Rehabilitation is the first step towards a life free from the grip of addiction, but the journey to sobriety doesn’t end there. Staying sober after rehab requires a lifetime commitment to recovery. The thought of permanently committing to a sober lifestyle can be overwhelming, but with dedication and consistency, you’ll find that the power of triggers and temptations gradually decreases over time.
Regaining control over your actions and decisions is made possible through the healthy coping skills you can learn. This is because they provide alternative behaviors that will help you to deal with the ups and downs that will come with recovery.
Before you know it, you’ll begin to see sobriety as a natural choice that keeps you happy and healthy. With the help of effective tools and strategies, individuals can take control of their lives and maintain sobriety in the long term. Let’s explore some practical tips and approaches to help you stay sober after rehab and build a fulfilling life free from addiction.
What is Sobriety?
Sobriety is a state of being free from the effects of drugs or alcohol. It involves a significant lifestyle change that requires focusing on personal growth and recovery by not consuming drugs and alcohol. It’s essential to note that there’s a difference between abstinence and recovery.
Abstinence refers to stopping drug or alcohol use, while recovery implies that you are actively working with a program to recover, such as attending support group meetings.
How to Get Sober and Stay Sober
Getting sober can be a challenging and overwhelming process, especially if you have no idea where to start. However, it’s important to remember that with the right support, connections, and resources, recovery is possible. Let’s take a look at the first steps to getting sober and some practical tips to help you maintain your sobriety in the long term.
First Steps to Getting Sober
Seeking professional help, ideally in the form of inpatient treatment that provides a safe and structured environment for detoxification, should be the first step in the process of becoming sober. This is because substances such as alcohol and benzodiazepines require medical detox due to the severity of the withdrawal symptoms which can be severe and even fatal. Guests receive individualized care during inpatient treatment, which includes therapy and counseling to address the underlying issues that led to addiction.
Following inpatient treatment, it is highly recommended to continue with outpatient therapy and support groups. Creating a structured daily routine, cultivating a community of supportive friends and family, and practicing self-care are all important aspects of long-term sobriety. Individuals can improve their chances of getting sober and staying sober for the long term by remaining dedicated to the recovery process and utilizing available resources.
Tips to Get Sober
The journey to sobriety can be challenging, but with the right tools and support, it is achievable.
Here are some tips to help individuals get sober:
- Seek professional help: Professionals can provide the necessary support and care to help individuals safely and effectively detox from drugs or alcohol.
- Find a support system: Join one of the many support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous, Celebrate Recovery, Recovery Dharma, or Wellbriety to connect with individuals who have gone through similar experiences and can offer support and encouragement. It is also important to remember that many of these meetings can be found online if transportation is a challenge.
- Identify triggers: Identify the people, places, and situations that may trigger the urge to use drugs or alcohol and develop a plan to avoid or cope with these triggers. Connect with a network of individuals that you can talk to no matter what the time to help when you feel the urge to use.
- Create a healthy routine: Developing a routine that includes regular exercise, healthy eating, and sufficient sleep can help individuals feel better physically and mentally, overall increasing their quality of life and contributing to sobriety. Remember that if you are taking medication be consistent and compliant with medications.
- Set achievable goals: Setting short-term and achievable goals can provide a sense of purpose and direction toward a fulfilling life free from addiction.
Can You Get Sober on Your Own?
Trying to get sober without professional help significantly reduces the chances of success, and there’s a high risk of relapse. This is why at Royal Life Centers we offer the necessary resources and expertise to guarantee your success. Our programs have been designed to provide the support and care needed to overcome addiction and achieve a successful recovery. Our team of dedicated medical professionals is here to help our guests every step of the way, so you do not have to do it alone.
How to Stay Sober
Staying sober requires a similar approach to getting sober, which involves getting yourself on board, establishing structure, accountability, community, and support. Being surrounded by like-minded individuals who are also committed to sobriety can provide a sense of belonging and motivation to maintain your sober lifestyle.
To stay sober, it’s essential to continue therapy and counseling to address any underlying issues that may trigger a relapse. Developing healthy coping mechanisms, such as exercise, meditation, or creative outlets, can also be effective in managing stress and avoiding triggers. Building a strong support system and practicing self-care can help ensure long-term success in maintaining sobriety.
Tips for Staying Sober
Staying sober requires ongoing commitment and dedication. Here are some tips to help you stay on track and avoid relapse.
Recreate the Environment That Allowed You to Get Sober
Recalling the environment and habits that helped you get sober and recreating them is a powerful tool in maintaining your sobriety. Think about the people, places, and activities that supported your recovery during treatment, and try to incorporate them into your daily life. For example, if attending support group meetings or therapy sessions was helpful for you, continue to attend those meetings regularly. There are many different support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA). With that being said, there are also support groups tailored to specific groups of individuals.
For instance, Wellbriety provides culturally-based support groups for Native Americans in recovery. Likewise, Recovery Dharma uses Buddhist practices and principles to help individuals recover from addiction. While AA and NA have distanced themselves from the Christian concept of a higher power to allow for more inclusivity, Celebrate Recovery provides Christ-centered meetings for individuals looking to heal through their Christian faith.
Similarly, if exercise or meditation helped you relieve stress and stay centered, make it a priority to incorporate those activities into your routine.
Recreating the environment that allowed you to get sober can help you maintain the same sense of stability and structure that helped you initially. It can also remind you of the progress you’ve made in your recovery and reinforce your commitment to staying sober.
Ask for Help to Stay Accountable
Accountability is an essential part of maintaining sobriety. It’s easy to slip back into old habits without someone to hold you accountable for your actions. To stay on track, consider asking a trusted friend, family member, or mentor to help keep you accountable. This can be as simple as having a regular check-in to discuss your progress and any challenges you may be facing. Accountability partners can also help you identify triggers and offer support when you need it. By creating a support system, you’ll have a better chance of maintaining your sobriety and avoiding relapse.
Stay Busy
Staying busy and engaged in healthy activities can be a crucial component of staying sober. It not only keeps your mind occupied but also provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment. Exercise, for example, can release endorphins that promote feelings of happiness and well-being, which can be helpful during recovery. Engaging in hobbies or learning new skills can also provide a sense of accomplishment and help you build self-confidence.
Volunteering or engaging in community service can give you a sense of purpose and a feeling of contributing to society, which can be incredibly rewarding. Additionally, having a structured routine that includes activities and commitments can help you avoid boredom or idle time, which can be dangerous during recovery. Overall, staying busy can help you maintain a positive outlook and keep you focused on your recovery journey.
Don’t Be Sober Alone
Being sober on one’s own can be difficult and isolating, which is why a supportive community is essential for long-term sobriety. Your community can be made up of like-minded people who understand the importance of your recovery program. For this reason, these people can offer support and encouragement during difficult times.
It is critical to avoid spending time with friends who continue to drink or use drugs, as this can trigger cravings and increase the risk of relapse. Sober activities, such as support group meetings or recreational activities with other sober people, can help you build a sense of community while also providing a safe and supportive environment. It’s also essential to share your recovery journey with loved ones and trusted friends, as they can offer additional support and hold you accountable.
Hope for the Best, Plan for the Worst
When you’re in recovery, it’s important to acknowledge that relapse is a possibility. That’s why it’s crucial to have a relapse prevention plan in place. In general, relapse prevention planning helps you identify past unhealthy behaviors and situations that could put your sobriety in jeopardy. Then, you come up with healthier alternative behaviors and situations that will help you maintain your sobriety.
For this reason, your plan acts as your very own manual on how to cope with triggers. As you outline the situations that may trigger you to drink or use drugs, you also brainstorm strategies to manage your emotions.
Typically, relapse prevention plans include:
- Triggers and cravings
- Unhealthy situations to avoid
- Positive activities to engage in
- Healthy coping tools
- Supportive people you can call
- Meetings you can attend
By being prepared, you know what unhealthy situations you should avoid, and what healthy situations you should seek out. Having a solid plan in place also increases your chances of maintaining sobriety and living a fulfilling life in recovery.
If you know that attending a party with alcohol will trigger you, you can plan ways to protect yourself. For example, you can invite a sober friend or have an escape plan in case the temptation becomes too strong. By planning ahead, you reduce the chances of being triggered. In addition, surrounding yourself with people who are rooting for your success in recovery can help you stay on track.
How to Handle Triggers
Learning to navigate your new sober life is a significant part of maintaining sobriety. With time, you’ll start to see positive changes in your self-worth, self-esteem, and overall reliability as a friend and individual. However, even with the best intentions, triggering situations may arise. For this reason, it is crucial to have a plan in place to handle them.
One effective approach is to prepare for the worst-case scenario, even if it never occurs or happens differently than anticipated. This is a form of relapse prevention that uses mindfulness tools to minimize your exposure to triggers. By thinking through potential triggering situations and developing coping strategies. After you can be better equipped to manage them if they come up—while staying committed to a sober life.
How to Stay Sober at a Party
It’s important to remember that just because you’re sober, it doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. It is possible to attend social gatherings or events in recovery. One approach is to learn to do things differently by finding non-alcoholic alternatives, such as drinking club soda or juice. Another option is to be a designated driver.
As a designated driver, you can keep yourself accountable while also helping others stay safe. It’s easier to make these choices when you’ve been working on yourself and have your values and goals clearly defined. Finding ways to enjoy social situations without alcohol is possible. By prioritizing your sobriety, you have fun while staying on the path toward lasting recovery.
Learn to Say No
It is important to remember that saying no is not a sign of weakness. Instead, it’s a sign of strength and commitment to your recovery. It may feel uncomfortable or awkward at first, but it is essential to set boundaries and prioritize your well-being. While saying no to alcohol or drugs can be difficult, you are making positive choices for yourself and your future.
People who care about you will respect your decision to say no to drugs. It may take time for people to adjust, but ultimately, they will support your choice. In the end, true friends will help you to prioritize your sobriety if they have the best intentions for you. Learning to say no can also help you build stronger relationships. This is because it allows for open and honest communication about your needs. So don’t be afraid to say no—it is a powerful tool for maintaining your sobriety and overall well-being.
The Best Way to Stay Sober
Staying sober can be a challenging but rewarding journey, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to maintaining sobriety. However, some best practices can help you stay on track. The first and most important is to be authentic. Be true to yourself and your values. Don’t be afraid to stand up for what you believe in, including your commitment to sobriety. This means saying no to situations that might trigger you to use drugs, even if it feels uncomfortable at first.
Another crucial aspect of staying sober is keeping good company. Surround yourself with supportive, like-minded individuals who understand and respect your journey toward sobriety. These people can provide a strong sense of community and accountability, which are essential for long-term sobriety. Additionally, remind yourself of your goals often and take things one day at a time. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem, and use setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow. By keeping these tips in mind during your recovery, you can lead a fulfilling life free from addiction.
Reach Out
If you’re wondering how to stay sober, Royal Life Centers is here to help at each level of recovery. We understand that staying sober is not always easy and requires hard work, dedication, and a strong support system. At Royal Life Centers, we provide you with the resources and guidance necessary to achieve your goals.
Our team of addiction specialists and support staff is here to provide support and accountability every step of the way. We offer individualized treatment plans tailored to each individual to reach their goals for recovery. Our programs utilize a variety of evidence-based therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). In addition, we offer relapse prevention groups, aftercare planning services, mental health counseling, and ongoing addiction treatment services to help you stay sober. With support, motivation, and accountability, we are confident that you can overcome any challenges that come your way. Reach out today to learn more about our services and start the journey toward lasting sobriety!
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to us at (877)-RECOVERY. Our team of addiction specialists makes themselves available to take your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Because We Care.
