People who are addicted to a certain substance usually find it hard to stop using the substance. Whether it’s alcohol, drugs or any other substance, they find it difficult to stop, come out and get help. Relapses are quite common for people new to recovery but it’s the step that one takes to avoid it that matters. Sobriety means that you have to stay clean without being under the influence of the substance. Here are 10 tips to living a sober life and developing the right coping habits.
Table of Contents
1. Identify triggers
For you to stay sober, you need to understand your external triggers which can either be situations, people, places or things. Internal triggers include feelings, thoughts, or emotions.
Once you know your triggers, try and avoid them.
2. Get support
It can be difficult to meet and make new, sober friends, especially if you are just from rehab. Join a support group and spend more time with people that will support you on your road to sobriety. Get involved in group activities that will help develop a healthier lifestyle. You can also get in touch with a therapist. Find out more on how to stop drinking, learn new coping skills and develop new thinking patterns.
3. Create new habits
Find a hobby and engage in habits that will uplift you and help you to stay sober. These can include hobbies, like attending movie shows or going out for events and dinners in healthy environments. Engaging with people and fulfilling activities is emotionally healthy and motivates you to want to be better.
4. Practice healthy living
Consider your diet, physical and emotional health and self-care while in recovery. You can also include exercising, activities and hobbies in your daily schedule.
5. Avoid harmful places
Minimise any form of negativity in your life by avoiding the places that got you addicted. Stop hanging around places that can trigger a relapse.
6. Find a sober buddy
Find someone who has been in the same situation who is determined to stay sober. Their friendship will help reduce feelings of isolation, help you relate to what you’re going through and allow you to interact socially as you get sober. It will also help build your resilience.
7. Leave bad company and develop healthy relationships
Toxic and unhealthy relationships might be the ones enabling your addiction. Rehab gives you a chance to examine your relationships enabling you to determine which relationships are worth keeping. If you had a group of friends you engaged with, try and avoid their company. Keeping these toxic relationships can damage your road to recovery.
8. Set up a manageable routine
Work on your lifestyle and ensure that it does not hinder your recovery. Set up your daily and weekly routines and strictly follow them. This will enable you to maintain sobriety and achieve goals in your life.
9. Acknowledge your past mistakes
The recovery process is a painful process mixed with the feeling of guilt and shame due to past behaviours or actions. The first step to any form of healing is acknowledging your past mistakes and learning from them.
10. Focus on your finances
Any form of substance abuse hurts your finances, career and relationships. It’s hard to manage money if you are constantly spending on alcohol or drugs. The lack of money can cause a relapse due to the stress that comes with it like paying bills and other expenses. Try and get your finances in order and take small steps towards improvements.
We hope that these tips will help you on your road to sobriety.
About Carson Derrow
