Getting sober is a difficult battle, and staying sober can be even more challenging. However, there are around 22 million Americans who live in recovery every day.
You're not alone! There are hundreds of thousands of people who struggle with addiction. The process of getting sober takes time, but we are here to help.
This article will give you seven tips to help you not only get sober but stay sober. Continue reading to take the first step towards sobriety.
1. Reach Out
This first step is going to be one of the hardest. Asking for help isn't something that always comes naturally. However, you can go through the recovery process alone.
It's important to be selective when you're choosing who to reach out to first. A friend or family member can be a great start. You'll want to ensure they won't judge you, but will also be able to give you the truth and tough love.
If you don't feel comfortable talking to someone you know about your addiction, talk to a professional. This can be a great option even if you do have a loved one's support.
Someone who is trained and certified in addiction will be able to give you more resources and better help than a family member. Reaching out to a professional will also ensure you get into the right treatment program.
2. Find a Treatment Program
Everyone's addiction is different, and your recovery needs may differ from someone else's. There isn't one treatment plan that works for everyone.
That's why working with a professional can be beneficial. They will get you set up in a program that best fits your needs or even make a custom plan.
When you're looking for drug and alcohol treatment programs, be sure it's produced positive results in the past. The plan should be based on research and backed by scientific evidence.
It can take some time to feel comfortable talking to your provider. The program will only be effective if you allow yourself to be vulnerable. If over time, you still don't connect with your provider, you can switch and work with someone else.
3. Identify Your Triggers
Once you're in recovery, it's crucial that you know what triggers you. Identifying these things will help you stay sober. Is there a certain place or specific people that you associate with your addiction? If so, you'll want to avoid them.
Other triggers may be stress, financial issues, or relationship problems. When you've identified all your triggers, you can sit down and make a plan.
This could include how to avoid stressful situations or creating a budget. Having a plan of action will reduce the risk of falling into temptation.
4. Stay in Therapy
Therapy is a helpful tool that is helpful even after you're sober. There are different types, and it may take a little time to figure out which one works best for you.
It may be a combination of a few. Therapy will continue to give you the tools you need to stay sober and actively fight addiction.
Family therapy is a great option if relationship struggles are one of your triggers or if your addiction has hurt some of your loved ones. It can be a great way to teach your family how to help you, too.
You may not have a huge support system and that's okay. Interpersonal Therapy can help you build new relationships while in recovery and teach you how to support others who are dealing with similar struggles.
5. Build a Support System
While you're getting sober, a support system can make a big difference. Surrounding yourself with people who love and care about you will make the process easier, but it will also keep you accountable.
Even if you don't have a lot of family around you, you can still build a system through people in your community. If you aren't sure where to start, talk to your therapist or treatment provider. They may be able to get you set up with some outside resources.
6. Stick With a Schedule
Having a schedule and an organized life can help a recovering addict. A routine is going to help you reach your goals in your relationships, your professional career, and in recovery.
Setting other goals that aren't related to your sobriety and creating a schedule to help you reach those goals will help you stay sober. It will keep you busy and give you other positive things to focus on.
Having a set schedule will help you prioritize all aspects of your life. Your physical, mental, and psychological needs will all be addressed when you have a schedule to follow and you stick with it. Sticking with a schedule will also help you stay away and avoid triggers.
7. Celebrate Milestones
Celebrating milestones is a must, no matter how small they may seem. These movements are crucial and will act as encouragement and motivation to keep going.
When you're celebrating these moments, it's important to remember to stay away from your triggers and focus on new experiences.
A Guide to Getting Sober
Life can look a lot for a recovering alcoholic and it can take some time to get used to your new life. The recovery process isn't an easy one, but it will be worth it.
Don't wait any longer to reach out for support as you start your journey to getting sober. Our site has more articles full of tips and tricks about creating a healthy lifestyle. Keep browsing for more!
