Are you struggling to stay sober after your addiction treatment? Do you find yourself caving into temptation after a few days or weeks of sobriety? And the stress that sits on your mind afterwards, which makes you feel that stress management is an “option impossible” for you?
If you’re looking for answers and ways to stay sober longer, you’ve come to the right place.
This blog post will share tips and advice to help you resist temptation and stick to your goals. So keep on reading, as you’ll find some helpful tips for staying sober longer!
Table of Contents
What Does It Mean to Be “Sober?”
Sober is often defined as not being under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or any substance use disorder.
However, some people may use the term to describe a lack of other substances in their life.
For example, someone might say they are sober from cigarettes, caffeine, or sugar.
In general, though, when most people talk about being sober, they mean they are not using any mood-altering substances.
No matter what your definition of sobriety is, the goal is to stay away from substance abuse or behaviors that are harmful to you.
This can be difficult, especially if you’re surrounded by temptations such as drug addiction.
But it’s important to remember that you’re in control of your own choices. You can decide to resist temptation and stay sober.
How To Get And Maintain Sobriety Longer
The first and foremost step to remain sober is admitting that you have a problem and need help.
Once you’ve made your mind, you can begin to take steps towards sobriety
Many resources are available to help you on your journey, including support groups, therapy, and treatment programs.
It’s also essential to develop a support network of friends and family members who will help you stay on track.
Making these changes can be challenging, but they are necessary for maintaining sobriety in the long term.
Take It Step By Step
Taking things carefully step by step is essential when trying to stay sober. Don’t get overwhelmed by thinking about staying sober for the rest of your life. Instead, focus on your today and what you can do to stay sober right now.
Every day you resist temptation and choose to stay sober is a success. Over time, these days will add up, and you’ll be able to look back at your progress with pride.
Set Reasonable Goals
When setting goals for sobriety, it’s essential to be realistic. For example, if you’re trying to quit smoking, you shouldn’t set a goal of never smoking again. Instead, focus on smaller goals, like going one week without smoking.
As you achieve these goals, you can gradually increase the time you aim for. But starting small is essential, so you don’t get discouraged.
Find An Accountability Partner
Finding someone who will hold you accountable can be helpful when you’re trying to stay sober. This could be a best friend, a family member, a therapist, or a sponsor.
Whoever you choose, make sure they are enough supportive and willing to help you achieve your goals. Your accountability partner should be the one you can rely on to help you stay on track.
They can offer advice and encouragement when you’re struggling, and they can be a source of support when you’re feeling tempted.
Create A Support System
In addition to finding an accountability partner, it’s also essential to create a support system of healthy relationships which include sober friends and family members who will help you on your journey to sobriety.
These people can offer emotional support and practical assistance when you need it.
They can also be a great source of encouragement and motivation when you struggle to stay sober. Building a support system is a great step in maintaining sobriety in the long term.
Find A Hobby Or Activity That Makes You Happy
When trying to stay sober, finding things that make you happy and help you relax is essential.
For some people, this might be spending time in nature, listening to music, or reading. Whatever it is, make sure it’s something you enjoy that doesn’t involve using mood-altering substances. Finding fun activities that make you happy can help you stay sober by giving you something to look forward to.
It can also help to take your mind off of cravings and temptations.
Avoid Triggers
Avoiding anything that might trigger a craving is essential when trying to stay sober. For example, if you’re trying to quit smoking, you should avoid places where people are smoking. It would be best if you prevented bars and parties from trying to stay sober from alcohol.
Recognize your possible triggers and do your best to avoid them.
If you can’t avoid them, make sure you have a plan to deal with them.
Develop A Coping Strategy
When you are on the road to maintaining your sobriety, it’s essential to have a coping strategy for dealing with cravings and temptations.
This could involve distraction techniques, like watching Netflix or going for a walk. Or it could involve deep breathing exercises or visualization. No matter what it possibly is, make sure it works for you and that you’re comfortable with it.
Having a coping strategy in place will help you deal with cravings and temptations when they arise.
Get Help If You Need It
If you’re struggling to stay sober, don’t be afraid to seek professional help. Many useful treatment options are available, and a professional can help you find the right one.
Don’t think twice about seeking help if you’re struggling to stay sober. It could possibly be the best decision you ever make.
Recognize Your Relapse Signs
Most people experience at least one relapse within the first three months of sobriety; it’s a temptation and it is a normal and natural emotion.
But there are often warning signs that tell a relapse is about to occur. Recognizing these signs can help you take steps to avoid a relapse.
Some of the common signs of an impending relapse include:
- Experiencing a lot of stress
- Feeling isolated and alone
- Feeling bored or unhappy
- Not attending meetings or therapy sessions
- Not following your treatment plan
If you notice these signs, you must reach out for help immediately.
How Long Does It Take To Be Considered Sober?
The time it takes to be considered sober varies from person to person.
For some people, sobriety is achieved after a few days or weeks. For others, it could take up to several months or even years.
For example, someone abusing alcohol for many years may take longer to reach sobriety than someone who has only been drinking heavily for a short period. In addition, other factors such as age, health, and underlying mental health conditions can also affect the time period it takes to achieve sobriety.
However, most experts agree that it takes at least a few weeks for the body to detox from alcohol and for withdrawal symptoms to subside.
After that, it can take months or even years to recover from alcoholism fully.
So while there is no definitive answer to the question of how long it takes to be considered sober, it is safe to say that it is a process that requires patience, persistence, and commitment.
The Bottom Line
Staying and living a sober life is a process that requires commitment and effort. There are a variety of things you can do to increase your chances of success. These include attending support groups, exercising regularly, and eating a healthy diet.
Additionally, it’s important to avoid triggers and stressful situations. If you slip up, don’t be discouraged. Just get back on track and continue hustling towards your goal.
Alcohol and drug recovery is possible—you just have to take that first step.
