The road to sobriety is never easy, but with the right mindset and some helpful tools, it is possible. So if you or someone you care about have been struggling to stay sober, here are ten ways to ensure that your journey to sobriety is successful in the long term.
1. Find A Support Network
Make sure that you are surrounded by positive people who will motivate and encourage you while you work through your recovery journey. Connecting regularly with supportive friends, family members, and professionals can help keep you accountable and on track with your sobriety plan.
According to Gatehouse Alcohol Rehab, a support system made up of friends, family, and professional treatment specialist is integral to any rehab program.
2. Draw Up A Plan For Aftercare
If you need to identify possible triggers that could lead you back into active addiction, you need an aftercare plan.
With the help of trained medical professionals, you can develop a customized set of strategies to cope. This might include connecting with sober friends, participating in 12-step meetings, or attending therapy.
3. Lead A Healthy Life
Getting enough exercise, making sure to sleep properly, and eating a balanced diet are all vital components when it comes to maintaining your sobriety.
Additionally, you should avoid caffeine and nicotine, to really keep your body free of any addictive substances that can disrupt your sobriety goals.
4. Avoid Tempting Situations
Of course, at many social events, the temptation is everywhere so it can be stressful to stick to sober socializing.
To lower your exposure to these kinds of triggers, avoid people or places that will make it more challenging for you to stick to your sobriety goals.
5. Re-word Your Negative Ideas
Unhealthy thinking habits can be incredibly detrimental to sobriety, especially all-or-nothing thinking.
By replacing these kinds of thoughts with positive affirmations and reframing them, you will find it easier to maintain your sobriety goals.
6. Practice Self-care
Mindfulness, expressing gratitude for things in life that bring joy, and engaging in some creative outlets like painting or music are excellent ways to improve your overall well-being and combat those negative feelings.
7. Follow Your Prescriptions
If your doctor or medical carer has prescribed any medications for your treatment, it is important to take this exactly as advised.
If you deviate from your doctor’s directions, it could disrupt sobriety plans and even reduce the effectiveness of your meds.
8. Get in Touch With Nature
Good old-fashioned sunlight and fresh air are powerful tools for stress management. In fact, spending time outdoors has been linked to increased well being and general happiness, both of which can help you with your sobriety.
9. Get A Coach or Mentor
It can be incredibly beneficial for you to have someone dedicated to helping you stay on track with your recovery. A sober coach is a trained professional that provides you with guidance and support in order to reduce the risk of relapse.
10. Be On The Lookout For Help
There are several resources available for anyone that needs to get sober. This includes free lectures or workshops, online support groups, or even one-on-one counseling sessions with a specialist or addiction treatment professional.
In Conclusion
Maintaining your sobriety is a long-term commitment. It requires patience and dedication. However, by following these tips and engaging in self-care activities, you will be more successful in reaching your sobriety goals.
No one should have to face addiction alone; there are resources out there to help make recovery possible.
