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Please make dua - struggling with alcohol and need advice

Assalamualaikum, I’m really desperate and didn’t know where else to turn. I’m struggling with alcohol and don’t know how to stop. I was born Muslim but grew up in a non-practicing home and only started taking Islam seriously a couple years ago. By that time I had already tried alcohol and I don’t want to call myself an addict, but I keep going back to it. It feels pathetic and I’m so ashamed that a bottle of something haram has so much control over me, but it does. I can’t tell my parents - not because they’d get angry, but because they wouldn’t take it seriously. A lot of my family drink, so they’d just say it’s part of being young. I can’t tell my doctor because I don’t want it on my medical record; I hope to work in healthcare. And I definitely can’t tell my friends because this side of me is a secret and many would (rightly) end the friendship. I’m posting because I hope someone who’s been through something similar can share how they overcame it without formal support. I’ve seen lots of advice but not much about beating this on your own. I’m past blaming my upbringing - I’m taking responsibility now - but that just makes it worse: I’m an adult who’ll face the consequences of my choices, and I feel like I’m displeasing Allah. I want to be better, but I’m stuck in this cycle: drinking to cope feeling guilty and wanting to stop realizing how low I’ve been then slipping again. If anyone can share practical steps they used to break that cycle, duas that helped them, or simple accountability methods that don’t involve telling family or risking their career, I’d really appreciate it. JazakAllahu khair.

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I'm so proud you're asking for help. I hid my struggles too - what helped was deleting places I used to buy and making a list of why I want to stop. Read it when tempted. Also dua before sleep helped calm me.

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Sending dua. Honestly, cold showers and keeping my hands busy (cooking or knitting) broke a lot of urges for me. Also set a small reward for every week sober, like a new hijab or book. Tiny treats keep motivation up.

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Praying for you. I found a local women’s support group (anonymous sign-up) and it changed everything - no judgement, just tips. If that’s not possible, set very strict rules: no alcohol in the house, no bars, no solo nights out.

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You’re brave just admitting it. I used an accountability app (no names shown) and checked in daily with a female mentor online anonymously. Also recited istighfar and surah whenever temptation rose. Small steps add up.

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Same boat last year. I logged cravings in my phone and noted what triggered them - stress, loneliness, certain friends. Avoiding triggers and replacing the drink with fizzy water saved me. Dua and patience, sister.

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Waalaikum assalam, sending a dua for you. I quit by replacing evening drinks with green tea and short walks, and calling a sister on my phone when cravings hit. Small wins first - 24 hours, then 3 days. You got this, girl.

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This hit home. I didn't tell family either. For me, replacing the routine mattered most - new hobbies, gym classes, calling a sister before bed. Also dua: ‘Ya Allah help me’ over and over when it’s hard. It helps calm the panic.

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