Sober people have amassed knowledge about their recovery and ways to reduce temptation and avoid relapse. They typically have support systems in place, like private therapy, support groups, outpatient treatment programs, or a mentor to whom they can turn for advice and support. Both sobriety and being clean involve a commitment to personal growth and often require the support of a community, such as 12-step programs, counseling, or peer support groups. They both represent a significant achievement in recovery and a dedication to maintaining that progress over time. Oftentimes clean and sober are used to describe the experience of someone who has been using addictive substances like drugs and alcohol, and is no longer using them.
Maintain Ongoing Professional Support
Of course, changing the behaviors of others is often an impossibility, but there are a few things you can do to prepare yourself ahead of time. Podcasts can be an invaluable part of your sobriety toolkit, bringing a wealth of knowledge, support, and companionship right into your ears. They transform solitary moments into opportunities for connection and growth, providing access to a world where experience and empathy speak directly to you. Thousands of other people are going through the exact same thing you are. Connect with others that have the same addiction, and at the same point in their sobriety. So I stopped, drank some water, and got back into the workout.
Strategies and Coping Skills for Staying Sober
People in recovery can experience a lot of shame simply for having become addicted in the first place. Anger is a normal and natural emotion, but how you deal with it will make a difference in maintaining your recovery. Hosted by therapist Amy Morin, LCSW, this episode of The Verywell Mind Podcast shares how to avoid repeating mistakes and build better habits. If PAWS is severe or if you’re experiencing prolonged symptoms, a medical professional can help you work through them and remain in recovery without relapse. Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) involves withdrawal symptoms that persist past the detox period. Such symptoms are often related to mood and may include irritability, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and fatigue.
Staying Sober: 13 Strategies
If you feel yourself struggling consistently each day, then check yourself back into a treatment center. If you’ve returned from rehab and picked back up at your old job, similar to living in your former home and friends, you run the risk of a relapse. Returning to a routine you’re familiar with — when you were engaged in alcohol — isn’t healthy. Obviouosly, you don’t want to put yourself in financial danger, but if your job was a factor in your drinking, then you need to put your needs first. To prevent a relapse, one of the best things you can marijuana addiction do is manage your time wisely. Again, there’s a lot of hours in the day and you will feel each hour tick by at a snail’s pace, especially when cravings occur.
Physical Health Monitoring
Remind yourself why you quit and how much pain substance use caused. Helping others builds meaning and keeps you accountable. Find a way to serve someone, whether it is someone else in recovery who needs support or people in the community that you can serve through volunteering opportunities. It is also important to treat co-occurring disorders. Most providers will offer different modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy and trauma therapy to address these issues such as anxiety or depression.
REHAB ISOLATES THE ADDICT
So choose which one you’ll honestly commit to and benefit from using. Seven months had gone by, and the abusive monster I was on the streets with before messaged me on Facebook. Replacing a negative behavior such as substance abuse with a positive behavior gives you a better chance at success. I attribute a huge part of my first year of sobriety to blogging. I am a writer, and I found a platform to share my message.
- As such, the decision to become sober is both admirable and courageous, yet it’s also extremely difficult to do without the assistance of a professional team.
- This approach can help you navigate the challenges of sobriety without falling into self-criticism or shame.
- Relapse can happen due to stress, triggers, or unresolved emotional issues, but with the right support and coping strategies, it’s possible to get back on track.
- The worksheets are formatted in standard 8.5 x 11 inches (A4 size), perfect for use in binders, journals, or standalone sheets.
Practice these techniques regularly, not just when cravings hit. This builds the skill so it’s available when you need it most. Gradually increase your activity level as you build strength and stamina. Contact me today to discuss how we can work together to help you with roadblocks in your recovery. The longer someone remains substance-free, self-defeating behaviors will show up less and less. I haven’t met too many people who go into treatment https://ecosober.com/ because they want to.
- And stay in touch with your sponsor and call them if you’re feeling anxious or uncomfortable.
- Acknowledge exhaustion and admit when you need help, more rest, or other support on your journey.
- Getting sober is a sprint, staying sober is like running a marathon without a finish line.
- When something is wrong with you and you don’t understand it, it’s infinitely more scary.
- The cost of alcohol adds up quickly, financial savings are one of the most tangible benefits of staying sober.
- Goal setting is something that you need to immediately begin doing if it’s not already a practice in your everyday life.
Recovery often requires professional assistance for identifying and healing from your underlying conditions. Getting clean is one thing; staying sober is another. 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.
- That was an entire county for me, but I’ve remained heroin free for over eight years.
- Everyone is familiar with the saying “clean and sober”, believing them to be one and the same.
- It provides healthy ways to spend time previously devoted to substance use.
- They can sleep off a hangover and spending much time hiding their pills, drugs, or bottles.
- Quitting drinking is possible and truly worth it—begin your journey towards a life where freedom and joy await you.
Find Healthy Alternatives to Substance Use
There isn’t an active addict around that doesn’t eventually look and feel like crap most of the time. Addiction can take its toll on your physical and mental health. Active addicts often look old and haggard, no matter what their age. But you’re afraid that you won’t be able to be happy without the help of the drugs or alcohol or won’t be able to cope.