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The alcohol is just removed at the end, keeping you buzz-free and well on your way to a healthier lifestyle. All recovering addicts have a journey that starts on day 1 and lasts for the rest of their lives. No two journeys will be the same, and no journey will be easy. The moment you just say screw it and throw in the towel and pick your substance back up will be the beginning of the end of your life. You don’t know what to do with your free time now that you’re sober, huh?
- This could be joining a new club, starting a new hobby, or engaging in recreational activities.
- Admitting that there’s a need for a change in your life can be one of the most challenging parts of getting sober.
For example, you can (and ought to) stay away from parties where you know alcohol will be present. Avoid spending time with friends or family members who sober house consume these substances, too. You might even need to look into moving to get away from roommates who might tempt you (intentionally or otherwise).
Questions About Addiction or Mental Health?
You can always reach out to the I Am Sober app community and receive some healthy support there as well. For many people who complete their stay at a rehabilitation center, therapy becomes part of the outpatient program. It's continual treatment to help you get better, continue checking in and isolate why you turned to alcohol in the first place and how to avoid triggers going forward. Therapy is a great (and safe) outlet to discuss your struggles honestly. Often times, when we start to feel the pull of liquor, calling us to a relapse, it's because we start thinking of the "good" times (which were bad times but with rose-tinted, tunnel vision). Instead, be present, look at the things around you and identify only facts.
Substance misuse can also affect your immune system and your digestive system. In the early days, I felt that it was my responsibility to answer the question, “How come you aren’t drinking? ” I didn’t understand I could decline to answer or that I didn’t have to make sense to everyone.
Things That Inevitably Happen to Your Personal Life When You Get Sober
It’s good to have a plan for how you’re going to manage urges when they happen. It also helps to proactively participate in activities that will reduce your stress and help you to be less reactive. Meditation, yoga, journaling, breathing exercises, and playing or listening to music are all great options to consider. The period of trying to attain and maintain sobriety can be a lonely one. Sobriety can be isolating, especially if a lot of your friends or family members consume alcohol and have no interest in giving up.
Studies have shown that gratitude can improve your mental wellbeing and actually help you make better decisions. It's important to remember that you're going to be craving alcohol to reward the short-term part of your brain, not the long term. Create some goals for yourself to remind yourself of what you're working towards.
Tips to Help You Stay Sober
When you're struggling to stay sober, meditation can help you refocus and bring a healthy stillness to you. It stops you from fidgeting or thinking of scenarios where you'd end up drinking. Stay calm, play some relaxing ambient noise, and be still.
- Many treatment providers offer suggestions to help you find the best fit for your recovery.
- The methods we suggest above may help a person feel and appear more alert, but they will not decrease blood alcohol levels in their body.
- Place them on their side instead of their back if they need to lie down.
