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That’s why we encourage participation in long-term group therapy and working with a sponsor or mentor. These systems ensure everyone has someone to contact when they need help. As an addiction psychiatrist, I work with patients in all stages of recovery. For those in early recovery, staying sober can be hard. Former drinking buddies , old haunts and old habits like using alcohol and/or drugs to escape, cope or provide reward are hard to shake.
What are the disadvantages of being sober?
- Difficulty socially. This was something I definitely experienced to begin with.
- Missing out. When I was no longer relying on alcohol to have fun, I did at times feel a little left out.
- Pressure from others. When I first gave up alcohol, I definitely felt the pressure to drink.
- Getting asked why?
Delete phone numbers, get rid of photos, and even find a new place to live, if you have to. The FHE Health team is committed to providing accurate information that adheres to the highest standards of writing. This is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure FHE Health is trusted as a leader in mental health and addiction care. Punishing yourself for past mistakes or transgressions doesn’t help anyone, especially you. Take pride in your wellbeing and find things that make you happy that aren’t related to your previous addiction. If you do relapse, just reset and focus on the next day.
Remember that it’s okay to say no to an event or gathering.
Relapse prevention techniques always include creating a schedule. Routines are important during addiction recovery, as a chaotic or disorganized life can encourage you to turn to old tips to stay sober habits. Get up at around the same time every day, go to bed around the same time every night, schedule calls with family members, and take a bath or shower to unwind every evening.
- Identifying the triggers through case management is a crucial component in learning to maintain sobriety.
- Lift weights, run the treadmill, or utilize the pool to swim laps.
- To inflame the issue, financial worries and issues holding down a job are triggers for relapse.
- Although family and friend relationships can be essential to your recovery, the quality of those relationships matters.
- If you’ve returned from rehab and picked back up at your old job, similar to living in your former home and friends, you run the risk of a relapse.
Know what your biggest triggers are so that you can steer clear of them and not enable unnecessary temptations. Learn to recognize when your social energy is tapped out so that you can leave while your mental resolve is still clear and strong. At Landmark Recovery, we have inpatient and outpatient programs combining medication-assisted treatment and a range of psychotherapies like CBT. If you have a co-occurring mental health condition, we have dual diagnosis treatment programs to help you address both issues head-on.
Work on Your Relationships with Friends and Family
If you feel yourself wanting a drink, drink some water instead. Journaling is great for a multitude of reasons , but an element that’s not often talked about is how your brain functions when you’re putting pen to paper. Research studies have shown that https://ecosoberhouse.com/ people activated more parts of their brain and increased their ability to learn when putting pen to paper as opposed to typing. For someone struggling with their sobriety and learning a new way of life, this is one of the best exercises you can do.