Addiction of any kind is destructive to your life, whether you know it or not. Every addict dreams of one day getting clean and staying sober. However, that is not a journey for the faint-hearted. It is daunting and will drain you to the core. The first step is to identify a christian outpatient drug rehab near me. Getting clean is the best decision an addict can ever make.
However, it takes willpower, resolution, and discipline to start the journey to long-term sobriety and stay clean.
Here are a few ways to get clean and stay sober.
Identify your triggers
The greatest enemy toward achieving long-term sobriety is a relapse. And relapse is inevitable if you do not identify your triggers and deal with them accordingly. A trigger is anything that stirs up a craving associated with substance abuse. It could be a person, a place, a situation, or a thing.
Triggers could be in the form of stress, financial struggles, relationship issues, friends who are still drinking or using drugs, to mention a few.
Recognize relapse warning signs
You may not recognize the relapse warning signs. It is recognizing them that will better position you to avoid a relapse. A relapse starts before you even go back to substance abuse. It begins with an emotional relapse, graduates to a mental relapse, and eventually a physical relapse.
Some relapse warning signs include;
- Engaging in self-defeating behaviours
- Irrational thinking
- Returning to the thinking patterns you used to have before beginning the journey to getting clean
- Keeping close company with friends still using drugs and alcohol
Prepare for Post-acute Withdrawal Symptoms
Post-acute withdrawal symptoms can last up to two years after you stop substance abuse, depending on the type of dependency. Its symptoms include trouble sleeping, anxiety, irritability, and depression, to mention a few. These symptoms can affect your recovery negatively if you do not actively seek help. It is important to find a medical professional to walk this journey with you.
Avoid old habits
It is said that old habits seldom die. With this in mind, you must be intentional about avoiding such habits for them to break. Sticking to these old routines and habits will make it easier for you to slip back into substance abuse. Some ways to work on old habits are:
- Avoid hanging out with your former friends still in substance abuse
- If your way to work elicits cravings, change that route immediately
- Avoid frequenting joints or places that stimulate cravings
Invest in quality relationships
You may have realized by now that most of your relationships could be strained because of substance abuse. But now, with a clear and sober mind, you need to work on them. It would be best to build healthy relationships with your family, colleagues at work, and friends by spending more time with those who are supportive. If you experience difficulties making new and sober friends, you can join a support group.
Structure your daily schedule
A disorganized lifestyle is the quickest way to get you back to substance abuse. It hinders recovery and may cause you to feel helpless. A structured daily schedule is a lifesaver. It makes you live actively if you stick to it. You already know what to do or where to be at any given time. With an organized lifestyle, you may not be bogged down by life’s daily stressors.
It may also help to set both short-term and long-term goals for the life you desire. Align the tasks you need to do to achieve these goals with your daily schedule. You will find that pursuing your goals will keep you focused and help you maintain sobriety.
Practice a healthy lifestyle
Because of your former dependency on drugs and alcohol, your health may have been greatly affected. As you stay sober, you need to give priority to self-care for you to gain the fortitude to remain clean and sober.
A healthy diet will go a long way to build your body back to health. Incorporate well-balanced and regular meals into your daily schedule. You may also start a regular exercise routine and incorporate relaxation strategies like yoga and meditation. Also, ensure you get enough sleep every day and make time for your hobbies and other recreational activities. You need your body in perfect shape to remain focused on staying clean.
Conclusion
Staying sober will need great willpower and a solid resolve to not go back to substance abuse. Ensure you remain focused and find someone you can talk to when you feel like life is taking a toll on you.