True Change takes place on the level of the Unconscious Mind

New Years Resolutions.

They are wonderful for getting clarity on the positive changes that we want to experience in our life going forward. However, 'Emotions will always override logic' - Marisa Peer, World Renowned Hypnotherapist.

Old behaviours and habitual ways of thinking will virtually always negate a wish to change unless the unconscious mind understands that it is safe to change. The problem needs to be resolved at the level of the unconscious mind, addressing the different aspects as to why that problem is still alive and in control.

Don't feel bad or weak for not being able to make changes that you know would be good for your life. It just means that on some level, your mind is believing there is a reason for holding onto an old behaviour or way of acting or reacting and that too can be changed and must be changed for effective long term success.

If the decision to change is not enough on it's own in order to successfully stop an unwanted behaviour such as alcohol dependency, then more needs to be done at the unconscious level (and often at the felt sense level of body as well). The hidden, underlying reasons need to be worked on in a way that the mind feels safe to change. The aim is to get the unconscious mind in complete congruency with what the conscious mind wants. When this is achieved, change is much easier, smoother and more comfortable.

So by all means, go ahead and make a New Years Resolution about your drinking. Cut down your alcohol consumption, don't drink alone, stop after two drinks, try the 30 day alcohol free challenges that are out there, abstain for three months and then reassess or quit completely. It depends on what you want and more importantly where you are on the scale of alcohol dependency.

Yes, I'm in complete agreement that people with full blown physical addictions to alcohol, need to abstain from any alcohol consumption and yes they need to do so with the help of a doctor and proper medical support. It can be dangerous to go cold turkey for people with full blown alcoholism.

However, when I speak of people who may choose to continue to drink in moderation, I am talking about the people who are emotionally dependant on alcohol. People who use alcohol as a coping mechanism. I'm talking about the people who are trying to numb themselves from their feelings and emotions and who need to develop healthier coping skills and greater resiliency, people who need to find peace about their past. People who have a dependency but not yet a physical addiction.

I suggest now is the time to gain control over alcohol and save yourself what could be a great deal of heartache and misery down the track.