Staying sober can feel like an impossible task at the beginning, which is why most people struggle to stay on track the first few days after quitting alcohol or drugs. You don’t have to go through the hassle yourself. This article discusses six simple ways you can become sober without making drastic changes in your life.
- Understand your problem
Getting to the bottom of your alcohol or drug problem and understanding it is the number one step to creating a workable sobriety regimen. Identify the substance you are abusing and its effects on your health. Evaluate the extent of the effects on your physical and mental well-being, if any, and find out if you are dependent yet. If the question “Am I an addict?” doesn’t have a clear answer in your head, this is the time to answer it. A therapist’s advice might come in handy when trying to understand your problem.
- Find a replacement stimulant
Drugs, alcohol, and other basic vices are not the only formula for stimulation. It’s only that your addiction has likely lulled you into believing that you don’t have any other interests. If you have a penchant for writing, painting, playing the piano, or online gaming, you can switch your focus to these and breathe some purpose into your life. Drug use and alcoholism have many long-term effects, but a great deal of them can be eliminated with commitment. Diving into your own creativity and finding purpose in it can go a long way toward healing your brain and pulling you out of your drug enslavement.
- Change your routine
Both your physical and social routines are factors in your journey to sobriety and should, thus, be reviewed and tweaked accordingly. The idea is to become more active and enhance your social life. While addiction is a difficult thing to free yourself from, spending time around people and nature can bring positivity to your thoughts, improve your mood, and distract your mind from alcohol and drugs. If you have time, consider making such activities as hiking and evening walks part of your daily routine.
- Ditch whatever adds to your addiction
When dealing with drug addiction or dependence, it is best to refrain from challenging your brain. Stay away from negative energy and take it easy on yourself, especially regarding societal pressures. Whether it is a family member or friend you are experiencing a toxic relationship with, or a stressful workplace tearing you apart, finding alternatives might be the best option no matter their significance in your life.
- Make new friends
If you have used drugs for long enough to consider checking into an addiction rehab center or adopting an at-home detoxification strategy, it means most of your acquaintances are users as well. You want to limit your contact with them to remain focused on your journey. Consider replacing your old friends with new ones who have different traits and interests. You can find them online on social media and sites dedicated to people going through a phase like yours. Going to the gym might also help you develop new friendships, as will going to coffee shops and malls.
- Adopt a strict schedule
One of the biggest contributors to alcohol and drug abuse is the availability of too much time on one’s hands. Self-inflicted tight schedules are essential for this reason. Just make sure not to add stress inducers to your life in the name of sobriety. A good activity schedule should detail strict working, entertainment, and sleeping hours and should be fashioned with potential changes in mind. It should bring order and discipline into your life and help you get things done.
- Don’t shy away from sharing your experience
Recovery and sobriety once carried a stigma, but they aren’t much of a big deal these days. You can pick a random person on the streets, and chances are they know someone who has struggled with alcohol or drugs before. Don’t be discouraged from talking to someone about your addiction and sobriety journey. You might get some new ideas for reaching your goals faster.
- Identify relapse warnings signs
Once you have recovered from your addiction, you should be on the lookout for relapse triggers and warning signs. Recovery requires hard work from you and those supporting you through the recovery process, and a relapse can sneak up on you if you fail to recognize triggers and warning signs. Common triggers and warning signs include:
- Stress
- Easy access
- Social isolation
- Revisiting negative connections
- Boredom
- Major life transition
- Illness
Endnote
Sobriety is an achievable goal. The above tips should provide a place to start if you are looking to embark on the journey on a budget and without professional help.
Comments are closed.