Deciding to become sober is only one step towards sobriety; staying sober is where the work lies. Even though relapses are a part of recovery, numerous tips can help you maintain sobriety. The common misconception is that treating addiction is a one-size-fits-all program. However, different individuals struggle with different addictions for a diverse set of reasons, and the choice to become sober is also unique to different people. Some decide to become sober to take care of their health, save their relationships, or better their lifestyle choices.
Midwest Recovery Center tailors a treatment plan that seeks to treat the whole person. In addition to an alcohol addiction treatment program that involves therapy, medical support, and social support, patients are empowered with life skills and tips that help ease the journey of staying sober. Below are some tips you can gain from a sober living program that will help you get back on your feet so you can begin to enjoy a life free from drugs and alcohol.
Identify the Triggers
Different people struggle with substance abuse for various reasons. For example, some will engage in substance abuse to escape emotional distress, financial troubles, relationship troubles, underlying mental illness, or existing trauma. Identifying the triggers through case management is a crucial component in learning to maintain sobriety.
Form New Habits to Stay Sober
Deciding to stay sober is a significant lifestyle change. To effectively maintain sobriety, there is a need to change every aspect of your life: get new friends, find new hang-out spots, form new habits, develop a new attitude, and create a safe environment that supports sobriety to ensure you do not slip back to old habits.
Learn New Coping Skills
Substance abuse develops when individuals begin to over-rely on the drug to deal with everyday struggles and stressful situations. Learning new coping skills goes a long way to stay sober. These could include: journaling, listening to music, talking to a friend or loved one, meditating, deep breathing, or taking a walk. One of the advantages of going through a professional addiction treatment program is the therapies offered that allow individuals to build up their healthy coping skills. At Midwest Recovery Center, we offer several therapeutic options that can help those struggling with a substance use disorder develop healthy coping mechanisms. Some of our therapies include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Family therapy
- Group therapy
- Individual therapy
- Trauma therapy
Even in aftercare or alumni programs, individuals can return to or continue therapy that’s proven effective for their needs.
Practice Healthy Living
Healing from substance abuse can be physically tasking, necessitating work on your physical well-being. Some of the ways to ensure you practice healthy living include:
- Regular exercise
- Well-balanced meals,
- Quality sleep
- Positive recreational activities
Deal With Past Mistakes
Various therapy programs, such as group therapy, trauma-focused therapy, expressive therapy, and family therapy, are essential in learning how to deal with past behavior and its consequences. Recognizing that feelings of shame and guilt are natural during recovery helps different individuals achieve forgiveness for what they may have done while addicted.
Prepare for the Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)
PAWS includes symptoms such as sleep troubles, irritability, depression, or intermittent anxiety. A medical professional is ideal for helping you learn how to identify these symptoms, prepare for them, and work through them without relapse. Medical support may be necessary for safe detox.
Develop and Maintain a Structured Schedule
Sticking to a structured schedule promises a bit more control over the day’s events and reduces the chances of engaging in activities that may result in a relapse. Notably, relapse, which is part of recovery, does not begin when an individual consumes the drug, but rather long before. It responds to either emotional, physical, or mental distress in which alcohol or drugs seem like the logical response.
Celebrate Milestones
Acknowledging your effort and hard work is vital to maintain motivation; however, ensure that the rewards focus on supporting your new healthy lifestyle.
Recovering at Midwest Recovery Center
Substance abuse affects people of different races, ages, genders, and income levels. Additionally, different treatment programs are ideal for different people, and with the help of a qualified professional, you can curate the right treatment plan for you. The Midwest Recovery Center offers various substance abuse treatment programs tailor-made to ensure you stay sober. These programs include:
- Partial hospitalization program
- Intensive outpatient program
- Outpatient therapy
- Our alumni program
These programs seek to treat substance addiction at various levels. Contact Midwest Recovery Center at 833.627.0039, or contact us online and begin your journey to sobriety.
