How to Quit Drinking and Smoking: A Guide for Real Men

Quitting drinking and smoking isn’t just a decision, it’s a real battle against habits that have become your loyal companions. But you’re a real man, and if you’re deciding to change, it means you’re ready to take control of your life. It’s time to say goodbye to bad habits and start a new chapter. Here are some cool tips on how to beat alcohol and tobacco.

Quitting drinking and smoking isn’t just a decision, it’s a real battle against habits that have become your loyal companions. But you’re a real man, and if you’re deciding to change, it means you’re ready to take control of your life. It’s time to say goodbye to bad habits and start a new chapter. Here are some cool tips on how to beat alcohol and tobacco.

1. Surround Yourself with the Right People
   If you’ve decided to quit drinking and smoking, forget about hanging out with those who keep putting it off for tomorrow. Often, someone says, "I’ll quit tomorrow," but continues to "celebrate" it the next day with a group. Such people can be your biggest temptation. Sometimes, they won’t support you and might even set you up.

2. Don’t Throw a Party on Your First Day
   The first day of sobriety is an important step, but it’s not a reason to throw a party. Yes, you made an important decision, but don’t host a banquet or greet it with an "open bottle." It’s your personal victory, so step over it calmly, without any extra emotions or fanfare.

3. Beware of Group Methods
   Avoid getting caught up in group therapy like the "American way." The thing is, a group of people can introduce extra psychological risks. For instance, someone in the group might offer to drink. It’s better to tackle the addiction alone if you want stable results. Remember, you should control your life, not anyone else.

4. Get Rid of Temptations
   If you want to start a new life, take the step and get rid of all cigarettes. Cigarettes should no longer be part of your environment. Set a goal: "I will no longer buy them." You can even get rid of your stash and give it to places where they won’t fall into the hands of those who are dependent. Let them no longer be in your house.

5. The Healthy Dose of Alcohol is a Myth
   Scientists may say that fifty grams of alcohol a day is good for your health, but you know what? That’s not for you. If you’ve decided to quit drinking, don’t try to "manage" alcohol in your life. Yes, you can have a drink now and then, but without excess or regularity. The main focus should be on ensuring your life no longer revolves around the bottle.

6. Avoid Familiar Places
   Places associated with drinking should become a forbidden zone for you. Don’t go to bars, don’t go fishing with friends who still drink, and don’t visit places where alcohol is the norm. Instead, find new hobbies. Join a training class, start a sport, or dedicate time to a hobby. This will help you forget old habits and focus on positive things.

7. No Purchases for "Celebrations"
   Don’t buy new things with the thought that you’ll "open" them with alcohol. For example, don’t immediately buy new apartments, cars, furniture, or dishes — all of this can become a trigger for old habits. New items should not be linked to "celebrations," whether it’s household appliances or even food. This approach can become a trap for your sobriety.

8. Refuse a Shot at the First Opportunity
   When you decide to quit drinking, the first thing you need to do is get rid of temptations. For instance, don’t reach for a shot at the first opportunity. This is an important step. Even if everyone in the group is "finally celebrating" some occasion, your job is to stay firm and not let the situation spiral out of control.

9. Change the Habit — Find an Alternative
   Many people who quit smoking often start chewing candies or something similar. It’s not an ideal solution, but at least it’s not as harmful. However, it’s important to understand that any distraction is also part of the process. Try to find a new activity for your hands or distract yourself with something truly useful — such as sports or creativity.

10. Understand What You’re Doing
    Your main task is to completely change your attitude towards life. When you quit drinking or smoking, it’s important to realize that there’s a whole philosophy behind it. It’s not just about fighting addiction, it’s about reshaping your inner world. So, make an agreement with yourself — you will no longer walk the path of self-destruction. You choose life and health.

11. Engage in a Useful Activity
    To distract yourself from old habits, get involved in something useful. It could be anything — for example, washing all the empty bottles that have been lying around in the cabinets. Sorting through them or restoring something, instead of spending time making endless excuses for yourself.

12. Make a Pact with Yourself
    Finally, make a pact with yourself. You are the master of your fate, and your choices matter. Sobriety and health are your goals. Every day, every step brings you closer to becoming the best version of yourself. You deserve this. Take the step into the new world.

So, if you’ve decided that you no longer want to be a slave to your habits — your determination is already on the way. Now the most important thing is not to stop. You are strong and capable of much. Live truly!