The Healthy @Reader’s Digest spoke with doctors and looked at recent years’ research to help you navigate the space between carefree and careful. Staying focused on the reasons why you’ve decided not to drink can get you through difficult moments. “Really think about your payoffs for not drinking,” Cornett says. “You won’t have the hangover in the morning. Maybe when you drink too much you behave like a fool, so your reputation and self-esteem will be intact the next morning.”
Effective Communication Strategies
And then they’re going to make a conscious effort not to be bad friends. Reinforce what you’re doing is important, and you need them to be more supportive. Talk to them if you feel the vibe is off or they’re being pushy https://ecosoberhouse.com/ with you, even if it’s passive-aggressive. No matter how old we are, peer pressure can still influence our lives. Organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous are other ways to build a support network.
- Remember to stay connected with your support network, seek professional guidance if needed, and always have an exit plan in place if you feel pressured or uncomfortable.
- Some people journal their sobriety milestones, while others track them on their phone or a calendar.
- If I’m at capacity, I have no problem leaving a party early or politely declining an invitation to do something.
- Sometimes a reassuring word from someone you trust and respect is all it takes to keep you on track.
- This is essential during early recovery, as sobriety fatigue can increase your risk of relapse.
- This could include environments where excessive drinking occurs or events that may make you feel uncomfortable.
How To Stay Sober: 14 Essential Tips
- This awareness is highly relevant when deciding how to navigate relationships in recovery.
- Think about other activities that bring you calm, and leave you feeling energized.
- If you require a drug and alcohol counsellor or clinician experienced in trauma, PTSD, anxiety and other concerns I can refer out.
- However, the past few decades have brought changes to alcohol treatment.
However, the past few decades have brought changes to alcohol treatment. It’s now possible for some people to relearn to drink moderately. Although it’s absolutely being sober around drinkers reasonable to ask for support, it’s not reasonable to ask others to quit drinking. You can’t force someone to make a change they aren’t ready to make.
- As seen in Verywell, Healthline, Psych Central, Everyday Health, and Health.com, among others.
- Two important aspects to consider are establishing clear boundaries and having an exit plan in place.
- I don’t have a mantra or visualization that will get you there any faster.
- The symptoms involved in PAWS can be a barrier to recovery if you’re not careful.
Drugs & Supplements
By doing so, you can promote understanding and garner their support. Letting your friends know what you are comfortable with and what you prefer to avoid can help create a supportive environment. When establishing boundaries, it’s important to identify specific triggers or situations that may jeopardize your sobriety. This could include environments where excessive drinking occurs or events that may make you feel uncomfortable.
Navigating relationships in recovery
Some proponents suggest that carbon or charcoal capsules, which people can buy in health food stores, may help with sobering up. Exercise can help wake up the body and make a person more alert. However, there is currently no strong evidence to suggest that exercise can help metabolize alcohol quicker.
Digital Health and Wearable Devices
Addiction is often seen by many as a lifelong disease; one that requires constant dedication, mindfulness, and strength. You should never be ashamed of needing support, regardless of how much or how frequent it is. If you’re struggling to stay sober, reaching out for help is always better than sacrificing your hard-earned sobriety. For additional resources and support, contact a treatment provider today to learn about your options.