What I’m going to outline here is designed to increase the rate of success in dealing with problems encountered by alcoholics. However, no matter how calm they remain, how clearly they think about the problem and how assertive they are, they will sometimes not succeed. No-one in this world succeeds all the time. Success is based upon a healthy sense of self-esteem and confidence. Once this point is reached, it is relatively easy to tolerate incidents of failure. Alcoholics have to still think in a positive way, even when they don’t succeed and even after taking all the right steps. “Well, that did not work. I’ll go back and re-think the problem and try another solution. I will look upon this as another lesson in life.” Everyone makes mistakes but if they learn from those mistakes then they become lessons. The way to achieving balance is never to regard a failure as a failure. If a person has thought the problem through carefully and done his or her best to solve the problem, then they haven’t really failed and certainly lack of success cannot rationally be translated into “I am a failure”,  a common habit of alcoholics. Emotional maturity only comes from working through problems and eventually finding a solution. Some alcoholics have minor relapses where they become upset over some failure or criticism and have a few drinks to enable them to cope. This is crazy and dangerous because these actions contain the possibility of a major return to uncontrolled, full-scale alcoholic drinking. If it is a momentary, short-term relapse, it belongs in the mistake category. The best advice is:
  • Stop drinking
  • Admit that you have made a serious mistake in dealing with the problem
  • Analyse the situation carefully to see what caused the relapse
  • Seek help if necessary
  • Learn from the mistake so that you don’t make the same mistake again
  • Carefully review your coping skills and get advice, if necessary.
  • Don’t feel guilty about the bust and start again. Today is the first day of the rest of your life.
There are 4 major triggers for a relapse:
  • Breakdown in a close relationship
  • Sacked from a job
  • Death of a loved one
  • Financial problems
There are 3 emotions that will trigger a relapse:
  • Anger
  • Resentment
  • Self-Pity
A maintenance program is essential in any alcoholic’s life whether it be going to AA meetings on a regular basis or seeing their counsellor for a check–up from the neck-up! Exercise remains an integral part of an alcoholic’s sobriety and gives their endorphins a reality check, every day they exercise. Meditation is important to calm the mind to aware of their surroundings, people, places, things and situations. It’s called “Mindfulness” and is part of my program. Amino Acid supplements like Tyrosine for the manufacture of dopamine and noradrenaline, which are required for concentration, alertness, memory and a happy, stable mood.  L-Glutamine can reduce both cravings and the anxiety that accompanies alcohol withdrawal.  A good liver tonic like LivaTone Plus is recommended and can be beneficial in those who have an inflamed liver or a sluggish liver. LivaTone Plus contains St. Mary's Thistle as well as all the B vitamins and the amino acid Taurine. It also contains the antioxidant vitamins C and E.  Magnesium Ultra Potent can be taken before bed to assist with a deep and restful sleep. It also helps to reduce stress, very beneficial to a recovering alcoholic.  Magnesium is also known as the “great relaxer”. Dr. Cabot’s book, Help for Depression and Anxiety is an excellent read for recovering alcoholics.