If you’ve been in the throes of addictive behaviors for some time, you may be used to chaos and high-stress situations. Getting sober will remove some chaos and stress, but staying sober will require finding a balance between self-care and external responsibilities. You may want to start an exercise routine — exercise releases brain chemicals called endorphins, which can make you feel good. Or you might rather spend time volunteering for a good cause, like an animal shelter or children’s hospital. Whatever it is, new activities can lead to new friends with interests like yours. Have some sober friends you can invite as your plus-one to a social event like a party or wedding.
- You can take all the time you need to build a support system that’s right for you.
- You can explore your options for a support group while in addiction treatment.
- So once you’re reinserted into your daily life with the same routine as before — minus the alcohol — it’s undersandable why someone would struggle adjusting to staying sober.
- For many people who complete their stay at a rehabilitation center, therapy becomes part of the outpatient program.
- Factors — such as how much you weigh and whether you’ve eaten recently — can also influence how quickly your body absorbs alcohol.
- Recovering from substance use disorder takes courage and determination, and it’s important not to underestimate that as you move through the process.
Getting sober is when someone stops using an intoxicating substance. It can include a medically-supervised detox, various forms of treatment, including therapy and 12-step programs, and calling upon family, friends, and professionals for additional support. Sobriety is a general term for staying away from mood and mind-altering substances. You can try to avoid the conversation, but it’s good to have a response ready in case that’s not possible. 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.
Shares
And keep your schedule loose enough that you have time for group meetings and other things that can help you through rough stretches. For many people with a substance use disorder, it’s simply a matter of never having learned the appropriate way to manage anger. Talk to your therapist, other healthcare provider, or sponsor about how to deal with your anger in ways that won’t cause you to harm yourself or others or turn to alcohol or drugs. You may also experience what is commonly called sobriety fatigue, which refers to the overall exhaustion that may occur as a result of the emotional and physical stress of staying sober. So, it’s extra helpful to have a support network available to you when you need it.
Even if you don’t have a strong support network right away, this is something you can seek out to help support your goals. If you or a loved one are considering sobriety, you may wonder what it looks like and how to get there. Sobriety can be a particularly challenging pursuit for someone with an addiction like alcohol use disorder. If you recently had surgery or an injury, your doctor will be careful with the pain medication they give you, because some of those drugs can make you more likely to relapse. Ask your doctor about nonmedical ways to manage your pain, like massage or acupuncture.
Stay Hydrated
Both old habits and unhealthy relationships can trigger those negative emotional states that may increase the risk of relapse. It’s impossible to know how you’ll react and how your life will change when getting being sober around drinkers and staying sober. But there are some general things you can expect to happen. In social situations where people are drinking, you might feel more comfortable with a drink in your hand.
When you start drinking on an empty stomach, your body absorbs the alcohol very quickly. Try drinking only beer for the night and avoiding mixed drinks. Shots of hard liquor get you drunk very fast, so avoid them.
How to Stay Sober
As such, this can lead to excitable behavior as a person loses their inhibitions. The effects of alcohol can begin to impair a person’s judgment and coordination earlier than they realize. It is illegal to drive with a BAC of 0.08 or higher, and this limit may be lower for commercial vehicle drivers and those younger than 21.
And while many people enjoy the numbing of pain, sadness, and fear… It also prevents the experiencce of love, compassion and happiness. Being able to feel is a tremendous gift, one that we have the luxury of exploring. Staying sober is fun and incredibly rewarding, but these are 40 tips for the times when staying sober is easier said than done. You’ll never finish everything you want to do, but if you set strict timelines, you’ll keep yourself on track for staying sober.
The Importance of Good Support Systems in Recovery from Substance Use Disorders
Others may incorporate recovery support systems into their lives for many years. Getting sober can be one of the most powerful decisions you can make for your health and future. Every person’s journey in substance use disorder recovery is unique. You can also let someone know you might want to talk to them in the moment in case https://ecosoberhouse.com/ things feel stressful. Ask a friend ahead of time if you can text or call if you feel anxious during a holiday party or event — it’s highly likely your friend will be happy to be there for you. When seltzer or water is the only option for those who aren’t drinking alcohol, it can leave a nondrinker feeling like an afterthought.
