Stay resilient, be patient with yourself, and seek support whenever needed. Staying sober is not a solitary pursuit; it requires ongoing education and a commitment to personal growth. This self-reflection fosters personal development, resilience, and the ability to make healthier choices. Boredom is one of the reasons people use drugs in the first place and suffer a relapse when trying to quit. You are more likely to relapse if your daily life lacks activities that keep you engaged. An addict’s life revolves around using their substance of choice.

People, places, and things are the foundation of trigger management. Knowing one’s triggers helps improve the ability to safely manage them or avoid them entirely. Triggers are different for everyone, but some common examples include being around substances, being around intoxicated individuals, and being in locations of past use or traumatic events.

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Some people experience many setbacks before they find lasting recovery. Your intentions may be good, but it takes more than willpower to avoid having a relapse. Regardless, there are still ways to stay sober when feeling the urge to drink. Out of all the holidays, Fortney tells News 8 Now, New Years can be the toughest time of the year to stay sober. Staying sober over the holidays can feel like an extraordinary feat; however, there are some helpful strategies one can easily incorporate into their holiday season to assist. Finding support after a relapse, or during times of struggle during the holidays, can be crucial.

Additionally, it can help you manage the challenges of addiction. In 12-step programs, “sober” means abstaining from drugs and alcohol forever. Think about the https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/13-actionable-tips-to-stay-sober-at-different-times/ people in your life who positively influence you and your sobriety goals. Make a list of loved ones and others who stood by your side when you struggled.

Tips For Staying Sober

Notably, loving yourself makes it more challenging to violate that love with drugs and alcohol. Another relapse prevention https://ecosoberhouse.com/ tool is the power of forgiveness. First, you must forgive yourself for what you did in your substance abuse days.

The reality is that many situations can make it hard to reintegrate into normal life without some hiccups and potential for relapse. Aftercare programs make it easier to remain in recovery and avoid returning to substance use. Thankfully, there are many ways to navigate what can be a tricky time of year for those looking to stay sober. Utilizing recovery-focused strategies to stay sober over the holidays can keep this season joyful and bright.

Gundersen Health System and Coulee Recovery Center share tips for how recovery addicts can stay sober this holiday season

There are so many options for exercising at home with on-demand programs or at-home workout equipment, in case the gym is not your thing. Sometimes running into people you know can prompt you to think, “Just one drink won’t hurt.” Don’t get too comfortable. Getting ahead of stress by implementing healthy stress management techniques is key to staying on track with your sobriety.

• We strive to create content that is clear, concise, and easy to understand.
• If it seems like some people can’t catch a break when it comes to breaking free of their addiction, according to science, many people have their genetics to blame.
• If your loved one is willing to go to family therapy, that is a boundary to consider before cutting them out completely.
• Regardless, this requires the help of a professional, so you need to get therapy or medication or both from a psychiatrist or a Master’s level clinician.
• Plus, community service can be a valuable recovery tool.

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