A dopamine hit brings about pleasure and is then quickly followed by pain, or a come-down, in order to keep us motivated, says psychiatrist Dr. Anna Lembke. By Buddy TBuddy T is a writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism. Because he is a member of a support group that stresses the importance of anonymity at the public level, he does not use his photograph or his real name on this website. If you’re involved in a 12-step program, you likely already know the importance of milestones. In these programs, it’s customary to receive plastic chips as you progress to the one-year mark, at which time you receive a bronze coin.
- You may want to start an exercise routine — exercise releases brain chemicals called endorphins, which can make you feel good.
- Staying sober long-term is a challenge, but it’s not impossible.
- «It’s about communicating openly and listening actively to what they say is working for them.»
- Whether you’re struggling or just want some extra guidance, consider reaching out for support from professionals who are trained in addiction treatment.
- My work focuses on self-development, realizing your potential, and sobriety—speaking from personal experience, having overcome both poverty and addiction.
Help your loved one create a new sober lifestyle
Implementing these new habits takes time, but reducing or eliminating your alcohol consumption is worth it. Even if you’ve only been sober for 1 day, there’s someone who can use your guidance that is at day 0. Alcohol is the only drug where being sober around drinkers people think you have a problem if you don’t do it. NIAAA’s website is full of practical research and science-based methods to help you stop drinking. The NIAAA tells you the mathematical difference between drinking in moderation, binge drinking, and heavy alcohol use.
Staying Healthy
Continuing therapy after your treatment allows you to become a better version of yourself and equips you with a stronger desire to stay substance-free. It helps you learn new thinking patterns and coping skills that make it easier to resist cravings. It’s essential to build relationships with people who are supportive and focused on activities that will support your sobriety. Support groups, community organizations, sports groups, and religious organizations are some of the best places to find friends with whom you can develop healthy relationships. A recovering addict usually encounters triggers that can compel them to return to their old ways.
Exercise and Healthy Eating
So, it’s extra helpful to have a support network available to you when you need it. The strategies we’ve explored offer a roadmap for maintaining sobriety in 2024 and beyond. From building support networks to focusing on personal growth, each step is crucial for long-term success. Personal growth and goal setting provide structure and purpose to your recovery journey. They help fill the void left by substance use and create a fulfilling, sober life.
Focus on making genuine connections
- However, if you are in pursuit of something new and better, you’re more likely to stick to it.
- Going through detox and stopping all substance use is only the first step; the real work at staying sober happens in the weeks and months following detox.
- By setting achievable goals and pursuing personal development, you’re not just staying sober—you’re thriving in sobriety.
An addict’s life revolves around using their substance of choice. As a recovering addict, you must always find ways to stay productively engaged. When you quit drinking alcohol, there isn’t any way around feeling like you’re missing something. It can also make you more self-aware and mindful, helping you stave off cravings. Practicing yoga lowers your levels of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.