Wednesday 2nd October 2013
If you’re in addiction recovery, understand that you’re always recovering. The more sacrifices you make from the get-go, the easier will things become.
Unfortunately, many people in addiction recovery still can’t give up something they should, which is why they eventually relapse. It could be their ‘friends’ or even the places they visit & which is why so many recovering addicts find the early stages after rehab very difficult.
In this article, I’m going to provide you with some helpful ways on how to stay sober from drugs or alcohol.
Get Rid of Everything & Anyone Associated to Drugs or Alcohol
It’s very important that you remove anything & anybody that you connect to drugs or alcohol. You have to cut these things & people out of your life completely if you’re really serious about staying sober.
Not doing this opens up the opportunity for cravings & eventually using alcohol & drugs again.
Get Expert Assistance
One of the best ways to remain sober is to get aftercare.
Aftercare is essentially a continuation of what you learned inside rehab. It’s proven to be extremely good in helping recovering addicts achieve long term sobriety.
The 2 best forms of aftercare are outpatient treatment & halfway houses.
Outpatient treatment gives you the opportunity to stay at home & complete your daily responsibilities while you attend regular meetings in the evenings during the week at the rehab centre. In these sessions, you’ll receive medical care, counselling & therapy similar to what you experienced during your time inside the clinic, just in further detail.
Halfway houses are perfect for recovering addicts who feel that they’re aren’t ready to return home. Patients will continue living in a sober living environment with others in a similar position as themselves but you will be required to be out during the day doing something meaningful, such as working or studying.
For access to the best private aftercare near you, give us a call now & one of our qualified addiction counsellors will gladly assist you.
Avoid Pessimistic People
Another good way to help you stay sober is to avoid spending time with pessimistic & negative people.
For example: the stepmother who’s always looking to fight with you, the guy that always complains, the girl that always blow things out of proportion. Get the idea?
Surrounding yourself with positive, happy people will make you think positively.
Occupy Yourself
In early addiction recovery, a good way to keep your mind occupied is to stay busy & active. Letting your mind wander is dangerous!
The best thing to do is to find something positive but that also takes up a lot of time. For example, take up the challenging task of being the family chef. Make all the meals in the house, breakfast, lunch & supper. It’s a great time-consuming job & it also sharpens your kitchen skills as well!
Addiction recovery is a lifelong commitment to remain clean & sober. The journey won’t be easy but it’s certainly worth it.
Article by We Do Recover