Addiction is one of the most destructive human ailments there is. It can sabotage relationships, jobs, and, most importantly, personal health and well-being. Addiction can be found in alcohol, drugs, gambling, harmful foods, or anything else that we practice excessively, which does not benefit us at large.
Thankfully nowadays, we have plentiful research and natural remedies that we can apply to ourselves to combat our addictions.
The first most important steps to begin combating substance dependence are:
- Identify the problem
- Reward yourself based on accomplishments
- Replace the addiction
Alcohol Addiction Treatment
Quitting an addiction, without finding anything balancing and positive to replace it with, is extra unwanted stress on our body. It is much easier to relapse in such situations. We suggest working out a plan. Think of something healthy beforehand. It can be tea, or it can be a new hobby. In either case, it is essential to be prepared to utilize these new interests at any time when you start wishing for your old vice.
Even before actually quitting your addictions, be prepared for the journey ahead. If it was really that easy, we wouldn’t be writing about it. However, everyone is different. Some have easier times quitting their addictions, while others don’t. Either way, it is better to be prepared.
Identify some things you would like to try while getting sober. Taking up a new or abandoned hobby has proven to be a powerful tool. Sports and exercise are an enormous help for the restorative health of both the body and mind. Arts and crafts are other wonderful options.
Many struggle with weight gain after quitting alcohol and drugs. Perhaps you are craving food and snacks more than usual. Eating a bigger portion of food, or even more times during the day, isn’t inherently wrong. As long as you are keeping your meals and snacks healthy, it may not be a problem at all. Drinking large amounts of tea also helps to keep the body healthy, in shape, and flushes out toxins. Specific properties found in quality teas help with keeping weight gain at bay.
Another vital part of the journey towards sobriety is finding a support group. This could be a group of friends or family members who understand the journey you are on and are willing to be there for you and help you out.
Read more: 5 Reasons To Switch From Alcohol To Tea
How To Battle Alcohol Addiction With Tea
Invite your friends to your house for a gong fu tea session. Or perhaps invite them out to a tea bar you have been meaning to try. Many might be surprised at what good of a time you can have while enjoying tea. A single tea session can go on for hours, and everyone can enjoy practicing gong fu tea brewing!
At the end of the evening, instead of feeling intoxicated, unable to drive and think clearly — everyone will feel clear-minded, happy, stress-free, and perhaps even somewhat tea drunk!
Many people who are recovering from alcohol and/or drug addictions are making the switch to tea. It is easy to have tea on hand — pre-brewed in a heat-retaining thermos or cold-brewed during the hotter months. Preparing tea beforehand will ensure that you always have a healthy refreshing beverage at hand when in need.
Green Tea For Alcoholism
Drinking a cup of matcha every day, ideally around noon, will give you an uplifted feeling. You will feel more energized, calm, peaceful, creative, and happy!
The copious amounts of L-theanine found in matcha help calm our nerves and fight stress. Stress is one of the leading causes of unhappiness and hence the craving for potentially harmful substances that give us temporary relief.
Consider making a delicious matcha mocktail!
Another way to enjoy tea is by practicing tea ceremonies. Both Chinese style gongfu tea ceremonies and Japanese style chanoyu teach us how to be present and grateful in the moment.
Many people who are heavy alcohol drinkers find tea to be tasteless. There could be two reasons for this:
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Large amounts of alcohol weaken our body’s sensors
While certain teas have strong and potent flavors (ex.: Smoky Lapsang Souchong), other types of tea have more subtle taste notes. The more different categories of tea you drink, the more you will start to distinguish between the different layers of tastes and aromas. Indeed it is an exciting journey to watch how your tasting palate broadens. We even recommend keeping your own tea journal to note the process.
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Poor quality tea or tea brewed at boiling temperatures
Commercially sold teas are often made from something we call “tea dust” — very low quality broken up tea leaves, which are not good enough to sell as loose leaf tea. This is the stuff you will find in big-brand tea bags and, unfortunately, what most consumers are acquainted with. It is no wonder you wouldn’t want to make a switch to something so unappealing!
We recommend investing in a good quality loose leaf tea. This is often even more economical than buying tea bags. Loose-leaf tea can be brewed multiple times! Furthermore, make sure you are not brewing the tea at boiling temperature. With some exceptions, many teas are best brewed at below-boiling temperatures, and each tea has its perfect brewing degree. Brewing a gentle green tea with boiling hot water will make it bitter and tasteless. When you brew at the right temperature, you will be met with wonderful notes like fruits, flowers, and more.
Has tea helped you combat unhealthy patterns and addictions?
Share what helped you in the comments below.
Also, don't hesitate to reach out to us if you are looking for some help or guidance.