Staying Sober Long-Term: 8 Research-Proven Strategies for 2024

• Thiago Eleocadio
• 12 de outubro de 2023
• Sober living
• 0 Comments

In these programs, it’s customary to receive plastic chips as you progress to the one-year mark, at which time you receive a bronze coin. You may also need to change your route to work or home in order to avoid any triggers, or people, places, or things that make you want to use drugs or drink again. The use of substances is self-reinforcing in that it lowers self-value and the ability to create value and meaning. The downward trajectory in self-value during substance use makes the substance seem ever more necessary.

Identify Triggers

Because I was a mental and emotional wreck with no sense of self-worth, it was easy to take advantage of me. Every day you go without drinking boosts your self-esteem, even if you don’t notice. People who are successful with their sobriety find ways to keep themselves busy. It’s through that process that many people start to forgive themselves and see the value they can bring to the world. Friendships can be tricky things in early sobriety, especially when all of your friends are drinking buddies.

Building a Support Network

Just keep in mind that your improvements won’t happen overnight. Working towards a goal helps to break it down into smaller pieces to make it feel more attainable. Similarly, as we experience achievement, acknowledging small wins keeps us motivated.

• Matthew Perry was just one of many celebrities whose weekly whereabouts would alternately display their shiny, happy mugs and/or much less happy mugshots splashed across tabloids.
• A consistent daily and weekly routine filled with things that improve your well-being can help you avoid relapse.
• Ioana uses her passion for psychology, research, and mental health to create reliable resources on various topics relating to addiction and treatment.
• However, the word is often used in different ways in different contexts.
• Engaging in group therapy or support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) provides a sense of community and shared experience.

Surround Yourself With Positive People

Overall, sobriety offers numerous physical and mental health advancements, contributing to a healthier and more tips to stay sober fulfilling life. Regular health assessments are vital for individuals in recovery. Substance use can have long-lasting effects on physical and mental health, making ongoing monitoring essential. The National Institute on Drug Abuse recommends comprehensive health check-ups at least annually for individuals in recovery.

Develop Sober Friendships

Some ways to do this include setting goals, finding a passion or hobby, volunteering, and building meaningful relationships with others. Recovery is a journey; focusing on progress is important, not perfection. Counseling and therapy can be an effective way to address underlying issues that may contribute to addiction.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) combines behavioral therapy with medications to treat substance use disorders. It’s particularly effective for opioid and alcohol use disorders. The World Health Organization recognizes MAT as an essential component of comprehensive addiction treatment. By implementing these relapse prevention techniques, you’re building a strong foundation for long-term sobriety. Remember, recovery is an ongoing process, and each day presents an opportunity to strengthen your resolve and learn new coping skills.

• This can include learning new skills, working on personal growth, and practicing self-care.
• Furthermore, they didn’t recognize warning signs of substance use.
• Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified mental health specialist with any questions you have regarding any medical condition, disorder, or mental health symptom.
• Sobriety encompasses more than simply abstaining from drugs or alcohol; it involves enhancing your physical and mental well-being.
• Ubering to and from a bar alone can be costly, but without those trips, you’ll find yourself with a substantial savings quickly.

How to Stay Sober by Learning New Things

• Building a support system is essential for maintaining sobriety.
• You may again seek out the people and situations that support your alcohol use.
• This is why self-care plays such an impactful role when trying to stay sober.
• It was a horrible cycle of self-medicating my anxiety with alcohol which, in turn, only made my anxiety levels worse.
• It can also improve your self-esteem and confidence, allowing you to live a more fulfilling life.

There are few things more liberating than being outside on a Saturday morning, and NOT because you’re squinting in the sun on your walk of shame back to your car or home. I’ve mentioned this in a previous post, but in case you missed it, did you know the average person spends TWO YEARS of their life hungover? These days I do not “really” have more money because I quit my job and added another human to our family. Or hey, I’ve been feeling low-energy and bummed out lately. Now, I can deal with them the same way you would deal with any chronic disease.