One common mistake for those who are new to alcohol and drug recovery is substituting a new compulsive behavior for their old one. People new to recovery can find themselves approaching their new diet, exercise program, job, and even participation in support groups with a compulsion that echoes addiction. Many people who misuse alcohol or drugs have trouble dealing with anger.
Avoid Old Habits and Toxic Relationships
I was stressed out all of the time and had no healthy coping mechanisms for that stress. Identifying and avoiding the people, places, and things that trigger you is going to help you stay sober. During the initial stages, you may be surprised by what triggers you. For example, the elastic sports headbands were something I used to tie off. However, I’d argue scheduling a wake-up time, bedtime, exercise, healthy meal times, prayer, and self-care windows are pertinent to everyone.
- Did you know that performing random acts of kindness boosts your mental health?
- Unfortunately, there’s no quick fix for getting sober.
- That’s not what strong friendships are built on.
- Now that you are sober, you may have discovered that some of your past relationships were not only unhealthy but downright toxic.
- John C. Umhau, MD, MPH, CPE is board-certified in addiction medicine and preventative medicine.
- Communicate your needs clearly and respectfully.
Get High (On Exercise)
Now, I must say that I’ve experienced this high, and before I got to that perfect spot, I felt like I was going to throw up. However, I prefer a once-a-week journal entry using gratitude journaling prompts. This practice centers my focus on the act of appreciation.
What Does Sobriety Mean?
If you need extra support on your recovery journey, we can help. The holidays can bring out a whole host of feelings, some of which can be difficult to navigate—stress, loneliness, and even the pressure to overindulge. But tips to stay sober this time of year can also be a great time to reflect and remember why you started your recovery journey. Reconnect with your motivations, acknowledge your achievements, and stay focused on building the future you deserve. Cravings are a natural part of recovery and can completely catch you off guard. Developing healthy coping mechanisms to manage these urges is critical for successful sobriety.
Returning back to your old stomping grounds is one of the fastest ways to relapse. You need to get out of your old space, routine and mindset. One of the most efficient ways to do that is simply by moving. Personal growth through education or career development can significantly support long-term sobriety. It builds self-esteem, provides purpose, and creates new opportunities.
Did you know that performing random acts of kindness boosts your mental health? People with mental illness experience great benefits from being charitable. Random acts of kindness have several positive benefits, including increased feelings of self-worth and reduced anxiety and depression. For example, taking a hot bath with bubbles or salts is a form of my self-care. So first, define what self-care means to your physical, mental, and spiritual needs. Then, practice those acts of self-care for support with staying sober.
Drinking is the solution to boredom, frustration, sadness, and extreme happiness. Sadly, a familiar scene around places that house many of these meetings is grim. I remember when I first attended NA; there were connections in the parking lot — waiting and banking — on you to fail.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) combines behavioral therapy with medications to treat substance use disorders.
- Addiction then starts to serve as an effective short-term remedy for this, but an increasingly deleterious long-term, creating another serious problem.
- Have some sober friends you can invite as your plus-one to a social event like a party or wedding.
Make sure that the recovery hour is a top priority. Furthermore, there isn’t a one-hour limit to recovery in your daily routine. However, it would help if you spent at least an hour focusing on what healing is for you. If you relate and these are all new practices, then commit to five things and introduce the others once these have become habits. Having a daily routine in recovery is necessary because it prioritizes your sobriety.
Create a Relapse Prevention Plan
You’ll save money on gas, potentially groceries, and keep yourself busy in a productive manner. Support groups are a cornerstone of long-term sobriety. They provide a safe space to share experiences, learn from others, and gain emotional support.
Step 3: Find the Right Treatment Program
If you can’t or don’t want to do this, seek professional counseling and encourage your loved one to do so too. Routines have many benefits, as many people find comfort in them. A consistent daily and weekly routine filled with things that improve your well-being can help you avoid relapse. One of the most important things you can do to achieve sobriety is to recognize what triggers your drinking or drug use.