If you are struggling with an alcohol addiction you are not alone. It’s estimated that more than 18 million Americas drink to excess everyday. How can you tell if your drinking habit has become addictive? If your family is saying alcohol is getting in the way of their relationship with you, listen to them. When alcohol negatively affects your family life, your job, or creates legal problems like DUIs, it’s time to acknowledge you need help.

Take time to write down some of the benefits you will enjoy when you stop drinking. Your risk of liver damage decreases and if your pregnant, you reduce the possibility of health problems for your unborn baby. You will have a chance to restart relationships at home and at work. Though the transformation will not happen overnight, you can heal important connections with the people who care about you the most. Most importantly, you will feel freedom from the many stresses connected to drinking.

Once you’ve decided to stop drinking, find ways to limit your exposure to setting that might trigger you to restart your habit. Usually you need more than one strategy to conquer your addiction. Using willpower alone is rarely enough. You might want to consult with a health care provider about ways you can control the physical aspects of the addiction.

If you feel you cannot stop drinking on your own, talk with your doctor about treatment centers. Your insurance may cover part or all of the care you receive. If you have an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at work, you can discuss your concerns in a confidential setting and find the help you need. You can also check for local resources in your city.

You also want to address the emotional and habitual side of the problem. Many people find support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) help them resist the urge to drink. One simple way to slow down your addiction is through self hypnosis. Many people combine self hypnosis with support groups. The Press Play Series has just come out with a new Conquer Addiction CD. The CD runs for about 30 minutes and repeated use can help you break unhealthy dependence on alcohol. You can find the CD on Amazon or at http://RHChypnotherapy.com/. Check with the National Guild of Hypnotists to find a hypnotherapist near you. Create the life you want by gaining control over your life.