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.
