Whether or not a person can quit drinking depends on that person’s ability to recognize that a problem exists. Once you can recognize that you have a problem you then need to focus on several key factors, which over time, will help you develop the coping skills needed to make it through recovery and into permanent sobriety. The key factors to be recognized are as follows; honesty, prayer, willingness, sincerity, forgiveness and tolerance.

Recovery serves as a prelude to permanent sobriety. A successful recovery ultimately leads to that seldom visited side of alcoholism which is known as permanent sobriety. The ability to incorporate these principles into the daily life of the alcoholic is a difficult but rewarding transition that is called recovery.

Complete and total honesty with oneself is a step that will seriously test the alcoholic and bring questions to the surface that, when answered honestly, will typically break down the emotional wall of denial which has been built by the continual cycle of alcohol abuse.

The most powerful weapon an alcoholic has to overcome his or her illness is prayer. Taking what was realized through honesty, the alcoholic needs to share his inner most shortcomings with God as he envisions Him.

A certain degree of spirituality is required for a healthy recovery and permanent sobriety. Daily prayer is necessary if the alcoholic is to continue the willingness and courage which is essential to fully overcome the disease and any threat of relapse.

Willingness is a mind-set that acts as a means of recognizing and dealing with problems in the middle and late stages of recovery. When the initial panic and desperation have vanished, the alcoholic feels a false sense that all is well.

Willingness backed up by accountability helps the alcoholic recognize that they have inherited a disease which will accompany them the rest of their lives. The willingness to continue practicing daily spiritual maintenance shall aid the alcoholic well in their life long quest for permanent sobriety. For an alcoholic, permanent sobriety is the only way it is possible can live a healthy and productive life.