Willingness to Stop Drinking
How to stop drinking depends on one’s ability to recognize that a problem exists and then concentrate on several key factors, which over time, will help the alcoholic develop the coping skills needed to make it through recovery and into permanent sobriety. The key factors to be recognized are as follows; honesty, prayer, willingness, sincerity, forgiveness and tolerance.
Recovery is the ability to incorporate the above values into the daily life of the alcoholic. Recovery serves as an introduction to lasting sobriety. Following the above values diligently will ultimately lead to that seldom visited side of alcoholism which is known as permanent sobriety.
Total honesty (within) will seriously challenge the alcoholic and force questions to surface that when answered honestly, shall break down the emotional wall of denial built by the cycle of alcohol abuse.
The most powerful weapon an alcoholic has to overcome his or her illness is prayer. Taking what was realized through honesty, the alcoholic needs to share his inner most shortcomings with God as he envisions Him.
Continual ongoing prayer is necessary if the alcoholic is to maintain the willingness and courage which are needed to fully overcome this disease and eliminate any threat of a potential setback. Some degree of spirituality is necessary for a healthy recovery and permanent sobriety as well.
Willingness is a mind-set that acts as a means of recognizing and dealing with problems in the middle and late stages of recovery. When the initial panic and desperation have vanished, the alcoholic feels a false sense that all is well.
Willingness backed up by accountability helps the alcoholic recognize that they have inherited a disease which will accompany them the rest of their lives. The willingness to continue practicing daily spiritual maintenance shall aid the alcoholic well in their life long quest for permanent sobriety. For an alcoholic, permanent sobriety is the only way it is possible can live a healthy and productive life.
