You’ve finally decided to change your life, but you still can’t erase the fact that staying sober feels hard. Everyone who is in their recovery journey fears relapsing. Thankfully, if you live in Georgia, there are many effective methods available that can help you remain sober after your time at Atlanta Detox Center.
Serve Others
It is easy to get wrapped up in our own problems and forget to put others’ needs before our own. If you have time, serve your community by either volunteering in a local shelter, donating old items, or even adopting a pet. This is an awesome way to ease your cravings, even for a short while. Besides easing your cravings, helping others gives you a sense of purpose and self-satisfaction, which helps maintain sobriety. Also, many recovered addicts sponsor people in recovery at an alcohol addiction treatment program, which is another great form of community service.
Attend Support Groups
If you have an opportunity to attend AA meetings or a group therapy program, try it out. These support groups do wonders for your sobriety, and despite feeling that staying sober is hard, you will feel motivated. In these support groups, you will hear from people struggling with similar things as you. You’ll also learn essential coping tools and strategies through interacting with people in the same situation as you. Outside of support groups, you can also attend individual counseling or admit yourself into an effective residential addiction treatment program.
Finding Your Inner Balance
Sometimes staying sober feels hard, but you can still break free from your addiction habits. First, examine your unhealthy behaviors and then make adjustments. For example, instead of going out for a drink with your officemates after work, try going to the gym. One of the best-kept secrets to curve addiction is to keep yourself occupied with fun and enriching activities. Exercise is effective for people dealing with intense cravings since it raises the body’s endorphins and reduces stress.
Eat Healthy Food
There is a variety of fresh produce which you can enjoy every day that is nutritious and delicious. Eating well matters for your sobriety, but also knowing the amount that you eat can affect your sobriety as well. Keep in mind that cravings usually occur when you are hungry or if your body’s nutrients are not balanced. Stick to a regular meal plan and eat well-balanced snacks to keep your body fueled.
Treasure Your Relationships
Family involvement is key, especially when staying sober feels hard. In many cases, the dynamics of your relationship can contribute to your addiction problem. You and your family may need a family therapy program. Whatever the case, make sure that the people closest to you do not enable you, as this may cause you to fall back into your old ways. If you lack companionship or don’t have friends you can trust, look to support groups for help.
As with other things in life, remember that the quality of your relationships also matters. It doesn’t matter if you’re dealing with an unsupportive partner or a drug dealer you’ve known since high school; step away from people that are not serving your sobriety well.
Learn to Have Fun Alone
Staying sober presents challenges you need to overcome, but you can still find ways to enjoy your life even when you’re alone. Try activities such as:
- Visiting museums
- Learning how to play an instrument
- Taking a walk in a park
- Reading a book
- Treating yourself to a spa day
When Staying Sober Feels Hard, Atlanta Detox Center Can Help
Relapse prevention is one of the most challenging things you will ever face. Staying sober feels hard, but your situation will only worsen if you continue living a chaotic life. It is important to consult with medical experts for advice and treatment. If you’re in Georgia, contact Atlanta Detox Center by either calling 844-658-0927 or completing our convenient online form for more information.
