Ways to Remind Yourself to Stay Sober

Going through detox and rehab is hard. Anyone that has ever done it will tell you so. However, they may also tell you that staying sober after rehab can be just as hard, if not harder. Many people with substance abuse and addiction issues simply do not know how to live without drugs or alcohol. Here are some ways that you can remind yourself to stay sober.

Spend some time with a pet

According to the Florida Department of Children and Families, people that have animals involved in their therapy have decreased stress, depression, and anxiety, and improved communication, mood, and living skills. All of these things make staying sober easier.

Think About a Loved One

Thinking about those you care about and how your addiction affects them, can serve as a powerful reminder that sobriety is better. Drugs and alcohol are not worth your or their pain.

Listen to Music

Listening to motivational music can promote sobriety.

Music can have a powerful effect on the mind. By listening to a song that inspires you, or gives you strength and courage, you can avoid the urge to break your sobriety.

Drink a Glass of Water

Hydration is very important to your health, especially if you are recovering from an addiction to drugs or alcohol. Drinking a glass of water can serve as a simple distraction and improve your health.

Talk to a Staff Member

The majority of sober living facilities employ staff that are either certified counselors, or have personal experience with addiction. Talking to them can help you put things in perspective, or provide you with advice for staying sober. If you need help finding a sober house with caring and compassionate staff, call us at 800-953-3913 (Who Answers?).

Talk to a Friend in the House

Talking to someone that understands what you are going through and what your day to day life is like can be very helpful in reminding you to stay sober. Many sober houses share stories of addiction and encourage their residents to do so as well.

Work in the Garden

Gardening has repeatedly been shown to be therapeutic. It has a calming effect, and the joy of seeing something grow and thrive because of your actions is an excellent way to boost your courage and confidence. This new found confidence can strengthen your resolve to stay sober.

How Relapse Prevention Begins with the Help of a Sober House

Write in Your Journal

Keeping a journal has great therapeutic benefits, as well. It is a place that you can safely express your inner most fears and desires. Writing about your struggles to remain sober may help you decide that sobriety really is better, despite temporary feelings to the contrary.

Read Back What you Wrote

Reading what you have written in your journal can be just as beneficial as writing it. You may find that reading your own thoughts on your addiction and sobriety can provide clarity and insight on how to remain sober.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, one of the most important needs of those in addiction recovery is a safe and stable place to live. Sober houses meet this need, as well as provide the opportunities to overcome urges to return to alcohol or drugs. If you are struggling with living sober, call us at 800-953-3913 (Who Answers?), and we can help you find treatment that is right for you.