If the question comes from someone you know well, you may want to say that drugs or alcohol became a problem for you, so you’re staying away from them. If you don’t know the person well, simply saying you have to get up early the next morning or you quit for health reasons should be enough. Staying sober is a lifelong journey that requires effort, support, and determination. Whether you’ve struggled with drug addiction, excessive alcohol use, binge drinking, or any substance use disorder, addiction recovery is a long game. Relapse prevention is a key part of the entire sobriety journey. Getting sober is when someone stops using an intoxicating substance.
Build a Healthy Support Network
Treat your dog (or your cat, gerbil, snake, etc.) to a spa day of their own. If they don’t love baths, follow it up with all the treats. You don’t need to join your local CrossFit gym.
Staying Sober: 13 Strategies
However, the DRUNK version of your friends can be a little fuzzy with the boundaries. The SOBER version of your friends may be cool with this. You like hanging out with your friends at happy hour, eating discount wings, and talking shit about anything and everything. I, too, can order off the Skinnylicious menu at The Cheesecake Factory and feel good about it at the time. But I also know that at some point, I’m probably going to cave and get the nachos, for which I will hate myself immediately (once I’ve recovered from my food coma). Politely decline invitations to activities you are not 100% confident you can handle sober.
What can I drink instead of alcohol at parties?
Sometimes, staying sober is easier when you replace old habits, like sitting at a bar, with new hobbies, such as photography. Doing so can lessen the times you have cravings and can get your mind off of negative thoughts. If you or a loved one struggles to stay sober, remember that addiction is a physical and psychological issue. The challenge of staying sober varies in intensity from person to person.
Explore new social circles
It’s crucial in recovery as it helps maintain balance and prevent burnout. Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to reinforce your commitment, these strategies will equip you with the tools you need for lasting sobriety. If you’re involved in a 12-step program, you likely already know the importance of milestones. 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. One common mistake for those who are new to alcohol and drug recovery is substituting a new compulsive behavior for their old one. People new to recovery can find themselves approaching their new diet, exercise program, job, and even participation in support groups with a compulsion that echoes addiction.
- If you’re unsure what kind of activities you’d even be interested in, invest in a ClassPass membership.
- Be patient with yourself and reframe your thinking.
- Reach out to addiction specialists, therapists, or counselors who can provide personalized guidance and therapies to address the root causes of addiction for a greater chance of success.
- One study found that 68% of people treated in a detox unit experienced moderate alcohol withdrawal symptoms.
- 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.
Suggest alcohol-free venues
As you build these habits into your routine, you’ll find it easier to manage stress and cravings, supporting your long-term sobriety journey. Sobriety is a process, and setbacks are common. The best way forward for your recovery from alcohol or substance use is to incorporate a wide variety of strategies that will help foster success.
Some of the immediate changes you will need to make will be obvious—like not hanging around the people that you used with or obtained drugs from. After all, you can’t hang around your drug dealer or old drinking buddies and expect to remain sober for very being sober around drinkers long. The more tools you have for identifying triggers, coping with stress, and managing your new sober life, the easier you’ll prevent relapse. Here are some tips that experts recommend often. The “worst” experience with alcohol was in another cooking class.
💙 Turn inward to reflect on the good in your life now that you’re embracing sobriety with this guided meditation, True Reflections. Personal growth through education or career development can significantly support long-term sobriety. It builds self-esteem, provides purpose, and creates new opportunities. Working with a doctor to manage medication is crucial.
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