Some people may find that being sober is difficult, while others find it easier. The level of difficulty depends on several factors. A relapse, or reusing it after trying to quit smoking, can jeopardize your sobriety. The relapse rate for substance use disorders is estimated to range from 40 to 60%.
Staying sober is extremely difficult, making ongoing treatment vital to successful long-term recovery. Mental health is a lifelong journey, and you can't expect to “cure addiction” and transform into the most capable, happiest and most resilient person in a matter of months. If you don't take care of your mental health before, during, or after you're sober, you can expect your addiction to show its ugly head over and over again throughout your life. Contact our admissions staff at (22) 300-8470 to discuss our treatment programs or reach out online.
Control Your Recovery With These Self-Help Sobriety Tips. Even with the support of family and friends, staying sober is never easy. Recovery from alcohol or drug addiction is a lifelong process with many challenges along the way. Sometimes, it can feel like it's impossible to overcome difficult times, especially during important events such as Christmas or a friend's birthday.
Fortunately, there are strategies you can put in place to help you manage your sobriety. Our addiction treatment team at Priory Hospital Woking has put together practical advice to help make staying sober easier. If you're attracted to temptation, remember, it's possible to enjoy yourself while embracing a life of recovery. Take some of these tips and celebrate your life of sobriety, it's something you should be proud of.
There is no single solution to staying sober. What works for some won't work for others. The more strategies you have in place to recognize symptoms or potential triggers and treat them, the more prepared you will be to enjoy a sober life and avoid relapse. It's important to have a realistic attitude about the possibility of anxiety or conflict.
It's inevitable that you'll have difficult periods and higher levels of stress that can lead to greater temptation. The important thing is to plan for the need for support and the strategies you will adopt to come out stronger on the other side. Whether your triggers are stress, frustration, fear, anxiety, or depression, or they are environmental, such as being close to certain people and places, keep in mind. Get in touch with yourself emotionally and prioritize your self-care.
All your family, friends and fellowship partners want you to overcome any difficulty and stay clean, safe and sober, so let them help you. Keep in touch with people, whether by phone, video chat, or face to face. Make a list of ten people you can call, including your sponsor; keep your list with you at all times and try to chat with at least one person a day. Be selective about who accepts invitations—you'll know which social groups are appropriate and which aren't.
If you've said “yes” to something but then don't feel like it, it's OK to say you can't attend. Now you're sober and you're connecting with your instincts again, check with yourself and your peers, and go with that feeling. Especially in busy times like Christmas, your “to-do list” can get even longer and people seem to ask you for more, whether it's shopping, decorating or cooking. Set realistic expectations for yourself and others.
Don't be afraid to set healthy boundaries and, again, say no if it's the best thing for your well-being. A quick tip to help calm a stressful day: put things in perspective, count your blessings, and be thankful for what you have. Say thank you or simply pay a compliment to someone you know. Everything has a way of lifting the spirits of others, and your own in the process.
Any of the four pillars of H, A, L, T can lead you to take actions that you might regret later. If you feel that any of these triggers are occurring, lean on that support network and reduce symptoms. It'll quickly nip any issues in the bud, and before you know it, you'll get back on track. Take a break from social media with a digital detox.
When you're on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, it's easy to start comparing your life to that of others, which can quickly lead to depression and resentment. Empty your house of alcohol and harmful substances. When you're around friends and family for social events, it can sometimes feel like there's alcohol everywhere, so it's more important than ever to have a safe, substance-free place where you can shelter. Many groups have special meetings during the holidays to share their experience, strength and hope.
Check when meetings are taking place and make it a priority to go. It's amazing how much better you'll feel after meeting like-minded people who know exactly what you're going through. Make a regular plan that helps you cope each week or month. Organize your days and plan to spend time with friends and family who support your recovery.
If you're newly sober, discover new activities that are enjoyable to participate in without having to use addictive substances or use addictive behaviors. Buy a new board game, start playing a new sport, try a new restaurant or start a whole new tradition with your friends or family. If you are attending social gatherings, plan ahead and have your own non-alcoholic beverages. Have an exit plan in case you start to feel uncomfortable, especially if triggers are present.
Drive your car if you can, have taxi numbers if you can't, and tell people you may have to leave early. Remember, your well-being and safety are paramount. Don't consider any social pressure that may exist in the air. You don't have to stay in one place if you don't feel comfortable.
Above all, stay in the moment and live one day at a time. Don't worry about what happened or what could happen. Be proud of your achievements, enjoy today and celebrate your sobriety. The month of December is probably the most difficult period.
Staying sober is especially difficult during Christmas, as indulgence is encouraged in society at large and stress levels increase from all that shopping, cold weather, and socializing. Many of the above tips apply throughout the year, even during the holiday period, but there are other things you can do to make sure you stay abstinent during the toughest time of the year. If you've tried to introduce some of the tips above, but you're still struggling to stay sober, it may be time to seek additional professional support. Priory offers free addiction assessment at addiction hospitals and clinics across the UK.
From here, our dedicated and compassionate addiction experts can make treatment recommendations and other steps to help you get back on the road to recovery. Learn more about addiction treatment at Priory or contact our team using the details below and we can help you get your life back on track. Book a FREE confidential evaluation at your nearest Priory Hospital today. Priory aspires to provide the highest quality care in the UK through our range of services, including acute mental care, addiction treatment and low and medium security facilities.
This includes the information we publish on our website, which undergoes a thorough editorial process. Take 15-minute walks to decompress yourself But you don't need to be on a 12-step program to have a friend. Ask someone you respect if they can be your “favorite friend” in times of need. It's great if you can be someone successful in your own recovery program or a substance abuse coach, as they will be the most qualified to support you on your journey.
That said, it's also key to cultivate supportive relationships with close friends or family who can step in to support you at any time. Being sober for 28 days isn't always a successful recovery. A long-term outpatient therapy program can keep you firm in your determination while helping you become a stronger version of yourself. Some outpatient therapy programs also include training in practices that promote growth, such as mindfulness meditation.
In addition, while some outpatient programs only offer intensive schedules, others such as EXIS recovery also include more flexible scheduling,. It's very easy to become reluctant to therapy if you've been at several treatment centers over the course of sobriety. However, therapy remains that safe space that functions as a mirror of the self in the presence of a supportive person who cares about you. As such, therapy is the space to let go, relax and productively check in with yourself, in the presence of someone who has met you through your sobriety journey and who is still on your side.
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