Five Strategies to Implement When You’re NEW to Your Alcohol Free Life

In a recent episode of The No More Wasted Days Podcast, my cohost and I discussed 5 Strategies you can use if you’re early in your alcohol free life.  I know that this title and topic make it sound like it’s only for those of us that are new to our journey, but don’t worry, these strategies are applicable to ANYONE on an alcohol free journey so don’t close this window if you heard the word “new” in the title and you feel like that’s not you.  I promise that this will help you no matter where you are on your journey.

Also, before I dive into the 5 strategies, if you’re a person that prefers to listen to your information.  Then head over to where ever you listen to your podcasts and search up The No More Wasted Days Podcast and you can hear all of this information in Episode 37.  You can listen to it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to your podcasts.

Okay!  As promised . . . here are the 5 Strategies!

1. Get Rid of Alcohol Reminders in Your Space

The first tip is crucial for maintaining your resolve: Remove all reminders of alcohol from your environment. This doesn’t only mean eliminating all the alcohol in your home, but also start removing triggering items such as specific cups, routines, or even certain times of day.

Here are a few steps to consider:

• Donate or Throw Away Triggering Items: If a particular cup or object makes you crave alcohol, it’s time to part ways with it.
• Rework Your Routines: Change up your daily habits to avoid moments that usually involve alcohol. For instance, if you usually start thinking about drinking at a certain time, find a new activity to occupy that time.
• Change Your Drinks: Replace alcoholic beverages with alternatives like kombucha, sparkling water, or other non-alcoholic drinks. Be cautious with non-alcoholic beers early on, as they can be triggering.

2. Rethink Your Social Calendar

When you’re newly alcohol-free, it’s essential to reevaluate your social engagements. Social interactions can be tricky if they usually involve alcohol, so consider these strategies:

• Pack Your Own Drinks: Bring your drinks to social gatherings, ensuring you always have a non-alcoholic option.
• Secure Your Ride Home: Have an exit strategy. Arrange your transportation (or better yet, drive your own car) so you can leave events when you’re uncomfortable or if people start drinking heavily.
• Feel Confident in Saying No:** It’s okay to decline invitations that feel overwhelming. Prioritize your well-being without guilt.

3. Create Reminders of Your ‘Why’

Keeping your motivation top of mind is vital. Visual reminders of why you chose to go alcohol-free can empower you through tough moments. Here are some ideas:

• Write Your Why and Display It: Use post-it notes or make your phone background a reminder of your reasons.
• Journal Regularly: Writing down your reason each day can reinforce your commitment.
• Personalize Your Motivation: Your ‘why’ should be deeply personal and internally focused. It’s about improving your life and health, not just external factors like weight loss or parental duties.

4. Connect with a Community

Having a support network can make a world of difference. Join a community of like-minded individuals to share experiences and receive encouragement:

• Online Communities: Consider joining online groups, such as the Day Makers community, to connect with others on a similar journey.
• Sober Meetups: Look for local sober meetups to meet people in person. Many cities now have sober community groups that organize events.
• Support Groups: Explore traditional support groups like AA, Dharma Recovery, or Smart Recovery, which offer a sense of belonging and shared understanding.

5. Set Goals

Goal-setting can provide a sense of purpose and progress. Set tangible, achievable goals for your alcohol-free journey and beyond:

• Track Alcohol-Free Days: Start with short-term goals like 30, 60, or 100 days. Celebrate these milestones.
• Set Personal Development Goals: Beyond just remaining alcohol-free, create goals around self-improvement and personal interests.
• Reward Yourself: Use the money saved from not buying alcohol to reward yourself with things that motivate you, be it a massage, a new outfit, or even a vacation.

 

I really hope these 5 strategies help.  If they do be sure to comment below and let me know, and/or comment and let me know what you add to the list.

Also, remember it’s important to remain kind and patient with yourself as you adapt to this new lifestyle.  Need more support on your journey so you don’t feel like you’re doing this alone? CLICK HERE to download my FREE alcohol free checklist which will get you all set up to start your journey with success.

Stay strong and take each day as it comes. Remember, I’m always here to support you every step of the way.