5 Tips for Making Steps Towards Living a Sober Life

The number of overdoses increased as COVID-19 continued to spread. We reached a record high of 70,000 addiction-related deaths in 2019. Overdoses increased by almost 80% as well.

With addiction rising, it’s important to seek health right away. Otherwise, you might find yourself added to these statistics.

Are you trying to live a sober life? Here are five tips that could help. With these tips, you can develop a happy, safe sober lifestyle.

As you improve your quality of life, you can establish new goals and accomplish new dreams. Don’t wait to make a change in your life! Keep reading to start on your road to sobriety with these tips today.

1. Develop a Routine

About one in seven Americans develop a substance addiction at some point in their lives. Unfortunately, only 10% of addicts receive treatment.

If you completed an addiction rehabilitation program, use what you learned! Rehabilitation programs are built off routines. You can use your previous routine to feel stability and structure in your life.

Try to develop your own routine. Schedule time for work, your family, hobbies, and treatment. Make sure to continue going to group meetings as well.

Creating a schedule can give your life focus. You can avoid a relapse by relying on the structure in your life.

Did you work with a counselor to develop an aftercare program? Many aftercare plans include:

• Practicing a healthy lifestyle
• Learning how to avoid triggers
• Maintaining a network of support

How can you add these priorities into your routine? For example, you can start attending an exercise class with friends. You can avoid going to parties but spend more time with family instead.

Did your rehab program offer any continuing-care services? You might want to look for an aftercare program that includes:

• Recovery checkups
• Drug testing and feedback
• Medication-assisted treatment
• Employment, legal, or housing services
• Support networks and groups
• Individual or group therapy

Finding a facility that offers aftercare services can help you learn how to live sober in the real world. They’ll help you maintain your sobriety by equipping you with the tools you need.

Take Your Medications

Did you take medications as part of your initial treatment? Make sure to keep following your medication protocol. Ask a doctor when it’s safe to stop taking your medications.

Otherwise, stopping cold turkey could cause side effects.

Write down your medication schedule to remain organized. After all, you don’t want to make mistakes. Consider using a weekly medication box to remain organized as well.

2. Establish New Goals

You can also develop a sober life by establishing short- and long-term goals for yourself. Think of getting sober as a clean slate. What do you want to see on that slate in your new life?

Do you want to start developing a career? Maybe you want to start a family. Either way, developing new goals can give you focus.

Take the time to celebrate your wins, too. As you accomplish your goals, recognize how far you’ve come.

Many addicts abandon their passions in exchange for their addiction. What hobbies or activities did you drop? You can either rekindle those old passions or find new ones.

For example, you can learn a new skill, start volunteering, or develop a creative passion.

Finding new hobbies and activities can help you build your sober lifestyle.

Consider Vocational Training

Do you have a means of supporting yourself financially? If not, you might want to consider vocational training. Vocational training will help you build a career and financial plan.

Without a passion or drive, you might abandon the sober life.

Ask your rehabilitation facility if they can connect you with vocational training. Some facilities offer training services on-site.

Vocational training will help you develop skills for a job or trade of your choice. You’ll receive hands-on instruction from an expert. If you commit yourself to your training, you could earn a degree or diploma.

For example, you can learn welding, culinary arts, graphic design, or automotive repair. There are many vocational training programs available based on different passions.

Once you complete your training, you can start your new career.

3. Know Your Triggers

About 40 to 60% of people who complete treatment relapse within a year. If you want to maintain a sober life, you need a plan. In order to avoid a relapse, take the time to identify your triggers.

What usually caused you to turn toward alcohol or drugs? Were your triggers mental, physical, or emotional?

For example, stress might have caused you to turn toward a coping mechanism like alcohol. Maybe you had people in your life who were pushing you to use. Perhaps environments like a party made it seem okay.

Take the time to make a list of your triggers. Then, avoid them.

Talk to the people around you who know you’re living a sober life. Let them know about your triggers. They’ll help you avoid situations that could cause a relapse.

4. Meet With Your Support Team

Having a support team is an important component of maintaining your sobriety. The next time you feel triggered or tempted, reach out to someone. Let them know you’re struggling.

You can learn from their past experiences. They’ll help you find ways to avoid your triggers and make healthier choices.

Researching women’s sober living near me might help provide the support you need.

5. Improve Your Overall Health

Improving your mental and physical wellbeing can help when you’re living a sober lifestyle, too.

For example, exercising can boost your serotonin levels. Serotonin impacts your mood. It can help you feel focused and calm.

Serotonin also stimulates sleep. It can reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, too.

Add exercise to your routine. Workout with friends or family members. Get your heart pumping and boost your serotonin levels!

Exercising can also provide you with a healthy distraction the next time you feel like using.

Don’t forget to consider your diet. Food can help you avoid cravings.

Make sure your diet is full of nutritious whole foods. Choose foods that are high in vitamins.

If you keep experiencing cravings, try cayenne pepper. Cayenne can reduce cravings and boost your appetite.

Living a Sober Life: 5 Tips to Help You Along the Way

Living a sober life doesn’t have to feel like an impossibility. Instead, use these tips for developing a happy, healthy lifestyle. With these tips, you can maintain your sobriety without stress.

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