Rehabilitation takes a concerted effort and requires dedication, courage, patience, and commitment. Recovery extends far beyond the day you leave treatment – it’s about creating a new normal that supports your sobriety and helps you build a healthy future. So how do you achieve long-term sobriety? The experts at SBIRT Mississippi are here to weigh in on tips and techniques to maintain your sobriety and create a fulfilling future for the long-term
How to Stay Sober After Treatment
Rely On a Strong Support System
It’s vital to have a supportive community to help you in your continued recovery. Leaning on friends and family who respect the journey you’ve been on and to encourage your progress. Support groups like AA and NA offer a network of others who have faced similar circumstances and can support you and provide ongoing encouragement. A sponsor or mentor who is farther along in their recovery is an incredibly helpful support system that you can go to with honesty and transparency when things get difficult.
Plan Ahead
It’s important, especially towards the beginning of your life after treatment, to be aware of your triggers and have a plan for handling that occurrence. Develop a strategy for each of your triggers and consistently review the strategies so that if you find yourself in such a situation, your approach will be seamless and intuitive. Planning ahead will also enable you to avoid high-risk situations that will likely trigger you. Another aspect of planning ahead is to ensure you are in an environment that is supportive of your sober lifestyle. This may require moving away from an area that tends to trigger you and surrounding yourself with different support systems, friends, or even family that do not trigger you. While this may be difficult, your sobriety is the most important thing in your life and distancing yourself from unhealthy settings can make all the difference in helping you avoid relapse.
Routine, Routine, Routine
It’s vital to approach life from a structured routine, which will help you stay focused and remain grounded. Establish a healthy daily routine that will give your day purpose, encourage stability, and cut out unhealthy downtime. This includes sticking to a regular sleep and meal time schedule, pursuing activities and hobbies, and staying enrolled in therapy or counseling. These activities are incredibly helpful for feeling grounded and supported while you are creating your new normal.
Utilize Tools for Continued Awareness & Sobriety
SBIRT.ms is a free online resource designed to help individuals and families identify potential alcohol or substance use concerns early on. These anonymous screenings can help determine if you may be at risk for slipping back into tempting habits. It can be incredibly beneficial to take this quick assessment if you are nervous or concerned about your sobriety. SBIRT is free, quick, and 100% online. It can provide invaluable peace of mind and help remind you that you are on the right path.
Best Tools for Living a Sober Life
It can feel daunting and overwhelming to consider life after treatment for substance or alcohol use. Yet by implementing a few strategies and techniques for continued sobriety, you can live a happy, healthy life after treatment. With a strong, supportive environment, a solid understanding of your triggers, and embracing healthy routines, you can avoid relapse and live a vibrant life.