5 Tips to Stay Sober After Recovery Treatment
- Stay Away From Triggers and Old Habits. If you want to stay committed to recovering from your substance use disorder,...
- Build Healthy Relationships to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle. If you haven’t already, cutting off toxic relationships...
- Focus on Finances and Structure. Many people that are in recovery for...
Full Answer
How do I Stay Sober after rehab?
How Do I Stay Sober After Rehab? Getting sober is an incredible accomplishment worth celebrating, but staying clean is another challenge in itself. Some ways to stay sober after treatment are to set goals and create new hobbies.
Why should I Stay Sober?
Other reasons to stay sober include: Making new, sober friends. Saving money. Enhanced mental clarity and excitement for life. More energy to do things you enjoy. Looking and feeling better. Becoming a source of hope for others who are struggling with addiction.
What is the best way to recover from alcohol or substance use?
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. Remember to care for yourself, seek supportive relationships, and consider seeking help from a therapist. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback!
What changes will I need to make to be sober?
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 long.
How do you get completely sober?
How to Get Sober: A Guide to SobrietyThe First Half of the Battle: Recognize the Need to Get Sober.Reach Out.Find the Right Treatment Program.Get Through Withdrawal.Choose the Appropriate Therapy.Build Support for Recovery.Explore Aftercare: A Lifeline after Treatment.
What are the four steps involved in recovery from addiction?
The four stages of treatment are:Treatment initiation.Early abstinence.Maintaining abstinence.Advanced recovery.
What to say to someone who is trying to stay sober?
8 Things to Say to Someone in RecoveryI Love You. ... You're Not Alone. ... Everyone Needs Help Sometimes. ... How Are You Feeling? ... How Can I Help? ... Let's Hang Out. ... I'm Proud of You. ... I Know You Are Struggling, But There's Always Hope.
What are the five stages in the recovery process?
The five stages of addiction recovery are precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action and maintenance....Read on to find out more about the various stages.Precontemplation Stage. ... Contemplation Stage. ... Preparation Stage. ... Action Stage. ... Maintenance Stage.
What's the first stage of addiction?
Stage 1: Initiation The first stage of addiction is called initiation, during which time the individual tries a substance for the first time.
What is the third stage of addiction?
Stage 3: High-Risk Use The line between regular use and high-risk use is a very thin one but usually can be defined as the continued use of drugs or alcohol in spite of severe social or legal consequences.
How long does it take to sober up?
An average liver can process approximately 1 unit of alcohol per hour. This means that if you drink 12 units, it'll take you roughly 12 hours to fully sober up. People who start drinking never do so with the express purpose of developing alcoholism.
How do you sober up in an hour?
If you can, stick to one drink per hour. Try drinking a glass of water, soda, or juice in between alcoholic drinks. Spacing out your drinks allows your liver time to break down the alcohol.
Is Naltrexone a pill?
Naltrexone can be prescribed and administered by any practitioner licensed to prescribe medications, and is available in a pill form for Alcohol Use disorder or as an extended-release intramuscular injectable for Alcohol and Opioid Use disorder.
Can people recover mental illness?
It is possible to recover from mental health problems, and many people do – especially after accessing support. Your symptoms may return from time to time, but when you've discovered which self-care techniques and treatments work best for you, you're more likely to feel confident in managing them.
What are the steps to recover?
What Are the 12 Steps to Recovery?Step 1: Admit your life has become unmanageable. ... Step 2: Accept that you need God to become sober. ... Step 3: Decide to turn over your life to God. ... Step 4: Honestly take stock of your life. ... Step 5: Admit your wrongs to yourself, God, and others.More items...•
How do you heal mental health?
How to look after your mental healthTalk about your feelings. Talking about your feelings can help you stay in good mental health and deal with times when you feel troubled. ... Keep active. ... Eat well. ... Drink sensibly. ... Keep in touch. ... Ask for help. ... Take a break. ... Do something you're good at.More items...
1. Stay Away From Triggers and Old Habits
If you want to stay committed to recovering from your substance use disorder, it’s important that you recognize your triggers and old habits. There might be moments where you find yourself in a place that you recognize and have bad memories in.
2. Build Healthy Relationships to Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
If you haven’t already, cutting off toxic relationships from the life you lived while using is one way to maintain the healthy lifestyle you strive for after recovery. In the process of cutting off toxic people, you should be putting effort into building healthy relationships with those around you that want to see you happy and healthy.
3. Focus on Finances and Structure
Many people that are in recovery for substance use disorder have struggled or currently struggle with financial problems. Using substances means spending money, and it can be hard to recover from any debt you might be in, as well as learn ways to be financially independent and responsible.
4. Heal From Past Mistakes
It’s hard to escape memories of you hurting those close to you due to your substance use, but not being able to learn from your mistakes will hold you back in your path to recovery. If you’re trying to stay sober, remember that no matter what you’ve done in the past, the only thing that you can control is your future.
5. Celebrate Your Recovery Success
It’s no small feat to commit to living a sober lifestyle and be successful at it. You deserve to feel accomplished for changing your life around. This lifestyle change is not easy, so don’t believe that your perseverance is anything less than worth celebrating.
In Summary
Everyone deals with recovery from substance use in their own way. Every person must figure out what works and what doesn’t work for them, where they can go if they need support, and how to maintain sobriety on their own. It’s important to remain consistent in whatever you choose because as soon as you waiver, so does your motivation to stay sober.
Why do people stay sober?
Staying sober allows you to reap many health benefits – from improved liver and heart function to enhanced performance in daily activities to better quality sleep. However, embarking on a sober life is worth it for reasons beyond the physical benefits. Other reasons to stay sober include: 1 Making new, sober friends 2 Saving money 3 Enhanced mental clarity and excitement for life 4 More energy to do things you enjoy 5 Looking and feeling better 6 Becoming a source of hope for others who are struggling with addiction
What is rehab for addiction?
Rehab is a supported living environment – one that promotes comfort and safety, making it easier for someone struggling with addiction to stay sober. It provides a solid foundation of security, as well as the tools needed to heal and cope even after leaving the facility.
How to stay sober?
When you set goals for the future, it will be much easier to manage your temptations when they arise. When you have a sense of why you want to stay sober and all the benefits it will bring to your life, it will be much easier to stay on track.
How to avoid temptations after rehab?
There are a few things you can do to avoid or manage these temptations in your daily life after rehab, such as: Find a solid support system. Surround yourself with sober people, as well as people who have your best interests at heart and want to help you be successful. Find a support group in your area, or even someone you can call ...
How to stay sober without drugs?
Sober activities don’t have to be boring — there’s still plenty of fun to be had without drugs or alcohol. Here are a few examples of healthy ways to keep your mind occupied during your transition from rehab: Exercise. Meditate. Play sports.
How long does it take to get sober in rehab?
With just 30 days at a rehab center, you can get clean and sober, start therapy, join a support group, and learn ways to manage your cravings. Learn More. Every journey starts with a small step in the right direction.
What is Jeffrey Juergens's degree?
Jeffrey Juergens earned his Bachelor’s and Juris Doctor from the University of Florida. Jeffrey’s desire to help others led him to focus on economic and social development and policy making. After graduation, he decided to pursue his passion of writing and editing. Jeffrey’s mission is to educate and inform the public on addiction issues and help those in need of treatment find the best option for them.
How does addiction affect the brain?
Addiction is a chronic disease of the brain. Studies show that more than 85% relapse and return to drug use within the first year of sobriety. This doesn’t mean that addiction treatment is not effective. It simply means that change is difficult – especially for individuals in recovery. It is important for you to understand where your vulnerability exists and what your individual triggers are. For some, feelings of sadness, changes in weather, stress, or even happiness may trigger obsessive thoughts of using. Whatever the trigger, thoughts can rush in and fester in the brain. If entertained, the thoughts may become overwhelming until a relapse occurs.
What is a 12-step program?
12-Step programs such as these encourage fellowship, ultimately helping recovering individuals identify with their peers and feel less alone when dealing with hardships.
Why do we do 12-step fellowships?
In fact, 12-Step fellowships require the recovering individual to be of service to others because it is guaranteed to ensure their sobriety. When working with another alcoholic or addict, vulnerability, experiences, wisdom, and encouragement is shared. Senior members of 12-Step fellowships work one-on-one with newcomers by sharing their experience, strength, and hope.
Is it important to be grateful for treatment?
This is especially true for individuals in early recovery. It’s important that you immerse gratitude in your daily routine and avoid focusing on the negatives. Taking the time to acknowledge the things you’re grateful for will have an overall positive impact on your perception.
Is rehab a lifelong process?
It is often said, “recovery is a lifelong process”. Completing a substance abuse rehabilitation program is not the end of your recovery – but rather the beginning. Many people leave rehab with conflicting emotions. Some may be excited to leave treatment, while others may be fearful of leaving the facility and facing relapse.
How does addiction affect recovery?
The worse an addiction becomes, the more time and mental energy you spend on it. While recovery can be a difficult process to go through, it also frees up a lot of that time and mental energy for other things.
Is transitions recovery program an event?
At Transitions Recovery Program, we understand that rehabilitation isn’t an event, it’s a journey. That’s why we’re committed to helping you work through both the physical and emotional toil that can come from addiction.
What is addiction?
Many people view addiction as the inability to stop taking drugs or drinking alcohol. They view the extreme as addiction, such as a homeless person who has lost everything due to their habit. However there are many addicts who are able to stop for short periods of time before they then drink or take drugs again.
Abstinence is key
Even after treatment, this obsession with their addiction can continue. Thus in order to stay sober there must be a constant focus upon their programme. This is the only tool an addict has in order to remain sober. Many people try reiki healing, hypnotherapy, herbal remedies, and acupuncture. Many have found all of this is very little use.
The twelve step programme
The twelve step programme is the most effective way of staying sober. It helps addicts to tackle the deep rooted problems which cause them to be addicts. It gives one something to dedicate their lives to and allows them to see value in a sober life.
Keeping busy and exercising
After treatment it is important for the recovering addict to stay busy. One of the main causes for relapse can often be depression and boredom. If one is idle they may find themselves being tormented over the trials and tribulations of sobriety. Exercise is also a healthy way of taking ones mind off of their addiction.
What are some ways to get sober?
Once drugs and alcohol have been removed from one’s daily life, there is a void that must be filled with fun, sober activities. Exercise, meditation, reading, crafting, learning something new, participating in a sober sports league, and volunteer work are all a great place to start.
How to get rid of alcohol and drugs?
Put Your Health First. By eliminating drugs and alcohol from your life, you have taken a massive step to restoring your physical health. This could be the first of many positive lifestyle changes. Continue to better yourself by creating a new, healthy diet or beginning to work out regularly.
What is step down treatment?
By participating in a step-down program, you can ensure that you will continue to receive support and clinical care. In addition to ongoing professional treatment, you can personally take some steps to protect your recovery.
Why do people relapse?
Pursue Sober Activities. One of the primary causes of relapse is boredom. People who are deeply addicted to drugs or alcohol do not spend a majority of their time on hobbies – their substance use takes over their free time almost completely.
Does recovery end after addiction?
Recovery is an ongoing process – it doesn’t end after addiction treatment. This moment of transition, from a supportive sober environment to one’s daily routine, can present difficulties for those new to recovery. While individuals may feel happy to return home, they may also feel apprehensive about what their future holds.
Is it important to stay sober after rehab?
While individuals may feel happy to return home, they may also feel apprehensive about what their future holds. It is important to take certain steps in order to stay sober after you return from rehab.
How to avoid relapse after drug rehab?
It is important to recognize situations that trigger cravings for drugs or alcohol, because they may lead to relapse after rehab. Keep a list of triggers to help you avoid them or cope in healthy ways. Triggers may include: 1 Stress and life challenges 2 People who used drugs or alcohol with you in the past or who are using now 3 Homes, workplaces, bars, schools, neighborhoods, and other places where you have used drugs or alcohol 4 Situations or feelings that are like the ones you experienced when you used drugs or alcohol, such as certain times of day, emotions, social activities, smells, and sounds
Why is it important to stay sober after rehab?
Whether you’re returning home after rehab at an inpatient facility or reaching the end of an outpatient program, it is important to develop a plan to maintain sobriety. Ideally, you will work with your treatment provider before rehab ends to define how you’ll stay on track in recovery. For many people, a plan that includes continuing care after treatment improves their chances of staying off drugs or alcohol.
What is post treatment support?
Some programs offer post-treatment support. This is also called continuing care, aftercare, disease management, or recovery support services.
What are the triggers of a drug abuse?
Triggers may include: Homes, workplaces, bars, schools, neighborhoods, and other places where you have used drugs or alcohol. Situations or feelings that are like the ones you experienced when you used drugs or alcohol, such as certain times of day, emotions, social activities, smells, and sounds.
What is the purpose of rehab and therapy?
You may find yourself in difficult situations that make you want to use again. Rehab and therapy programs prepare patients for life after rehab. They teach strategies to help you deal with hard situations and maintain sobriety. They may also provide follow-up support.
What happens after rehab?
People facing life after rehab may have conflicting emotions: They may be excited to live substance-free, but the end of re hab can also bring fear of having a relapse and concerns about how to stay sober when daily routines and relationships resume. Adjusting to life after rehab can be difficult. You may no longer have the constant support ...
What is recovery housing?
Consider recovery housing. Recovery housing is a drug and alcohol-free environment in a home or residential complex. It can be a good option for people who have completed treatment but need additional support while adapting to life after rehab. These short-term programs usually provide supervision and peer support.
Staying Sober Through the PAWS
If treatment was the cure-all for alcoholism, everyone who came out of the other side would be golden. Unfortunately, it’s not. Medical Detox treats acute withdrawal symptoms, but as Dr. James C.
Staying Sober, With Some Assistance
Any reputable rehab facility has introduced recovering alcoholics to the 12 Step programs that are the foundation of traditional sobriety. We’re talking about Alcoholics Anonymous, of course, but there are other programs out there that are equally beneficial, from Narcotics Anonymous to Celebrate Recovery to Refuge Recovery.
Stay Away From the First One
There’s a particular colloquialism in Alcoholics Anonymous, one of a number of 12 Step programs that provide support for recovering addicts and alcoholics, that says, “If you don’t take that first drink, you can’t get drunk.”
Play the Tape
Our disease is a cunning, baffling thing, because it tries to convince us that we don't have a disease. And one way they do so is through what's known as euphoric recall.
Pick Up the Phone
Ever had a crazy thought pop into your head? Sure. We all have, which is why it shouldn’t be a surprise when a drinking thought shows up. Remember: It’s not a reason to panic if we find ourselves thinking about drinking. After all, it occupied our every waking thought for weeks, months and years, and they’re not going to go away overnight.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
There will be occasions where we find ourselves around alcohol; after all, we can’t reasonably avoid gas stations or grocery stores just because there are coolers full of beer in those places, can we? It’s not a reasonable expectation, but more importantly, we shouldn’t live our lives in fear of situations and individuals where alcohol might be present..
How to stay sober in recovery?
Some say the best advice for newcomers to recovery on how to stay sober is simple: "Don't drink or use and go to meetings.". If that formula works for you, then by all means, do it. But for most people, staying sober isn't that straightforward. The more strategies you learn to identify triggers, cope with stress, and manage your new sober life, ...
How to stay sober after a drug or alcohol addiction?
Chronically misusing drugs and/or alcohol can take a major toll on your physical and emotional health, and now that you're in recovery, you'll want to prioritize self-care and ensure you have the fortitude to remain sober. Exercise regularly 4 . Make time for recreational activities and hobbies.
How to know if you relapsed?
Warning signs of relapse include: 2 1 Returning to addictive thinking patterns 2 Engaging in compulsive, self-defeating behaviors 3 Seeking out situations involving people who use alcohol and drugs 4 Thinking less rationally, and behaving less responsibly 5 Finding yourself in a situation in which drug or alcohol use seems like a logical escape from pain
What are the signs of a relapse?
Warning signs of relapse include: 2 . Returning to addictive thinking patterns. Engaging in compulsive, self-defeating behaviors.
What is the number to call for substance abuse?
If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.
What are the problems with substance use disorder?
People in recovery from a substance use disorder frequently have problems meeting work-related responsibilities, maintaining employment, and managing money. If you were active in your addiction for a period of time, chances are you have developed financial problems.
How long does withdrawal last?
Prepare for PAWS. Depending on the type of dependency, post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) can last from six months to two years after you stop using, and include a variety of symptoms that range from irritability, sleep troubles, and intermittent anxiety to prolonged depression.
