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However, research suggests that while 12-step groups are effective, people often don’t continue their involvement at beneficial levels over the long term. This article discusses what sobriety means and describes strategies that can support your long-term recovery. It also covers tips on how to deal with the challenges you’ll face on your journey to sobriety. Our goal is to offer people a single source of relatable, reliable information at any stage of their recovery journey.
How do you know you’re ready to live with drinkers or be around alcohol at all? Here are several rules to follow to ensure that you don’t potentially put yourself in harm’s way. Sobriety provides the opportunity to create new and meaningful rituals. This could look like https://curiousmindmagazine.com/selecting-the-most-suitable-sober-house-for-addiction-recovery/ creating an alcohol-free “happy hour” routine with activities you love, or treating yourself to a spa day after a major accomplishment. You can also create new celebratory rituals for special events, such as a gratitude circle or a signature non-alcoholic cocktail.
Find the Right Program for You
If you’re reluctant to turn to your loved ones because you’ve let them down before, consider going to relationship counseling or family therapy. In general, the longer and more intense the drug use, the longer and more intense the treatment you’ll need. And in all cases, long-term follow-up care is crucial to recovery. Whether you have a problem with illegal or prescription drugs, addiction treatment should be customized to your unique situation. Long-term follow-up can help to prevent relapse and maintain sobriety.
However, it can be difficult to grow and change in these areas without a third party to guide you. Drug rehab programs are extremely helpful for those with co-occurring disorders like anxiety, PTSD, or depression. Whether the addiction preceded mental health problems or vice versa, it is essential to treat both simultaneously. Otherwise, a person is much more likely to relapse after getting sober. Most addiction treatment centers recommend at least 90 days of sober living before returning home.
Identify Your Personal Triggers
Additionally, a person may find it useful to snack while drinking, as not only will this line their stomach with food, but may help them to drink at a slower rate. It takes the body at least 1 hour to process each drink consumed. By the time a person has had their second drink, if it is within the same hour, they are likely to be impaired, although they may not realize it. Sleep allows time to pass while the body rests and recovers.
Is it hard to stay sober?
Even with the support of family and friends, staying sober is never easy. Recovery from alcohol or drug addiction is a lifelong process with many challenges along the way. Sometimes, it might seem like riding out the tough moments is impossible, especially during major events like Christmas or a friend's birthday.
