How To Stay Sober After Recovering From Alcoholism
If you are recovering from alcoholism, staying sober should be one of the most important priorities in your life at this point. However, you may be thinking that staying sober is much easier said than done.
Alcoholism Can Be Difficult
Do you feel yourself creeping towards a possible relapse? We at (Facility Name) alcoholism treatment in North Carolina understand how difficult it can be at times to turn away from drinking. Before you let a relapse happen, please read these quick tips on staying sober in the face of temptation.
1. Join a Support Group to Remain Sober
Surrounding yourself with people who are going through the same struggles that you are can be quite helpful in managing your recovery. Support groups give you an outlet to discuss the personal issues that you are facing, with people that you are less likely to feel judged by. You are less likely to relapse when you attend a support group, because they give you a sense of accountability for your actions.
2. Take Time Out to Exercise
One way to take your mind off of your desire to drink is to focus on taking care of your body instead. You don’t even have to join a gym to gain from the many positive benefits of exercise. Just put on your sneakers and take a brisk walk outdoors in the sunshine and fresh air.
When you exercise, your body releases “feel good” endorphins into your brain, while it lowers blood pressure. It becomes a healthy outlet to relieve stress. It physically keeps you occupied, so you aren’t sitting on the couch being bored thinking about drinking. As a bonus, exercise helps your mind and body to heal from the damaging effects of alcoholism.
3. Stay in the Present Moment
Do you find yourself worrying if you will be able to stay sober next week, next month or next year? If so, it is time to shift your focus into the present moment. The only thing that is real is what is happening right here and right now. This moment is the only time that you have control over. Realizing this fact is one of the keys to staying sober.
Learn to practice mindfulness. Mindfulness involves focusing on your breath in and out, letting all thoughts leave your mind and just living in the now. Accept where you are in your recovery, at this moment in time.
4. Avoid High-Risk Situations
In order to stay sober, you need to make sure that you avoid people and places that you used to hang out with when you were abusing alcohol. You are only setting yourself up for failure if you go to a bar, a party or other high-risk situation. Don’t make the mistake of trying to “test yourself.” Particularly if you feel lonely, angry, hungry or tired, you are at the biggest risk of relapsing back into alcoholism.
5. Consider Making New Friends
This request can be a little tricky. Think about the “friends” in your life. Are they people who support your recovery and have stood by your side through thick and thin? Or, are they more akin to people who you used to hang out with and drink with? If they are the latter, perhaps it is time to bring some new, true friends into your life.
Alcoholism Treatment in North Carolina
Perhaps you have already tried some of these things, and you ended up relapsing anyway. Don’t beat yourself up for it. Nobody is perfect, so don’t expect your recovery to be flawless. The good news is that at Oasis Recovery Center we focus directly on alcoholism and drug addiction treatment. We are located in Asheville, North Carolina are here to get you right back on track again. Give us a call at (828) 330-9393 and speak to one of our friendly and discreet team members today.
