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In the US alone, about 9.1% of adults, which constitutes about 22 million people, have resolved a substance use problem.
The journey to sobriety may not be easy and may require a lot of courage, determination, and strength, but this means it’s possible. There are a lot of people who have cracked the mold on how to live a sober life.
The thing is, when it comes to living a sober life, there is a lot of misinformation out there. You may have heard that you need to hit “rock bottom” before getting sober or that sobriety is all about willpower. The truth is, sobriety is a process, and it looks different for everyone.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to getting sober and staying sober. However, some basic principles can help guide you on your journey. This guide looks at some of the best strategies you can implement so you can start living a sober life.
Start By Identifying Your Triggers
It’s important to start by identifying your triggers. What are the things that make you want to drink or use drugs? Once you know what your triggers are, you can begin to avoid them or have a plan in place to deal with them.
Some common triggers include:
- Being around people who drink or use drugs
- Being in places where you used to drink or use
- Feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed
- Feeling bored
- Relationship problems
- Financial troubles
If you can’t avoid your triggers altogether, it’s essential to have a plan to deal with them. This might include things like attending a support group or therapy, calling a friend or family member for support, or distracting yourself with something else until the urge to drink or use passes.
Avoid Old Habits and Routines
If you used to drink every night after work, for example, it’s important to find a new routine that doesn’t involve drinking. This might mean going for a walk or run instead of heading to the bar, or hanging out with friends who don’t drink.
It’s also important to be mindful of the places you go and the things you do.
If you used to frequent bars or clubs, it might be best to avoid them for a while. You don’t have to completely give up your old hobbies and interests, but it’s essential to be aware of how they might trigger a relapse.
Making changes to your routine can be difficult, but it’s important to remember that you don’t have to do it alone.
If you’re struggling to make changes to your routine, it might be helpful to speak to a therapist or counselor who can help you develop a plan.
Be Ready for PAWS
Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) is a common occurrence in early sobriety. PAWS refers to the symptoms that can occur after you stop using drugs or alcohol. It’s important to be aware of PAWS and how it can affect your sobriety.
Some of the symptoms you may experience can include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Nightmares
PAWS can last anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. It’s important to be prepared for it and have a solid support system in place. If you do experience PAWS, know that it’s normal and will eventually pass.
Build Healthy Relationships
A lot of people looking to learn how to live a sober life have no idea the impact healthy relationships can have.
Healthy relationships mean surrounding yourself with people who will support your sobriety and help you stay on track. It also means being honest with your friends and family about your sobriety and what you’re going through.
Building healthy relationships is essential to living a sober life because these are the people who will be there for you when you’re struggling. They’ll be the ones to help you stay on track and to offer you support when you need it.
Furthermore, being honest with your loved ones about your sobriety will help to create an open and understanding relationship.
Get Appropriate Support
One of the most crucial aspects of how to get sober involves getting the right kind and amount of support. This may include professional help, therapy, and inpatient or outpatient programs.
For some people, going to 12-step meetings like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is an integral part of staying sober. Others prefer to find sobriety without AA or other similar organizations.
An intervention specialist can also be a big help in getting someone into treatment. There are several types of interventions, but all involve bringing in a professional to help talk to the person struggling with addiction.
The goal of an intervention is to get the person into treatment and on the path to recovery.
Practice Healthy Living
Living a sober life means taking care of yourself both mentally and physically. This may look different for everyone, but there are some general things you can do to live a healthier life:
- Eat healthy foods
- Get regular exercise
- Get enough sleep
- Avoid people and situations that trigger your use
- Find healthy coping mechanisms
- Spend time with supportive people
Making these changes can be difficult, but leading a healthy life is one of the many benefits of sobriety.
Making sure to take care of your body will help you feel your best and have the energy you need to stay sober. It’s also important to find healthy activities that you enjoy and can do sober. This could be anything from hiking to yoga to painting.
Celebrate Milestones
It’s important to celebrate your successes, no matter how big or small. This could be anything from making it through a day without using to being sober for one year.
Some people like to celebrate their milestones with a special activity or treat, like going out to eat or buying themselves a new book. Others prefer to keep it low-key and simply reflect on how far they’ve come.
No matter how you choose to celebrate, taking the time to recognize your accomplishments is a vital part of living a sober life.
How to Live a Sober Life: A Complete Guide
Now you know how to live a sober life and that living sober is possible with the right resources and support. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, there is help available. Remember to take things one day at a time, reach out for help when needed, and celebrate your successes along the way.
Now that you know how to stay sober, please head over to our blog for more informative content.
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