3 tips to beating alcoholism as a footballer

A lot of footballers have been diagnosed as having an alcohol problem. Some legendary players in the English Premier League (EPL) from Jimmy Greaves, Tony Adams, Ray Wilkins and George Best to Paul Gascoigne and Tony Adams - have battled with the bottle.

Despite the well-written problems of some of these former players, some current ones both in Ghana and elsewhere in the EPL continue to suffer.

Team owners, friend and families of such footballers have been scratching their heads for permanent solutions and now they do not have to suffer in silence.

There is help for you to beat that dreadful disorder.

Alcoholism tends to compel one believe that he or she cannot last the next one hour without a drink.

One cannot even control the amount he or she drinks and this situation induces frustration in the drinker.

The good thing is that many people have overcome their alcohol difficulties and are living a happier life. The same can happen to the footballers if you are willing to help them apply these three tips to beating alcoholism:

1)Distract Yourself

A long list of distracting activities is a great way to beat alcoholism. During my search, I came across this post by Silver Ridge, which reckons that one of the most effective ways to overcome alcoholism for midlife adults is by striving to understand how their bodies are changing as they age with regards to alcohol tolerance. Reduction in muscle density may lower alcohol tolerance, and joining a gym class may be the distraction that fights alcoholism on two levels.

The last thing you want is to die of alcoholism-related complications after it has caused too much damage in your body. You can indulge in sports activities, play some card games, go and explore nature, do some gardening, or even watch a movie. Look for fun activities that you will enjoy doing so that all your mind and energy is focused on doing that activity. If it is your friends who influence you to drink when you should be busy doing something else, next time, make yourself unavailable. Also, it will make it harder to give in to their temptations when you are preoccupied.

2)Join Self-help Therapy Groups

Joining addiction self-help groups is a great way to beat alcoholism. This is a group of people who have an alcohol use disorder. First, you will note that you are not alone in this journey and that your recovery process is possible. Reach people who are going through the same problem as you and fight this beast together. Therapy groups give you a chance to reach out for help. Here you meet people who have recovered from addiction and those who will not judge you and are ready to help you. This will help in developing confidence that you can change your life. You will also get to meet new and better friends in these self-help groups.

3)See a Therapist

Controlling your drinking is the only way to beat alcoholism. However, it is not a simple task. How many times have you sworn that you will not drink again and later on find yourself crawling in nightclubs? If you cannot control your drinking alone, it is wise to see a therapist. He or she will guide you through the journey of overcoming alcoholism. The therapist will teach you how to change the behaviour in you that triggers drinking. He or she will also advise you on how to deal with stress in a way that does not involve alcohol consumption and how to set goals and attain them.