She realized she had more in common with the people in the program than she’d thought. “They were talking about solutions, and they had stories that were similar to my lived experience,” she says. The use of substances is self-reinforcing in that it lowers self-value and the ability to create value and meaning. The downward trajectory in self-value during substance use makes the substance seem ever more necessary.

How to Get Sober and Stay Sober

Keep in mind that self-help strategies are helpful tools, but you may need additional help to remain sober long-term. Early sobriety may come with feelings of fatigue and the stress of dealing with challenges (people, places, and things that stimulate the urge to use). It’s impossible to know how you’ll react and how your life will change when getting and staying sober.

• Self-care is any activity you do deliberately to take care of your physical, mental, and emotional health.
• When you see results from a fitness program, you might feel more motivated to change your life for the better in other ways.
• “I used alcohol like a tool, like a painkiller, just to get through one more day,” he says.
• With a few handy tips, you can fully enjoy socializing without feeling like you’re missing out on the fun.
• At her parents’ urging, Aymes went to detoxes, rehabilitation programs, outpatient facilities, and 12-step programs.

crucial elements for maintaining sobriety.

• If people try to persuade you, you can explain that you’re not drinking tonight, simply don’t drink alcohol, or choose not to elaborate further.
• For four years, I hid my story for fear of how others would respond, but after sharing online, I received nothing but love, encouragement, and support from my community.
• 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.
• Interestingly, as of 2019, 73 percent of addiction treatment programs in the United States used a spiritual component,6 the majority referencing God or a Higher Power.
• If you are still actively struggling with your addiction, it may be best to think of short-term goals—things that you feel you can accomplish within a few months’ time.

Water is a good option, but you can also try non-alcoholic beverages, like mocktails, which are widely available and often just as interesting and fun as alcoholic options. ???? Indulge in self-kindness with (Self) Love Bombing, a mindfulness practice on the power of being kind to yourself and boosting confidence as you navigate sobriety. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. While a loss of amore is often why we guzzle alcohol to begin with, a healthy dose of it could actually contain its ill effects. A study from the Universities of Sydney and Regensburg indicates that oxytocin, i.e., the love hormone, injected into animals helped them quickly retain motor and brain function after alcohol impairment. What if popping a pill could immediately let any imbiber ace a DUI test?

Recognize Relapse Warning Signs

It is important to be honest with people about your limits. Do not attend parties where there will be drugs or alcohol. Taking steps such as these can go a long way in preventing relapse. Some people distract tips to stay sober themselves from the craving by doing things like exercising, listening to music, or running errands.

A 2011 study by Krentzman, Robinson, et al. sought to answer the question of why some people chose to continue going to meetings even after they achieved short-term sobriety. And in case it wasn’t already obvious, the only way to get to long-term sobriety is to first achieve short-term sobriety. The best way forward for your recovery from alcohol or substance use is to incorporate a wide variety of strategies that will help foster success. Remember to care for yourself, seek supportive relationships, and consider seeking help from a therapist. One common mistake for those who are new to alcohol and drug recovery is substituting a new compulsive behavior for their old one.

Many people neglect their health while they are in active addiction. If this is the case for you, recovery can be an opportunity to attend to health issues that may have gone untreated in the past. You can also reach out to the caring staff at American Addiction Centers (AAC) who are available 24/7 via our confidential helpline at . They can help you understand treatment options, provide resources, and check your insurance coverage at AAC facilities.