Alcohol can interfere with our call to growth by distracting and numbing us. When we default to alcohol to manage our emotions, we don’t develop the skills we need to navigate life successfully. We also miss the opportunity to learn vital lessons that will help us become deeper, braver versions of ourselves. But in working with others, I have seen that stopping drinking by itself isn’t usually enough to create a sustainably sober life. We all do much better when we follow a program to fill the gaps that used to be occupied by alcohol.

She owns a boutique, Fleurty Girl, in New Orleans’ French Quarter, a neighborhood synonymous with drinking. At Longbranch Recovery, we understand the unique challenges of the holiday season and are here to help you every step of the way. Our team is available 24/7 to provide guidance, encouragement, and resources for you or your loved ones. This holiday season, give yourself the gift of continued progress, self-care, and support. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help you thrive—not just during the holidays but every day.

The Journey To Sobriety

It is not easy to start the recovery process after falling victim to the addictive cycle of taking drugs and drinking alcohol. You probably decided to choose life because of a noteworthy incident or series of incidents. Recalling your initial motivation for starting the rehabilitation process might help you stay motivated whenever you feel down like you cannot go on. Most people in recovery undergo at least one relapse, but you learn from each experience. Drug abuse and mental health disorders often co-occur.

Self-control is a fundamental skill that individuals in recovery must cultivate to resist the urges and triggers that may lead to relapse. Developing self-control is akin to exercising a muscle – the more it is practiced, the stronger it becomes in resisting the temptation to revert to substance use. By learning to manage impulses and make conscious decisions to prioritize sobriety, individuals can enhance their willpower and resilience in the face of challenges. To successfully form new habits, individuals should start by setting specific and achievable goals.

• Furthermore, social media is addictive, and you’re an addict.
• So, acknowledge your achievements, and if you make a mistake, practice forgiveness and rise above it.
• You might face penalties like losing your driver’s license or other legal issues, depending on local laws and regulations.
• Sobriety is a dedication to a better, more fulfilling life, not only to give up alcohol or drugs.

Call to Action: Start Your Sobriety Programme With My Guidance

Track your wins on a calendar or through a Sobriety app. Sometimes running into people you know can prompt you to think, “Just one drink won’t hurt.” Don’t get too comfortable. Know your triggers ahead of time, and plan for them by having an exit strategy or, as some in recovery call it, a Plan B — Plan to Be Sober. Incorporating structure can be simple, such as rising at a certain time daily and making your bed. Or it can be more elaborate if you thrive on structure, with time blocked off for self-care or activities to ensure boredom doesn’t sneak in and cause you to have cravings. Sobriety in its most basic context is defined as complete abstinence, not being under the influence of any drugs or alcohol.

Triggers and Cravings

Your exercise routine can include going to a gym, but let’s face it — the gym isn’t marijuana addiction for everyone. 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. You may have already experienced some of these symptoms, and symptoms may come and go. Self-care isn’t just bubble baths and therapy sessions.

• Knowing what sobriety is, what it means to “be sober,” and some common challenges can empower you or a loved one to begin your sobriety journey with the right expectations.
• It includes 20+ beautiful pages to practice and document your successes.

Small, mindful choices like these can help you stay grounded and resilient. You deserve to understand your needs — and to take care of them. How you start your morning can shape your whole day, especially when you’re in recovery.

Implement Coping Strategies for Recovery

You need to actively create a different environment and develop healthier patterns. Building new routines is crucial for maintaining sobriety. No one goes through life alone, especially in life-altering situations, and staying sober is one of them, that is why you need a support system.

Therapy

Although choosing to become sober is a significant first step, keeping sobriety demands regular daily routines that boost your will and help you towards your goals. These routines help you create a strong basis and conquer obstacles like the fear of being sober or the uncertainty of life without alcohol. In recovery, you’ll learn to manage them, rather than eliminate them. Tools for managing triggers may include the phone number of a support person, a comfort object, a calming mantra, and other healthy coping strategies.

• 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.
• For some people, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can help with staying sober.
• For example, taking a hot bath with bubbles or salts is a form of my self-care.
• When you have achieved recovery, the next step is to maintain your newly established sobriety.
• However, don’t look at it like you’re “getting through” the days.
• Support groups are another way to find people who will be able to help you.

If you have trusted loved ones and friends you can lean on, don’t be afraid to open up to them in times of need. In addition, you can connect with SMART or AA recovery groups, a recovery coach, or a care team through an online treatment program like Ria Health. For some people, medication-assisted treatment (MAT) can help with staying sober. Certain medications may help you eliminate cravings and even reduce your desire for alcohol.