Alcohol is seeping through America. More than 14 million Americans struggle with alcohol use disorder, including hundreds of thousands of teenagers.
Yet many people make complete recoveries from their alcohol use. The key to living a sober life without relapsing is to break a sober life down into a few steps.
Who should you get support from? How can you plan out your day and week so you don’t drink? What should you avoid doing?
Answer these questions and you can enjoy all benefits of sobriety in less time than you think. Here are five tips for living a sober life.
1. Get Help
Staying sober is a lot easier when you have help. Go to an addiction treatment center in your neighborhood and get therapy from them. You can also meet with a psychiatrist and work on steps you can take for getting sober.
You should get support from friends and family. If you don’t know who to turn to, you can join a support group and make sober friends in the group.
2. Create a Structured Routine
When you are busy, you are less likely to drink. At the start of each week, create a schedule for yourself and write down when you will go shopping, work, and take care of yourself.
Give yourself fun things to do so you can destress. If you find yourself bored or stressed, you should do something else with your time.
3. Avoid Triggers
Some people get addicted to alcohol because they use alcohol as a way to cope with stress. Try to find out what gets you stressed. Work, personal relationships, and financial troubles tend to be common causes.
You should also avoid the places where you used to drink. You may be tempted to get a drink if you meet someone there or because you want to replicate the memories you associate with the place.
4. Stay Healthy
Becoming addicted to drugs can damage your health and reduce the benefits of sobriety. When you’re healthy, you’re less likely to use drugs again, and you can reverse the effects of substance abuse.
Eat meals with all essential nutrients, including healthy fats and vitamins. Exercise multiple times a week and build your muscles and heart. Get at least eight hours of sleep every night and feel free to use meditation or yoga to ease yourself into sleep.
5. Handle Your Finances
Many people who are in recovery struggle with managing their money. Budget how much money you spend every month and find opportunities to reduce your unnecessary expenses.
If you’re having trouble finding a job, you should meet with a career coach. Some drug treatment centers have coaches to help residents find jobs.
Start Living a Sober Life
Living a sober life requires a little work. You need to get help from drug treatment professionals, psychiatrists, and friends. You should schedule all hours of your day so you have no time to drink.
Avoid triggers, including the bars and restaurants you used to drink in. Keep your body and mind healthy through regular exercises and balanced meals. Stay in control of your finances and find a stable job with help from a career coach.
These tips are just the essentials to sober living. Read more sober living guides by following our coverage.
