How to remain sober after addiction

If you have stopped indulging in addictive habits like drinking, smoking and a host of other activities, one of the challenges you would be saddled with is remaining sober. The truth is, you will feel the urge to revert to those habits once in a while.

When you bow to the cravings, you are bound to revive those habits. Hence, you need to put in much work to ensure that you remain sober.

Here are some tips to remain sober after addiction

Know your triggers

If you cannot identify your triggers, it would be almost impossible for you to remain sober. One of the ways to figure this out is to collaborate with your counselor or addiction therapist.

Sometimes, these triggers could be places, things, people, or even words. Triggers are features that are likely to invoke the interest in your past addictive habits.

When you can identify your triggers, it would be easy to know how to avoid them by creating a solid plan.

Build healthy relationships

Another way to remain sober is to be watchful of the kind of people in your circle. It is important to keep people who are fixated on living a healthy life.

If you keep relationships with people who are addicted, it is only a matter of time before you relapse. Therefore, look forward to building healthy relationships that would support your sobriety goals.

Seek support

When you want to remain sober after addiction, you need to look for support. One of the ways to achieve this is by joining a support group. Usually, these groups constitute individuals who are facing the same thing as you.

When you spend more time with them, it strengthens your mindset and resilience when it comes to staying sober.

Another way to seek support is from your counselor or therapist. Your counselor can teach you how to handle some of the challenges you will face as you journey to sobriety.

Benefits of aftercare treatment to remain sober

Many people struggle with different forms of addiction. When they enter addiction treatment, it gets more challenging to recover on a clean slate.

Eventually, some of them recover fully from addiction, but the journey does not end there.

One integral part of treatment that needs to be looked forward to is aftercare treatment. This is a specialized treatment that helps an individual to remain sober after they are done with the main addiction.

Here are some of the benefits of aftercare treatment

To learn coping skills

When it comes to aftercare treatment, one of the major benefits is to get acquainted with coping skills that would help you fight off cravings and triggers.

The mistake some people make after addiction treatment is to start living their life with the same approach they used when they were addicted.

With time, they would find themselves unable to defeat the temptation that came with their former addicted lifestyle. When you enter in for aftercare treatment, you will learn coping skills to help you remain sober.

To live a healthy life

If you live an unhealthy life, the chances of getting addicted again increase. With aftercare treatment, you can learn various tips on how to stay healthy.

You will learn important hacks like how to eat healthily, exercise regularly, take lots of water, have enough sleep, etc. With a healthy lifestyle, it becomes easy to reduce the chances of a relapse.

To get access to top-notch and continued counseling

Another benefit that comes with aftercare treatment is the continued counseling that comes with it. You will have access to counseling support that would help you navigate life the proper way.

Anytime you feel overwhelmed or pressured, you can always contact the counselor for help, and be sure to get the right assistance.

Aftercare treatment is something that every recovering individual should consider when they are discharged from the treatment rehab.

BENEFITS OF THE SOBRIETY STATE

The best thing that can happen to an addicted individual is achieving sobriety. Once this happens, it implies that the individual is free to walk, and never suffer from addiction again. Well, this becomes a full reality when there is a sound aftercare system in place.

There are a truckload of benefits that comes with the sobriety state, and some of them would be touched in this piece:

  • Communication improvement: One of the highlights of the sobriety state is how your communication improves. Typically, addicts do not find it enthralling communicating with people, they prefer keeping to themselves. Moreso, they are aware that people do not support their addictive habit, so staying away is often the best way to avoid conflicts.

However, when they are sober, they would discover that a lot of damage has been done, and it is best to repair them by communicating.

  • Better relationships: When your communication is better, it implies that you will get along better with people. If you have had fallouts with people, it is best to resolve them so that you can have a smooth track record with them. Better relationships contribute to having a good mental health.
  • Better focus on work: When you are sober, you will be able to channel your energy towards important things like work. Addicted people cannot focus properly on their work, let alone multitask. While someone who is sober would be able to handle many tasks at once.

This is one of the reasons why an addicted person performs woefully at work. Even though they are top-performers, they will still mess up.

  • Profound career pursuit: Someone who is in a sober state is better suited to chase career goals than someone who is addicted. A sober person is always well rested, they are able to properly process thoughts because there is nothing disrupting them.

For addicts, it is always a challenging ride for them, and eventually they end up chasing their dreams.

THE CONCEPT OF BEING SOBER

If you are sober, it could mean that you have defeated addiction, or you are not addicted in any way. And people who are sober have the chance to live the healthily for a very long time.

For people who just recovered from addiction, one of the most difficult things for them is remaining sober.

There is always a 50% chance for someone who has recovered to relapse. That is why it is necessary for a good follow-up system to be in place. Once there is a good aftercare treatment program in place, it is feasible for an individual to remain sober.

Being sober requires that you integrate health measures into your daily routine that are targeted towards giving you a great health.

First off, you need to take your dieting serious. There are some meals that can make you relapse, possibly because of their constituents.

This is why you need to consult a dietician who would give you the best meal prescription. If you cannot afford to hire one, check online for dieticians or nutritionists who offer free services at no cost.

In addition, it is important to exercise on a regular basis. Not only does exercising impact you mentally, it impacts you physically. Your internal organs would be in a great shape and your immune system is sure to receive a boost.

It is also necessary to revive the dying relationship between you and your loved ones.

Addiction or mental health problem has the tendency to cause friction between you and your loved ones, so when you are sober, it is best to resolve all pending issues. Doing this is beneficial for your mental health.

Also, you need to associate yourself with people who are equally sober. Quit hanging out with people who are likely to make you revisit your addiction; you would not like the outcome in anyway. So, surround yourself with positively-minded people who are also conscious of their own health.

THE BENEFITS OF SOBRIETY

In the addiction process, and individual who is regarded as being sober, is someone who has successfully undergone treatment in the addiction process, and there is a very high chance that the individual would not relapse.

Being sober is one of the best assets which someone recovering from addiction could have, as it is the greatest gift which an addict could get.

Below are the benefits of sobriety:

  • It improves your communication: An addict would usually find it difficult to interact with people around him, because of his condition. Hence, he would prefer to keep to himself, whilst indulging in the act which keeps him addicted. It is usually very hard to tell who an addicted person is. However, from their communication pattern, it becomes very easy.

When an addicted person recovers from addiction and becomes sober, he would discover that it is quite easier to interact with people than before.

  • More focus on work: Also, it is easier for a sober person to focus on work, rather than someone who is addicted. An addicted person can be likened to someone who is very versatile. However, the basic difference is, the former is a bad multitasker, while the latter is good at multitasking. Someone who is addicted would be a poor performer at work, as his attention would be divided, he would not also be able to process thoughts properly, thereby leading to making bad decisions.
  • Better relationships: A sober person would definitely find it easier to build strong relationship than someone who is addicted. He would attract fellow sober individuals, who would be willing to assist him to get back fully on track. An addicted person tends to lose ties with family and friends because he prefers to be isolated.
  • Better career pursuit: In addition, a sober person would find it easier to pursue his career full swing, than someone who is addicted. This is because, the sober person has rest of mind, and he is able to think properly, and process his thoughts rightly. Also, since there is no feature of addiction in play, he would be able to focus squarely on his career.

The Mindset of Sobriety

sober mindsetSobriety is more than a series of choices; it is a mindset. Often we try to limit our idea of sobriety to one epistemology or another, not acknowledging how complex a process and a way of life it is. Sobriety is reflected in every area of our lives. Perhaps no one knows this better than someone who struggles to be sober and understands how different their entire being would have to become in order to be sober. Every substance abuser has their own process in discovering their sober identity, but here is some food for thought for developing one’s sobriety.

Spend time thinking about how to be purposeful instead of how to kill time. The first is the pattern of a sober person while the second is a pattern of a substance abuser. Only through sobriety can one be connected to their life’s ambitions and a sense of meaning in all that they do. Substance abuse numbs a person to their sense of purpose, clouding the meaning they find in different aspects of life, but sobriety gives a person the clarity they need to discover purpose in all that they do.

Similarly, it is best to focus on how to stay connected in life rather than how to escape life. Even in times of difficulty, when the temptation to escape into mind altering substances is extreme, one will ultimately find greater satisfaction and wholeness in staying mindful enough to process the components of their life. This does not mean that one cannot engage in fun, stress relieving activities. What it means is that one should not chemically switch their brain off in order to relax.

If you focus on how to bless the people in your life, rather than focus on getting what you want from them, you will find that sobriety will come more naturally to you. Being selfish instead of being a selfless part of a community breeds opportunities for substance abuse because it leads to an exaggerated sense of personal hardship by only looking out for one’s self. Being sober means being conscious of people around you, their needs, their feelings, their sensitivities, rather than only focusing on your own cravings and desires.

The Science of Sobriety

sobriety methodSo many people want to reclaim their sobriety but feel that it is lost to them, as if sobriety is a mythical state of being. Though many people struggle with the quest for sobriety, the truth is, sobriety is quite a methodical thing to achieve. It will inevitably involve some discomfort, but no more than learning the ropes of a new job requires. Every person is capable of achieving sobriety if they are willing to trust and follow the tried and true steps toward sobriety.

It is a fact that the less an addictive substance is used, the less your body chemistry will expect it. Substance dependence and substance abuse are two different things, but they are closely related. Essentially, any substance that gives its user feelings of pleasure can be abused and can in turn become addictive. But the influence the substance has over its user is relative to how heavily they are using it. This may seem like a vicious cycle, but it is actually good news because it means a person can reduce their substance cravings over time. In a nutshell, here’s how to separate from a substance you abuse:

  • Take action to physically separate yourself from the substance by any means necessary, even if it means checking yourself into a rehab.
  • Fill your schedule with healthy hobbies and tasks that do not involve the substance. Hobbies and tasks that actively encourage you to separate from the substance are even better.
  • If you unexpectedly encounter the substance, take action to get away from it quickly and then methodically invite distraction from the substance into your realm of experience. Choose a healthy activity, preferably involving someone supportive who can hold you accountable.
  • Continue these steps indefinitely and observe your craving for the substance diminishing. If you find yourself struggling or relapsing in any of these areas, seek professional help from counselors or substance abuse specialists.

The Prison of Substance Abuse

substance abuse prisonSubstance abuse may start off gradually, but it takes no time at all for it to become out of control. What started as a few drinks on the weekend or smoking weed socially starts to turn into daily usage that often results in binge using. Through this process, substance abuse can quickly become a prison, controlling a person’s life and wreaking havoc on their mental health. Denying the problem and believing your own lies that you are in control only prolongs the substance abuse and puts you at an increased risk of wrecking your life.

Substance abuse and addiction are not the same thing, but they are closely related. Any substance that gives a person feelings of pleasure can become abused or addictive. If a person is habitually abusing a substance, they have become too reliant on it, even if they have not become physically dependent on it, which indicates addiction. All it takes to qualify a case of substance abuse is the individual being unable to control their appetite for the effect the substance has on them.

Over time, the substance begins to turn on them, affecting their moods, their decision making, their relationships and their reputation. They may even face being let go from a job, losing relationships and deteriorated health. But what keeps a person returning to the substance they abuse is their memory of how euphoric it originally made them feel. Even as the feeling of euphoria becomes ruined by the person’s growing awareness of their own self destruction, they will continue to seek the original high they felt from the substance.

They only way out of this vicious cycle is help, either personally motivated self help or the help of a substance abuse expert, such as a counselor or a rehabilitation specialist. Substance abuse can be consuming but a person’s determination to quit is capable of overpowering it. Do not give up hope!

A Sober Thinking Overview

sober thinkingRecuperating from addiction requires behavioral examination and cognitive processing unlike any other situation does. For many recuperating addicts, the task is not without its backslides and difficulties, but this is not reason to give up! Rather, participate in critical thinking to avoid relapse and strengthen your brain against the allure of drug use.

Deciding to change your existence may be the cornerstone of sobriety, and it is probably the most intimidating part of it. Change is something that scares us and causes us to be exacerbated, but by reasoning through it in an organized fashion, that fear and bitterness turns into an agenda that fills you with hope. Be cautious in choosing the way you would like your addiction treated, considering which learning techniques meet your needs. Remember, chemical addiction and mental issues go together, so don’t merely address one or the other. Rather, seek help for both at the same time, and consider that you may need the expertise of an addiction rehab center.

Altering your existence this drastically is one thing nobody needs to undergo alone. Gather your support system near to you and make them conscious of your condition as well as your choice to heal. If your addiction is related to your support system, take space from them. Surround yourself with sobriety and peers who support your recovery, even when this means considering an addiction inpatient facility, joining a recovery group or getting into a sober living home.

Among the universal triggers of drug abuse is stress, and learning healthy coping systems is essential for your ongoing recovery. Think about healthy methods for relaxing, for example exercise, yoga, meditation or any other soothing hobbies. Set goals on your own and entertain dreams. Developing a life of purpose will transform your stress into a willingness to meet the challenges of the world.

You should keep in mind that the chance to relapse will arise because the availability of your addiction won’t disappear. People, places and things may serve as triggers for your former lifestyle, and you must remain active in staying away from and fighting off these causes of addiction. Be upfront and communicative regarding your sobriety. Set limitations. Should you relapse, remember it is not the end of recovery, but an opportunity to start anew. Your ultimate goal for sobriety is a work in progress.

The Process of Recovery

recoveryAddiction can be devastating to the person stricken with it, as well as their family members, and frequently inpatient rehabilitation is the only way to conquer the grip of addiction. When addicted to alcohol or drugs, there is a complete spectrum of recovery steps that the addict must undertake before they can be in charge of their life again, and the expertise of an addiction rehab center can be the difference between success and failure.

An intervention usually must occur in order to make the addict realize the seriousness of their situation. An addict may realize this through a life altering event such as loss of employment or a substance related injury. Or, more typically, the addict will be confronted by their loved ones to be made aware of their addiction reality. Interventions can be demanding and emotional on everybody involved, and frequently require services of an intervention specialist. When the addict comes to terms with their addiction problem, they are able to seek the assistance of a professional substance abuse treatment facility.

The initial step to inpatient treatment is perhaps the most uncomfortable and the most necessary part of recovery: detoxing. In less severe addictions, the addict is encouraged to detox just before checking in to the facility, frequently including a doctor’s physical exam. In more extreme addiction cases, the addict should be supervised while detoxing as withdrawal symptoms can be harmful to the addict’s mind and body.

Next, the addict will reside in a residential rehab facility and undergo monitoring and counseling as they start to practice sobriety. The amount of time spent in the facility ranges from roughly 28-days to 90-days with respect to the intensity of the treatment. Some rehabilitation programs concentrate on the chemical addiction, while others focus on counseling services and therapy remedies that heal the mental scars that make people susceptible to addiction.

When the recuperating addict has worked their way through the rehab program, it is very common for them to remain in a sober living unit before coming back fully to their lives. Sober living houses are frequently on-site within the addiction rehab, and provide the individual a location to practice sobriety while starting to reenter the duties of their lives. Rather than making a clean break from the addiction inpatient facility, the individual slowly returns to the world and gains independence while still being supervised, remaining near to their advisers and sober peers.

Canadians who are struggling with addiction should not suffer alone with their condition, but should instead reach out for help from mental and medical health professionals. Whether it is a Vancouver drug rehab, a Toronto addiction treatment facility or a Calgary alcohol detox that you require, contacting a national or provincial addiction treatment network will put you in touch with the recovery services you need.

A Sober Thinking Overview