When your partner drinks, it can be difficult to stay abstinent yourself. Despite your best intentions, being in close proximity to someone who is drinking can trigger cravings and make it hard to stick to your decision to quit. If you're struggling to stay sober while your partner drinks, here are a few tips to help you stay on track:
1. Avoid trigger situations. If being around your partner while they drink is a trigger for you, try to avoid those situations as much as possible. This might mean making plans to be out of the house when they drink, or avoiding places where you know they'll be drinking.
2. Find a support system. When you're trying to quit drinking, it's important to have a supportive network to lean on. This might be friends or family members who are also in recovery, or a therapist or counselor who can help you manage your triggers.
3. Stay busy. If you find yourself struggling with cravings, try to stay busy and distracted. This might mean taking up a new hobby, going for walks or runs, or reading.
4. Talk to your partner. If you're struggling to stay abstinent because of your partner's drinking, it's important to have an honest conversation with them about your triggers and how their drinking affects you. Many partners are willing to make changes to support their partner's sobriety, but they can't do so if they're not aware of the problem.
5. Seek professional help. If you're struggling to stay abstinent and none of the above tips are helping, it might be time to seek professional help. This could involve going to therapy, attending a 12-step program, or seeing a psychiatrist. If you're struggling to quit drinking, don't hesitate to reach out for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is alcohol withdrawal like?
The symptoms of alcohol withdrawal can be quite severe and can last for up to 72 hours. The main symptoms are shakiness, sweating, insomnia, anxiety, rapid heart rate, and atxtivty seizures. Some people also experience hallucinations and delusions.
What are the symptoms of quitting drinking alcohol?
There can be a variety of symptoms, but for most people they generally go away after about two weeks without drinking. For some people, the symptoms may last longer.
What is the timeline of withdrawal from alcohol?
The timeline of withdrawal from alcohol begins as soon as the level of alcohol in blood comes down and the effects of intoxication begin to wear off. Alcohol withdrawal symptoms can begin to show up as early as 2 hours after having the last drink. Generally, the symptoms manifest within 6 to 12 hours of stopping alcohol.
When to seek medical attention for alcohol withdrawal symptoms?
If you or someone you’re looking after is experiencing repeated vomiting, severe shaking or hallucinations / confusion, then it is recommended that you seek medical attention.
What is alcohol withdrawal and how does it affect you?
Alcohol withdrawal is the changes that the body goes through when a person suddenly stops drinking after prolonged heavy alcohol use. Symptoms can include shivered, insomnia, an increased appetite, heart palpitations, tremors and dizziness. Alcohol has a sedating effect on the brain which can slow down your thinking and movements.
