating healthier. Drink more water and juice. Add more vitamin rich foods to your diet to help heal your liver. A bigger variety in your diet can also help keep you from getting bored with the foods that you eat. Think healthier thoughts and get healthier and you'll be less likely to want to take away that
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