Understanding & Recognizing Transfer Addiction

sober, addiction, transfer addiction, recovery

When walking the often unsteady path to recovery, it can be easy to miss a condition many are unaware of known as transfer addiction, or sometimes referred to as cross-addiction. It is important for those in recovery, and those trying to support someone in recovery, to understand the concept of transfer addiction and its potential effects on sobriety. 

What Is Transfer Addiction?

Transfer addiction is when an addict attempts to compensate for the uncomfortable changes in their addictive habits and routines. It does not mean both addictions are present at once. For example, an addict might replace a substance for a hobby such as gambling. As they continue down this path of substitution, they may not realize that these seemingly harmless behaviors have become just as harmful as their original addiction. In other words, they’ve traded one form of addiction for another without really thinking about or acknowledging it. 

How Can I Identify Transfer Addiction? 

The signs of transfer addiction vary from person to person, but there are some common signs that you should look out for if you suspect someone has developed a transfer addiction. 

  • Spending large amounts of time indulging in certain activities such as watching television, playing video games, or engaging in online activities. These could be indicators that something else is going on beneath the surface. 
  • Preoccupied with certain hobbies or interests which can lead them into financial trouble
  • Experiencing obsessive behaviors or feeling depressed when without something related to the addiction

How Can I Prevent Transfer Addiction? 

Transfer addiction can often be prevented if people take the proper steps while on their sobriety journey. The most important step is to create a foundation based on healthy coping mechanisms and lifestyle changes. This can include exercising regularly and engaging in meaningful activities such as volunteering or attending support groups. Other methods include discovering new hobbies such as reading books, painting, learning a new language, etc., all of which can help fill the void left by drug or alcohol use when trying to achieve sobriety.

Recovery is a journey to wellness — it’s all about balance. You can enjoy activities that distract from drug and alcohol use and still maintain your outlook on sobriety. Be mindful of what triggers these thoughts or behaviors so that you are aware when you need help getting back on track with your recovery journey. With the right support system and self awareness, it is possible to reach lasting sobriety without resorting back to old habits!

5 Tips for Staying Sober

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If you’re in recovery and looking for that elusive “finish-line” to signify success in sobriety, you’ll be looking for a long time.

Lifelong sobriety isn’t something that can be checked off a to-do list once you’ve reached a certain point. It’s a continuous journey that takes work and commitment – but it’s also extremely rewarding and life-changing!

Think of it like a race with important milestones along the way, constantly taking you toward something bigger and better. While there may be setbacks, you’re always moving forward.

Some legs of this journey may be more challenging than others, so we’ve outlined five of the most the most important tips for staying sober and ensuring continued success in your recovery.

Let’s get started:

5 Tips for Staying Sober

1. Stay Structured

There’s a reason why so many treatment programs implement a strict routine in recovery: it’s proven to help with long-term sobriety success.

If you’re interested in following a similar structure after treatment, you can start by creating a schedule for mealtimes, group sessions, therapy, or external activities. Not only does this decrease idleness and keep you from the temptations of boredom, but it also supports the pursuit of positive thinking and healthy activities.

Living a more structured life doesn’t have to be boring – just make sure that you leave room for fun! The recovery journey is a great time to try something new, like a running club, a recreational sports team, a form of artistic expression, and more.

2. Maintain Moderation

As you add structure to your routine and include new activities, you’ll want to mindful that you practice moderation.

It’s common for recovering addicts to give up substance abuse or drinking while they’re in recovery, then pursue a new (seemingly normal) hobby with the same unhealthy mindset.

The illness of addiction can impact someone’s relationship to exercise, sweets, work, and more. By practicing moderation and mindfulness, you can seek help if or when you see these issues arise.

Being aware of your own progress is one of the most valuable tips for staying sober because every journey undergoes ups and downs.

3. Consistent Accountability

Just because you’ve completed a treatment or recovery program does not mean that you need to approach your sobriety without support.

Whether it’s therapy, group meetings, or relocating to a sober living community, consistent care is great for a number of reasons. In addition to accountability and community, these environments provide encouragement and fellowship from others in similar situations.

4. Find Ways to Serve

One of favorite tips for staying sober? Exploring new ways to serve the community.

When you commit your own time to help others, it can really put things in perspective and give you a new outlook on life. That’s why many treatment programs encourage community service during the recovery process.

Here at Sober Apartment Living, we invite our residents to volunteer with local organizations like St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance every month, and we’ve seen this have a great impact on the participants.

5. Avoid Triggers

During treatment and therapy, professionals can help you identify the triggers in your life, so that you can avoid these in the future.

And despite how it may feel, we want to assure you that there’s no shame in taking additional precautions when it comes to certain people, places, hobbies.

Being able to recognize harmful situations and purposefully evade them for the sake of your mental and physical health is a sign of strength – and one that will be extremely valuable in your sober journey!

Need Additional Tips for Staying Sober?

There are tons of ways that you can stay sober, but each person will be different. Our staff at Sober Apartment Living would be happy to point you in the right direction when it comes to resources and sober living environments in Scottsdale, AZ.

We know that choosing a life of sobriety can be difficult, but it’s also the best decision many people can make. We’re here to support that choice every step of the way.

 

 

 

7 Reasons Living at SAL Offers the Best Sober Living Environment

7 Reasons Living at SAL Offers the Best Sober Living Environment

Sure, your recovery process will likely start with treatment, but eventually you’ll be moving onto the next step: adjusting to “regular” life again. Putting yourself in the best sober living environment is a great way to help with this transitional stage.

In case you didn’t know, Sober Apartment Living, or “SAL”, exists for this very reason.

Our community offers sober apartments for people who have recently completed treatment and are seeking a home that will support that decision. We focus on all facets of recovery – from career planning & financial responsibility all the way to having fun & enjoying life – so residents can eventually move-out with a newfound confidence in their sobriety.

Here are the top 7 reasons why SAL provides the best sober living apartments for those serious about recovery:

7 Reasons to Make SAL Your Sober Living Environment

1. There’s a focus on your mental & physical health.

Anyone who has experienced addiction can tell you that recovery is not just about giving up alcohol or substance abuse, but it’s also about rebuilding and understanding how to live a sober life without those things. Here at SAL, we give our residents time to recover mentally and physically, providing different outlets for various needs. This includes spiritual opportunity and a particular attention to general health and wellness.

Through regular in-residence meetings, for example, residents learn how to handle conflict and take better care of themselves. If they want to delve into it further or focus on physical stability, we also provide onsite fitness equipment, group discounts, and easy access to nearby health clubs.

2. SAL offers career assistance.

Here at SAL, we recognize that a healthy sober journey includes a steady job & solid work ethic. Coming out of treatment, many residents appreciate job search and career planning, as it helps them learn other valuable skills as well.

Recovery is so much more than just simply getting a job, but also keeping it and managing it well. One of the things that makes our sober living environment so great is the skill development sessions. These address topics like money management, credit score improvements, effective time management, and more.

3. Fun, sober social activities are happening all the time!

Staying sober is a lot of work and can require a ton of personal change, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun. Sure, we care about the more serious aspects of recovery, but also emphasize the need for a good time.

Residents enjoy regularly scheduled social events that allow them to build friendships with other sober residents and rediscover the “fun factor” that is so critical to lifelong sobriety.

4. SAL offers affordable, modern living.

Just because you’re looking for sober living apartments in Scottsdale, AZ doesn’t mean you also have to sacrifice comfort and luxury.

Our apartments at Sober Apartment Living are tastefully furnished, offering recently remodeled units for a top-tier living experience – WiFi and utilities included! Not to mention, they’re extremely affordable.

5. The sober living environment prepares you for real-world living.

It’s fair to say that most sober living homes and apartments are not intended as permanent residences, but merely stepping stones toward sober futures. However, the transition between sober living and independent living can be difficult without the right preparation.

That’s why we create an experience that is realistic to most post-treatment living situations. We want you to thrive on your own, so our community allows you to grow toward this goal.

6. Community is everything.

When it comes to recovery, we cannot emphasize community enough, both in leadership and in peers. Knowing that you have that support system to encourage you and keep you accountable is so important to lasting sobriety.

Because of that, we do our best to create a community at SAL in a few different ways. Not only are residents rooming with other like-minded individuals, but they are meeting and interacting with trained, on-site managers who are successfully navigating recovery themselves.

7. Structure is maintained.

Here at SAL, we put specific rules in place to keep your safety and sobriety a top priority. The structure is helpful for many who are still navigating life after treatment, as it always ensures a sober living environment.

Why SAL?

If you’re looking for a sober living environment that focuses on your recovery, but also on your future – this is it. SAL supports the sober journey, but it also gives people the resources they need to move on.

Get in touch today and learn how you can make SAL home.