How Do I Stay Sober?

Overcoming an alcohol addiction might be one of the hardest things you will have to do in your life. Once quitting alcohol abuse, many recovering alcoholics ask how to stay sober. Avoiding temptations, especially socially, can be difficult for newly sober individuals. The skills learned while in an alcohol recovery program are vital to lasting sobriety. At the beginning of the recovery process, and individuals will need all the help and support they can tap into from family and friends. Expect the first few months following inpatient alcohol rehab to be intense and fraught with situations that could easily derail recovery. The following is a list of tips on how to stay sober following inpatient addiction treatment.

• Talk to a friend or a family member you trust: talking can be very powerful. Talking about how you feel and what you struggle with will make you feel better about your progress. Isolating yourself and keeping feelings of doubt and fear will likely only manifest themselves as triggers for drinking. In order to stay sober, avoid dangerous situations and environments.
• Distract yourself from cravings and temptations. Go out for a walk, exercise, run errands, listen to some music…there are many other things you can do that will help ease the chronic impulses to use. Keep your home free from any triggers such as illicit drugs, alcohol, and dangerous prescription drugs. Other triggers can be old friends. Consider maintaining a clear distance from people who have been drinking buddies. Avoid social situations such as parties, that might be too dangerous. Most choose to stay sober work hard to build solid sober friend circles.