Anger is a normal and natural emotion, but how you deal with it will make a difference in maintaining your recovery. However, research suggests that while 12-step groups are effective, people often don’t continue their involvement at beneficial levels over the long term. Being able to tune into yourself now that you have more clarity from your recovery is such a gift. Embrace your ability to avoid relapsing by listening to yourself and following along in what you learned during treatment. Managing triggers and temptations is the name of the game in sobriety.
- In social situations where people are drinking, you might feel more comfortable with a drink in your hand.
- Those who truly care about your health will be a vital part of your support network and won’t insist on taking you to environments that could risk you falling back into old behaviors.
- Attending an addiction treatment program is a life-changing opportunity.
- This means picking up the phone and calling someone just to say hi and ask how they’re doing, or beginning to take a walk every day.
But knowing what could prompt that urge can give you a place to start.
It’s not just your drinking buddies and drug dealers who can get you into trouble—sometimes those who are closest to you can contribute to a relapse. It is estimated that up to 80% of those who find long-term sobriety had at least one relapse along the way. Some people experience many setbacks before they find lasting recovery. Your intentions may be good, but it takes more than willpower to avoid having a relapse. This article discusses what sobriety means and describes strategies that can support your long-term recovery. It also covers tips on how to deal with the challenges you’ll face on your journey to sobriety.
Information is your best friend when starting your new sober life. We’ve put together some tips on how to stay sober and stay the course on your journey. Butch worked for one of the state’s first intensive outpatient programs in Jackson, TN and the Jackson Area Council on Alcoholism. During this time, he developed two pilot addiction programs in the Greater West Tennessee area. Butch also maintained a private practice, specializing in family of origin work and addiction populations.
Research shows that anxiety and boredom are the leading causes of relapse in early recovery, so you want to do what you can to avoid such situations. It will be easier to turn towards healthy behaviors rather than your old, addictive behaviors in bad times if you start to make this new stuff into habit. This means picking up the phone and calling someone just to say hi and ask how they’re doing, or beginning to take a walk every day. For me, the hardest part about early recovery was learning how to identify my own basic needs and tend to them.
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But if you’re not used to relaxing sober, free time can feel uncomfortable and make you antsy. Then, the first few weeks of sobriety are when relapse risk is highest. Detox can occur in a hospital setting or as the first part of inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation. Some studies find that this structure, along with a start date for sobriety and milestones, is important to some people in recovery.
Contact Cumberland Heights to learn more about the full continuum of care. People who are deeply addicted to drugs or alcohol do not spend a majority of their time on hobbies – their substance self-reported negative outcomes of psilocybin users use takes over their free time almost completely. Once drugs and alcohol have been removed from one’s daily life, there is a void that must be filled with fun, sober activities.
Tips on How to Stay Sober After Rehab
That’s why knowing how to stay sober post-rehab is absolutely critical. Maintaining sobriety after completing alcohol rehab can be challenging. However, with the right tools and strategies, one can successfully navigate through potential pitfalls and prevent relapse. Exploring creative outlets can also contribute positively to maintaining sobriety. Creative pursuits, such as painting, writing, music or photography, can be therapeutic and provide an opportunity for personal growth and self-expression. These activities allow the recovering addict to cope with emotions and develop new skills, promoting their self-esteem and overall well-being.
What matters most is that you find healthy coping skills you can turn to when you’re feeling down, as well as when you’re feeling good. Staying sober requires a person to analyze the reasons why they were using the substance, identify their personal triggers for relapse, and avoid falling into a pattern of use again. Triggers for using drugs and alcohol typically are people, places, and things that remind you of your addictive behavior or encourage the use of substances you’re avoiding. Sobriety can be a fixed-term goal like staying sober for a set period (such as Dry January), or a lifelong goal of staying sober from all substances. Long-term recovery is a continuous process that requires ongoing work and commitment. Remember that recovery is possible, and with the right tools and support, you can achieve long-term sobriety.
Stay Cool and Calm
You’ll feel better about yourself, gain improved mental clarity, and develop a more positive outlook. Developing a structured routine can help a person stick to their sobriety goals, make healthy decisions, and reduce the likelihood of triggers and relapse. Establishing a routine with regular sleep and support group attendance can reduce stress and help you stay sober. There are common setbacks to getting and staying sober like withdrawal, craving, and pressure to use.
Support For Friends And Family
Continuing treatment and therapy are essential for staying sober after rehab. Outpatient programs, family therapy, and mental health support can all play a role in ongoing recovery. It is important to find the right treatment and support for your individual needs.
Asking for help shows that you have courage and strength and that your success is important to you. You can reach out to a professional or to a family member or friend that you trust. By Michelle PugleMichelle Pugle, MA, MHFA is a freelance health writer as seen in Healthline, Health, Everyday Health, Psych Central, and Verywell.
And stay in touch with your sponsor and call them if you’re feeling anxious or uncomfortable. Here are three great tips for staying sober after rehab that balances everything is mdma addictive that was wonderful about the old you with the new you. Long-term lifestyle changes that focus on overall health and wellness have proven benefits for people in recovery.
Mastin is affiliated with the United Methodist Church where she serves many roles and sits on the board. She’s also on the regional board of directors at the Center for Youth Ministry Training where they find new ways to minister to young people. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Tennessee.
Family therapy is an important aspect of continuing treatment after rehab. It can help patients and their loved ones to rebuild relationships and work through any issues that may have contributed to addiction. Family therapy can also help to address any codependency issues and provide support for those who are struggling with addiction. Joining a support group can be a great way to stay sober after rehab.
