Like a drink? : Tips For Change

This page offers you some simple suggestions that will help you make changes to your drinking.

Making changes is a process that requires commitment and courage. It is a choice only you can make.

This page offers you some tips. Tips that we recommend you think about as you work through the rest of the site and consider seeking the help you need:

BELIEVE IN YOURSELF

Many people face issues to do with alcohol and many succeed in overcoming them. You have the power to change! Have a look at Kally and Viliami.

TAKE ONE DAY AT A TIME

Take small steps and live one day at a time. It is easier to change your behaviour if you stay in the present and set yourself daily goals.

ACCEPT SETBACKS

Change is like climbing a hill. You can slip back, this is often part of the process. Experiencing setbacks is discouraging, but it doesn’t mean you have failed. It just means that you are human. Failure only comes to those who give up. Check out the topic ‘The battle goes on’ and Joel’s story.

TALK TO A FRIEND

We need encouragement from others to succeed when making drastic changes in our lives. Getting someone else’s perspective and support can really help. You may choose a family/whanau member, a trusted friend, a minister or priest, a kaumatua or kuia, a counsellor or some other person you trust. Note: be careful about who you choose. You may find the topic ‘Seeking help’ useful.

BE KIND TO YOURSELF

Forgive yourself. You must do this to get long term relief from anger and resentment. Click here to watch the ‘You are not alone’ topic.

SOMETHING NEW

Try something new like playing a musical instrument, going fishing, cooking or doing something creative. Doing things that interest you helps you find new social networks and can unleash new passion into your life. It takes time, but it really is possible to build a new fun life.

READ SOMETHING THAT INSPIRES YOU

You could read articles online, other people’s blog sites where they share their own stories, an inspiring novel, or books about personal growth and wellbeing.

GET ACTIVE

Try working out, meditation, or yoga. These things help calm the head and balance the body.

TREAT YOUR BODY BETTER

Eat three meals a day, especially breakfast. Drink lots of water and make sure you get plenty of sleep. Let your body detoxify and your cravings will lessen. See some of the characters discuss ‘Hangovers’.

DO SOMETHING NICE FOR SOMEONE

Whether it’s baking muffins for your flatmates or mowing your parents’ lawns. Helping someone else gets you out of your own head for a while.

PEOPLE, PLACES AND THINGS

Be aware of people, places, or times that make you drink, even if you intend not to. Try to surround yourself with the people who drink less, as this will assist you in your decision. Have a look at Anne and the topic ‘Like a drink?’

MAKE A PLAN

If you’re going into a situation like a work function or birthday party where you may have been out of control in the past, tell a person you’re going with that you are not drinking, or make a specific time to leave. Learn more about Izaac and the topic ‘Turning up for work’.

ITS OK TO SAY NO

Remember that choosing not to drink alcohol is not rude and it is your right. If offered a drink, just say, ‘No, thank you.’ You do not have to explain.

SET GOALS THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO YOU

Think about the things that you want to achieve in your life. What is one step towards achieving one of your goals? You may want to make a collage of what you see as important in your life so you can put it on your wall to remind yourself of what you are aiming for.

Using alcohol and other drugs can cause problems that become overwhelming. If you think you have a problem with your drinking, you have taken an important step by visiting this site and considering these tips.

Starting your journey can be difficult and scary, but it is worth it.

Now would be a good time to get engaged with the rest of this site and to think about how you are going to make the changes you need to.

Go for it.