When we’ve been drinking for a while, we will find elements of our behaviour uncomfortable. We may not like what we become when we are drunk. We may feel guilty for the pain and hurt we caused, and we may be embarrassed by what we said or ashamed of what we did. So how do we bring ourselves to accept that?
Firstly, remember, you are not your drinking. Drinking is something you do, a behaviour. You are a person, and you have a name. You will not let drinking define you, and you won’t be labelled.
Secondly, care for yourself. There are ways to find confidence, love, connection and belonging without using a self-destructive poison like alcohol.
Thirdly, as you start to address your drinking, you’ll realise that most of the reasons you drink are not intrinsically linked to alcohol; other things are going on. Understanding those things allows you to be less judgemental of your drinking and start looking for ways to address them.
And finally, forgive yourself. Celebrate the fantastic opportunity to improve everything in your life and embrace the chance to put right some wrongs.