There’s no better feeling than sobriety. After battling addiction to drugs or alcohol, sobriety can feel like you’re seeing life for the first time, especially if you’ve been struggling for a long time. It’s a breath of fresh air that allows you to begin to rebuild your life, but because of the way drugs and alcohol impact the body’s chemical system, it can be fragile, even after years of sobriety.  Sometimes, it can feel like the tiniest bit of stress or anxiety that comes your way through the daily rigors of life can trigger cravings like you just stopped using yesterday.

Luckily, there are some ways you can work each day to keep a handle on triggers and keep your sobriety on track.

  1. Be active in any continuing therapy – if you’re still attending any type of therapy or group class for your addiction, be active, help others if you can.
  2. Reach out regularly – whether it’s in a twelve step program like AA or just private sessions with an addiction counselor, reach out to people who understand on a regular basis.
  3. Accept help when you need it – It’s common to hide addiction. If you find yourself struggling, consider reaching out to a sponsor or attending a meeting.
  4. Do something good for you – Whether you start yoga daily or meditating while you take your dog for a walk, do something that helps you breathe a little easier.
  5. Be aware – If you’re not ready to attend a work function that has alcohol, for example, then be aware of that and have a contingency plan.
  6. Start a routine – Creating a positive routine keeps time limited for negative activities to creep back in.
  7. Let go of the shame – It’s never pleasant to deal with shame from one’s past choices, but finding a way to let it go is key to staying sober.
  8. Know your triggers – If you’re able to identify your triggers easily, do so, and avoid them when you need, but focus on healthy coping strategies instead.
  9. Breathe a little – Don’t keep yourself on such a tight leash that the smallest slip up, like thinking about using, leads to an all-out relapse from stress.
  10. Be patient – recovering from addiction is a process. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, and you have to take it a day at a time.

 

 

 

 

If you’re struggling with an addiction, the first step to sobriety is getting help before it’s too late. Recovery from drug and alcohol addiction is possible, and the addiction specialists at The Springboard Center can help you find the right treatment program for you. The inpatient and outpatient programs offered are tailored to your needs, and they help you build the foundation you need for your sobriety. If you’re ready to take that first step, call today: 432-620-0255.