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What to Say to Someone Who Wants to Quit Drinking
“I want to quit drinking” is not the same as “I am ready to quit drinking.” It may seem like a simple statement, but it isn’t straightforward. It’s not just about saying no to alcohol. There are many layers involved in quitting drinking. If you have a loved one who wants to stop drinking, here are some things you can say to help them get sober.
You are not powerless over your addiction.
You are not powerless over your addiction. You can change how you think and feel, how you react to things, your behavior, and even your habits. You don’t need to go back to drinking if that’s not what you want anymore. You can take control of this situation and make a conscious effort to improve yourself; that is something no one can do for you.
If anyone tries to tell you otherwise or convince you that it’s hopeless for them (or for anyone), remember: YOU ARE NOT POWERLESS OVER YOUR ADDICTION!
Check your influences, including your friend circle.
You can’t do it alone. At least for the first few months, you need to surround yourself with people who support your decision to quit drinking and want you to succeed—people who won’t pressure you for a drink or make comments about how much fun they had on a night out when…