If you live in Wisconsin, you may know how difficult it can be to avoid alcohol. As a state with such a prominent culture of alcohol consumption, it should come as no surprise that it is one of the leading states in both recreational drinking and alcohol abuse disorders. In fact, just under 65% of its adult population currently drinks alcohol. If you are one of the many people in Wisconsin who is working on or considering sobriety, here are some tips to help you stay away from alcohol:
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Know your limits.
It can be easy to get caught up in the drinking culture of Wisconsin, but it’s important to remember that not everyone drinks and there is nothing wrong with that. If you are not comfortable drinking, don’t feel pressured to do so. You can still enjoy yourself without alcohol by finding other activities to participate in.
Plan ahead.
If you know you will be around alcohol, plan ahead and make sure you have a way to avoid it. This may mean bringing your own non-alcoholic drinks to parties or events or arranging to meet up with friends at a location that does not serve alcohol.
Find help if you cannot stop.
There are a lot of fantastic resources available for rehab in Wisconsin for those whose alcohol consumption is spiraling out of control. If you are worried about your own drinking or that of a loved one, don’t hesitate to reach out for help before it is too late. You can find a list of rehab centers in Wisconsin on online directories through search queries. Furthermore, with outpatient programs and telehealth appointments, finding treatment for your alcohol use is easier and more convenient than ever.
Finding help for alcohol addiction is especially important if it is a severe one. Alcohol withdrawals from years of constant use are extremely dangerous and can be fatal if they aren’t monitored and treated by medical professionals. In fact, they are more deadly than withdrawal symptoms of some hard drugs.
Join support groups.
There are many great support groups available for those struggling with alcohol addiction in Wisconsin. Groups like AA can be incredibly helpful in providing a community of people who understand what you are going through and can offer advice and support. If you do choose to go to AA meetings, remember that some of them are different from others and that it is important to find a group that meshes well with your personal beliefs and values.
See a therapist or counselor.
If you are finding it difficult to abstain from alcohol on your own but you don’t want to check into rehab, seeing a therapist or counselor can be incredibly helpful. They can provide you with tools and strategies to help you stay away from alcohol as well as support and guidance throughout your sobriety journey.
Take care of yourself.
In addition to all of the above, it is important to take care of yourself both physically and emotionally. This may mean getting regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and spending time with people who make you happy. You can also find hobbies like painting, hiking, or biking to help you pass the time without drinking and practice self care more frequently.
Wisconsin can seem like a difficult place to stay sober, but with these tips, you can make it happen. Sobriety is worth it and there are plenty of resources available to help you on your journey. Most of all, don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you need it.
