Sue has worked in the addiction field with the Narconon network for three decades. She has developed and administered drug prevention programs worldwide and worked with numerous drug rehabilitation centers over the years. Sue is also a fine artist and painter, who enjoys traveling the world which continues to provide unlimited inspiration for her work. You can follow Sue on Twitter, or connect with her on LinkedIn. If you’re attending a party with heavy drinkers, you may want to slip out when the other guests show signs of inebriation.
What It Takes to Stay Sober Long Term
Going back to normal life when in recovery is a challenge that can potentially lead to relapse. But being prepared to deal with triggers and temptations can make the process easier. Returning to a regular environment and spending time with friends who drink is one of the challenges you might face. Outpatient behavioral treatment consists of a wide selection of programs for patients who visit a behavioral health counselor regularly. Most of the treatment programs involve personal counseling or support groups, or both. Celebrating the hard work you have done in recovery is a great way to remain motivated.
- This is a subreddit for people who are actively trying to be more of an adult.
- Licensed residential treatment facilities provide 24-hour structured and intensive treatment and care, including safe accommodation and medical assistance.
- Hosting holiday celebrations, getting involved in local events, pursuing personal goals and hobbies, and attending parties are all possible.
- A sunset, a pretty flower, a cool breeze, a walk through the park with children laughing in the distance.
How can I find sober-friendly events in my community?
If you like dancing, you’ll do it for hours when you’ve got some alcohol in you. If you don’t drink, it’s helpful if you can still keep up with these activities. You may have to grow a thick skin for long pub conversations, or develop the guts to dance sober. Or again, you can try your Alcoholics Anonymous best to avoid these situations.
Suggest Some Fun Activities
Addiction devours your time which is a factor in many people’s relapse. They get bored and wander back to what they “think” they’d rather be doing. Something simple like working at your local (walking distance) deli. You’ll save money on gas, potentially groceries, and keep yourself busy in a productive manner. This may mean that you don’t spend time with someone you used to use drugs with or go somewhere you used to drink. You might take a new way home from work, for example, to keep from going past your how to stay sober when everyone else is drinking favorite old hangout.
- Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous provide communal understanding and shared experiences, boosting recovery.
- For the most part I sat there pretty quietly just sipping some water, I just felt dumb.
- The more tools you have for identifying triggers, coping with stress, and managing your new sober life, the easier you’ll prevent relapse.
- Anger is a normal and natural emotion, but how you deal with it will make a difference in maintaining your recovery.
Such practices could include the use of drugs or alcohol to address the situation. Seeing commercials for alcohol and returning to places where drugs were commonly used in the past can all challenge a person’s sober conviction and be difficult to navigate. For some others, this can manifest as a reminder of past substance use or may romanticize a person’s previous alcohol or drug use. Dedicated detox programs and inpatient treatment can help navigate unforeseen challenges and provide medical, emotional, and educational support.
Find a Peer Support Group
However, sobriety gives me the ability to look at my life objectively, and see how full my life actually is. Sobriety has made it so much easier for me to fall asleep at night. I realize that when bad shit happens, its not the end of the world. I just get through the day, get to sleep without picking up, and start over the next day. Over time, and with hard work on myself, I have become much more comfortable in the present moment. I am not especially cursed with the hardships that life throws at me.
According to statistics, just over 80% of adults have reported having had one alcoholic drink in their lives. 56% of participants reported having had only one drink in the previous month. Start by writing down and making a list of all your triggers that you are aware of. These could be certain environments, places, activities sounds or even people.
- Socializing with sober friends is a great way to ward off loneliness, establish a connection and avoid triggers.
- Maybe you’ve taken time off from drinking in the past and the response was hardly enthusiastic.
- To make sure that you are not placed in this tempting situation, be sure to always bring along a good supply of non-alcoholic drinks.
- Being around friends who drink is one of the challenges and triggers you might face in everyday life that could lead back to alcoholism and addiction.
Men’s Mental Health Month – 8 Silent Signs You’re Not Okay—And What to Do About It
You’re putting your struggle into words and asking for help. Prayer is a way to speak openly and honestly and put into words what you’re feeling in the moment. Several smartphone apps offer ways to connect with others who are going through the same things you are. In addition to guidance and support, some of the apps also can help you get immediate help from your network or find a ride to a support group meeting. Organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous are other ways to build a support network. You can try different meetings for the different groups to find one that’s right for you.