Sobriety Strategies: 13 Tips for Staying Sober

One of the biggest perks about sobriety is being able to think ahead, long-term. This is in stark contrast to alcohol and addiction in general which foster short-term rewards. So, use your sober brain to think about the long-term consequences to your short-term reward and recognize what it would do to your life. If you find it difficult to make new, sober friends, try joining a support group. There are many reasons why people become addicted to drugs or alcohol.

You might have only socialized in clubs, bars, or parties. Now, you can get into differentexperiencesthat will add fun, value, and friendships to your life. While addicted to alcohol or drugs, you might have only thought about the next time you would get drunk or high. Many recovering addicts now find that they have more time to fill without drugs and alcohol consuming their thoughts and actions.

Begin the journey to recovery today

If you recently had surgery or an injury, your doctor will be careful with the pain medication they give you, because some of those sober house drugs can make you more likely to relapse. Ask your doctor about nonmedical ways to manage your pain, like massage or acupuncture.

Keep a non-alcoholic beverage in your hand to keep your senses occupied. Have a confidential, completely free conversation with a treatment provider about your financial options. If you become a ball of wretched energy during the holidays, perhaps your own expectations have become your downfall. Responding to the Opioid Epidemic Every day, 44 Americans die from overdoses involving prescription opioids. Learn how we are continuing our mission to be a force of hope and healing, and what we are doing on the front lines to help families and communities affected by opioid addiction. Graduate School Open House Join students, alumni, faculty and staff at one of our scheduled open houses to gain real-life insight into graduate student life at Hazelden Betty Ford. Recovery Webinars on Demand In recovery, the best lessons are found in the experience, strength and hope of others’ recoveries.

I gave up drinking to give myself a better future. But what if Earth isn’t getting one?

When you take the opportunity to connect with others—to see, value and honor their experience—you exercise empathy. You exist outside of yourself, and you begin to notice all the blessings your life already contains. And it doesn’t get more human, or more recovery, than that. If you come prepared to protect your sobriety, you should be able to outmaneuver addiction and avoid any potential relapses. Family members expect holiday perfection, and they often demand every ounce of your time and energy—and patience. The family menu is a constant carb-load, and traveling puts a strain on your wallet.

Any activity can overtake your life in an unhealthy way. Make sure you are making time for yourself and your treatment or aftercare plans.

Ways Gratitude Can Help You Stay Sober

It provides a solid foundation of security, as well as the tools needed to heal and cope even after leaving the facility. If you know Cousin Sadie is going to grill you about rehab, avoid her. If Uncle Brian is going to mix you a stiff drink, stay away from him. If the office New Year’s party is really all about drinking or other drug use, make a brief appearance or don’t attend.

We want you to know that there’s hope when it comes to depression, and you don’t have to suffer alone. #6 Plan an easy exit from problematic situations and how you will turn down offers to drink. Educate yourself about your finances and start creating a stronger and more stable foundation for your future without the uncontrolled expense of addiction to meet.