A Simple Path from Alcohol Misery to Alcohol Mastery PDF EBook Seb Grant Quit Alcohol Formula | Page 5

Part 1
Why stop?
A common story told by people with drinking
problems is that alcohol slowly, maybe over
years, becomes more and more important
in their lives. What starts as an enjoyable
social activity becomes a relationship that
begins to edge out, under-mine or break up
relationships with parents, family, partner,
friends and workmates, and involvement in
sports, hobbies and interests. Eventually,
many find that the most important
relationship has become the one with alcohol
and it has become important to ensure it is
always available. The thought of not having
it is like a relationship break-up. Becoming
aware of these lost or damaged relationships,
which used to be so important, is the
beginning of their recovery.
Another common story is the wearing down
of the body, the mind, the hopes and the
happiness from long-term heavy drinking.
People talk of becoming sick and tired and
depressed and feeling that they have lost
their sense of purpose. Becoming sick and
tired of being sick and tired is their beginning
of recovery.
Drinkers become afraid of what might
happen if they can’t stop. They attempt to
cut down, or go without drinking for a period,
but find their drinking quickly reinstated and
increasing in quantity and frequency. This
loss of personal control over drinking is a
major concern for many who decide to stop.
When personal values
become important
Some worry that their sense of personal
value, how they want to see themselves
and to be seen by others, has been
undermined or attacked by their
dependence on alcohol.
• A value like te aroha: having regard
for others and those for whom you
are responsible and to whom you are
accountable.
• A value like te whakapono: the basis of
your beliefs and the confidence that what
you’re doing is right.
• Or a value like ngā ture: the knowledge
that your actions are morally and ethically
right, and that you’re acting honourably.
How has drinking affected these values
for you?