Staying sober has many challenges. You constantly have to watch yourself and set boundaries to protect your sobriety.
You worry about stumbling and somehow ending up in the situation you’re trying to avoid. Addiction is a powerful force and one stumble can end up taking control of your life.
There are ways to lift the challenge, improve your life and stay productive all while abstaining from drug use. Read on for four tips on how to stay sober.
1. Understand and Avoid Your Triggers
If you’re living a sober life, it’s important to understand your triggers. What are the things that make you want to drink? For some people, it might be certain people, places, or things.
For others, it might be certain emotions, like sadness, anger, or anxiety. Once you know your triggers, you can start to work on avoiding them or finding other ways to deal with them.
Avoid people, places, and things that trigger your urge to drink. If you can’t avoid them entirely, try to limit your exposure to them. If you know that going to bars or being around certain people will make it harder for you to stay sober, do your best to avoid those situations.
2. Find New Hobbies and Activities
Stay active. Keeping yourself busy can help you avoid thinking about drinking and can help you in staying sober.
Find new hobbies and activities to replace drinking. Doing things that make you feel good and help you stay occupied can make it easier to stay away from alcohol.
Some sober people find that they enjoy things like exercise, painting, or gardening. Or you can also celebrate your small victories by rewarding yourself with AA jewelry and letting others (and yourself) know about the journey you’ve gone through.
Find other ways to cope with your triggers. If you’re triggered by emotions, try to find healthy ways to deal with them, like talking to a friend, going for a walk, or writing in a journal.
3. Find a Support System
Get support from family. Talk to your friends and family about your decision in living a sober life, and ask for their support. There are also many sober support groups you can join.
Many different types of support groups are available, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, SMART Recovery, and Secular Organizations for Sobriety. Joining a group can provide you with a sense of community and support, and may help to prevent you from relapsing.
Create a sober social network. This can involve finding new friends who don’t drink or reconnecting with old friends who you haven’t seen since you started drinking. Having sober friends can help to keep you accountable, and may make it easier to resist the temptation to drink.
4. Seek Professional Help
If you’re struggling with sobriety, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. There are many resources available to help you overcome addiction and build a healthy, sober life.
Talk to your doctor about your options for treatment and recovery. Seek professional counseling or therapy to help you address the underlying causes of your addiction.
Follow These Tips on How To Stay Sober
If you’re struggling with sobriety, know that you’re not alone, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help on how to stay sober. There are many resources and people who can help you through this difficult time.
By following these tips, you can take the first steps toward a healthier, sober lifestyle. If you’re ready to make a change, seek out the resources and support you need to achieve your goals.
Check out our other helpful articles before you go.
