Support is available, and you never have to be alone on your sobriety journey. If you haven’t done this already, consider cleaning out your pantry and cupboards to remove any tempting substances lurking. When you have a bad day, you don’t want that bottle of whiskey conveniently waiting for you to grab a tumbler and ice. Staying sober can be hard enough, and removing temptations from your home will make it that much easier. Sometimes, staying sober is easier when you replace old habits, like sitting at a bar, with new hobbies, such as photography.
Build a Support Network
Sobriety can help mend broken bonds and create deeper, more meaningful connections. Understanding what to say to a recovering alcoholic or someone grappling with drug addiction can be challenging if you have not faced these experiences yourself. Sobriety contributes to an improved overall quality of life. The ability to engage fully in meaningful activities, pursue passions, and build a positive future is enhanced without the limitations of addiction. I couldn’t have picked a worse time to try out sobriety. One week in, I attended a funeral for a woman in my writer’s group, then went out for dinner later that night, where I kept replaying the events of the day.
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- There was no time to allow my mind to wander to dark places.
- Some individuals start to exhibit compulsive behaviors, performing the same actions over and over, seemingly without reason.
- Choosing sobriety can empower your immune system by reducing inflammation, enhancing your body’s capacity to combat infections, and boosting the production of antibodies.
- By choosing sobriety, you can enjoy better sleep patterns and overall restfulness.
You may also experience what is commonly called sobriety fatigue, which refers to the overall exhaustion that may occur as a result of the emotional and physical stress of staying sober. So, it’s extra helpful to have a support network available to you when you need it. One of the greatest gifts we get in sobriety is self-love.
How staying sober changed my life?
They also recommend avoiding short-term rehabilitation, as three months is the minimum recommended length of stay, and more than one course of treatment may be required. As such, extended stay drug rehab is strongly recommended by the US government. The reasons why someone begins to use drugs are too numerous to count. For every addict in the world, there is a uniquely personal reason they began using their substance of choice. Changing your habits from an unhealthy diet to a healthy eating lifestyle gives you confidence in your sobriety.
We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute reasons to stay sober for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers.
- One of my tips for staying sober is staying off of social media for an extended period of initial recovery time.
- After you’ve gotten clean, it’s essential that you understand how to stay sober—especially considering that relapse rates for substance abuse disorders are between 40-60%.
- The grips of drug and alcohol addiction can deny you from appreciating and seeing your self-worth.
- Staying sober can help alleviate insomnia and other sleep disturbances by allowing your body to naturally regulate its sleep-wake cycle.
How common is relapse?
Seven months had gone by, and the abusive monster I was on the streets with before messaged me on Facebook. If you despise writing, go another avenue, but find something new. An alternative to learning something new is volunteering. If your passion is service for others, providing those services can be your focused distraction. Another effective boundary recovery tool is writing letters to those you need to set boundaries with because they remain in your life.
- Avoiding these legal problems not only saves you from potential fines and incarceration but also protects your reputation and future opportunities.
- If so, you must stay sober so that you can be a positive role model to them.
- Today, we don’t have to become slaves to pain again.
- For some, a trigger may be spending time with a friend who doesn’t respect your sobriety.
- You no longer have to carry the guilt and remorse of ignoring or yelling at them.
Fostering Healthy Communication
Having a solid relapse prevention plan is a critical element for staying sober. In addition, the new sober you must identify triggers, recognize warning signs, and acknowledge your sober friends and support network. The amazing journey of recovery from drugs and alcohol is that it provides the perfect roadmap to building a better life. Each day brings a new opportunity to heal from drug and alcohol addiction and get sober. There are countless reasons to find help for substance abuse and many resources and services available to help you heal safely on the road to recovery. It’s common to go through ups and downs as you figure out your new sober lifestyle.
Stay in Touch With Support Groups
You have the power to stay sober, and the good news is that you don’t have to do it alone. There are hundreds of organizations (like SAMHSA) that provide support on your journey to recovery. Without the influence of substances, you have the opportunity to enjoy sober relationships while ending toxic relationships. You can form authentic relationships built on mutual respect, interests, and understanding rather than just who is willing or available to drink or use drugs with you.
A relapse is not a moral failing or a sign that you’ll never be able to get sober. Though staying free, clean, and sober long-term is the main goal, your immediate focus should be developing healthy coping mechanisms and habits. These mechanisms and habits will be different for each person, so it’s important to figure out what works for you.