Some changes will be obvious, like avoiding old friends or acquaintances you used to drink with. Beyond that, reshaping your daily routines may mean changing your route to work or home, to help you avoid triggers that could draw you back to alcohol use. Whether you’re just beginning recovery, starting over from a relapse, or just looking for ways to bolster your sober toolbox, we’re here to help. Even if you find yourself facing temptation, it’s important to remember you can still have fun and find joy while living a life in recovery. At Longbranch Recovery, we understand the unique challenges of the holiday season and are here to help you every step of the way. Our team is available 24/7 to provide guidance, encouragement, and resources for you or your loved ones.
Maintain Ongoing Professional Support
You’ve overcome drug addiction and/or alcohol abuse. You’ve replaced drinking buddies with new sober friends. Your desire to stay clean outweighs and focus on long-term sobriety is incredible. Social media projects a false narrative and is damaging to your mental health.
Explaining Addiction to Children: Age-appropriate Strategies that Work
Social media use can cause depression, anxiety, and in some cases, suicide. Furthermore, social media is addictive, and you’re an addict. Addiction doesn’t always mean alcohol abuse or using drugs. So, it’s extra helpful to have a support network available to you when you need it. Because addiction is a chronic disease, it https://www.baysideearlylearning.com.au/health-topics-treatment-for-alcohol-problems/ requires ongoing treatment, support, and accountability to maintain sobriety. For many, the recovery journey can feel challenging but achievable with the right mindset and resources.
Practice Self-Compassion
Removing daily substances from your system causes a sort of waterfall effect of changing mental and bodily functions. Metabolism rises and falls, bowel movements, and even one’s ability to focus on tasks. Food can be a trigger as much as family or a job can. Take on a diet that’s sustainable (not just a fad) and stick to it to help establish a new routine.
Diversity in Rehabilitation: Steps to Inclusion
However, the Alcoholics Anonymous “AA Triangle” is one of the most common Halfway house and recognizable tattoos to represent sobriety. Individual reasons for becoming sober range from everything from wanting more energy, to having contraindicated medications – such as Adderall and alcohol. Non-alcoholic beer can be a misleading name, as there are still trace amounts of alcohol in these drinks.
Better Relationships
Identifying these signs can help you take action before a full relapse occurs. Your reasons might include improving your physical health, repairing relationships, or advancing your career. Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to strengthen your resolve, these strategies will help you stay on track. In your recovery, you will make mistakes, as it is something new and different.
Some people say affirmations in front of the mirror. However, that is not necessary, provided that you’re saying them. Say goodbye to luxuries such as Uber Eats and put that money towards bills and debt relief.
Seek Professional Support
- During the holiday season, everything might seem chaotic and disorganized.
- This could be as simple as removing alcohol or drugs from your home, or as significant as moving to a new city or town.
- One of the things you learn in therapy is just how important personal boundaries are in your life.
- Regular health assessments are vital for individuals in recovery.
- Treating both addiction and any other disorders is important since they always interact with one another.
The healthier and more fulfilling your life is, the less likely you will turn to drugs or alcohol. It’s important to acknowledge the effort it takes to stay sober. Even short-term accomplishments should be celebrated for those struggling with addiction. As you build on your success, you can celebrate months and years of sober milestones. Whenever possible, avoid people with whom you have unhealthy relations. If you can’t or don’t want to do this, seek professional counseling and encourage your loved one to do so too.
Identify Triggers and Plan Responses
Therapy is a great (and safe) tips to stay sober outlet to discuss your struggles honestly. If you’ve returned from rehab and picked back up at your old job, similar to living in your former home and friends, you run the risk of a relapse. Returning to a routine you’re familiar with — when you were engaged in alcohol — isn’t healthy. Obviouosly, you don’t want to put yourself in financial danger, but if your job was a factor in your drinking, then you need to put your needs first. At some point in your recovery, you’ll feel stressed out, whether it’s major stress (like losing a job) or minor stress (like running late for an appointment). When things like this happen, find a sober friend or loved one you can talk to for support.
When everyone is engaged in the festivities, it’s a merry time. What better time to think about how to stay sober during the holidays? Our holiday survival guide will help you navigate this sometimes stressful time of year.