Staying Sober 20 Simple Tips to Stay Sober
Other definitions of staying sober are less strict. If you can’t avoid a trigger, have a plan in place. Develop coping skills to help you avoid drinking or using drugs in response. Your therapist can help you formulate healthy coping mechanisms that don’t involve a chemical crutch. You just need the willpower and commitment to execute these strategies when you’re tempted to drink or use drugs. You’ll likely have to change your sleep habits by doing things like limiting screen time or not drinking before bedtime.
You don’t need to have had a relapse to return. 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.
Relapse Prevention Plan
You begin to feel better, and your gut health and natural energy level improve. Also, focusing your time and energy on something healthy distracts you from being unhealthy. During the initial stages of recovery, I recommend staying off of social media. I stayed off of mine for several months in rehab. If so, then you’re aware of the capability you already possess. People in active addiction completely abandon self-care and often have low self-esteem.
If you don’t know the person well, simply saying you have to get up early the next morning or you quit for health reasons should be enough. But for most people, staying sober isn’t that straightforward. The more strategies tips to stay sober you learn to identify triggers, cope with stress, and manage your new sober life, the easier it is to prevent relapse. Figuring out how to stay sober from alcohol often means expanding your social circle.
Establish Your Relapse Prevention Plan
Healthy relationships are valuable when you want to remain sober. If you start feeling triggered to use or drink, you can reach out to people who care about you. Getting exercise doesn’t have to be a burden either. This might just mean going for a light hike (getting out into nature can help a lot with staying sober too, especially if it’s as part of a hobby you used to enjoy). By creating a sober living environment, you’re setting yourself up for success and making it easier to maintain your sobriety.
