Whether you or someone you know has made the decision to stay sober, you know that part of addiction recovery is facing the difficulty of maintaining sobriety as well as relapse. The good news is that the likelihood of both can be greatly reduced by making small changes that support your substance abuse treatment and commitment to lifelong sobriety.
Changing the Scenery and Creating New Habits
Changing habits includes changing your social life. The places you used to go, the people you used to spend time with—all this needs to change in order for you to stay sober. The best way to do this is to spend that time with new friends in new places. Joining a support group will help you meet others who are sober as well as find a sponsor to help guide you on your journey.
Other ways to change the scenery include spending time in a completely different place. Increasing the time spent with family can be a great way to change your habits. Nature can also be a very healing and uplifting way to stay sober as well as stay healthy when you indulge in daily walks. Yoga and meditation are both great ways to nourish body, mind, and spirit.
Investing time in creative pursuits can be a great way to stay focused as you create something positive. Singing, painting, and dancing can all provide a healthy outlet. Finally, changing your habits should also include changes to your diet. Incorporate healthy foods gradually and replace unhealthy snacks like potato chips with healthy alternatives like avocado or kale chips.
Making It Right
Maintaining sobriety means maintaining healthy relationships. For those who have committed to sobriety, the recovery process includes repairing relationships of those you love and work with. Whether it’s apologizing for past mistakes or recognizing and repairing a co-dependent relationship, righting these relationships will be crucial to your sobriety.
Create Structure
The lack of structure is a way of life during active addiction. However, now that you’re sober, having a schedule and making sure you stick to it can help you maintain that recovery for the long term. Structure means a consistent routine. A job, a cleaning schedule at home, and exercise sessions are all examples of ways to incorporate structure into your daily routines.
Whatever your routine, ensure that your sobriety is always at the top of your list of priorities. Those in your support group or family can help you stay on track.
Give the Gift of Your Time
Giving back to your community can be a great way to help others as you help yourself. Just a few hours a week is all that’s needed to make a real difference. Doing so will give you a healthy way to feel good.
The BlueCrest Experience
BlueCrest Recovery Center facilities offer peer support and an addiction treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. Learn more about how our programs and residences encourage self-reliance and support your return to sober living; call 888.292.9652.
