For everyone suffering from alcoholism, overcoming the struggle to get clean is a highly challenging undertaking. It’s estimated that at least 80% of people who achieve long-term sobriety had at least one relapse.
While maintaining long-term sobriety may not be easy, it is possible.
If you’re having trouble getting sober, it’s essential to understand the benefits of sobriety and identify the methods that have helped others find success. Please keep reading for three ways that can help you in overcoming addiction. It’s possible to live a healthier, happier life free from alcohol.
1. Recognize Your Triggers
A huge part of getting clean and preventing relapse is understanding your external and internal triggers.
Your external triggers refer to the people, places, situations, and things that evoke cravings or thoughts associated with alcohol abuse. Internal triggers are the feelings, ideas, and emotions that lead you to drink.
Common triggers may include:
- Work or financial troubles
- Stress
- Emotional distress
- People who use drugs or alcohol
- Relationship problems
- Environmental or social cues that lead to cravings
Once you can identify your most significant risks, you can begin to prepare for and avoid them.
2. Identify Relapse Warning Signs
When figuring out how to live sober, it’s critical to recognize your relapse warning signs.
Relapse can sneak up on you and begins long before you start drinking again. It involves three phases- emotional, mental, and physical relapse.
There are several common warning signs of relapse. Some of these include:
- Addictive thinking patterns
- Compulsive, self-destructive behaviors
- Seeking out people or situations involving alcohol
- Thinking irrationally
- Behaving irresponsibly
- Convincing yourself that alcohol is your only escape from pain and suffering
Identify your warning signs and immediately seek help upon noticing the first signals of relapse. Find support through 12-step groups, friends and family members, your doctor, or alcohol rehab.
3. Find a Balance
A common mistake for those new to alcohol recovery is to substitute a new addiction for their old one.
Avoid compulsive behaviors altogether and strive to find balance. The secret is to understand that you have choices and can maintain control over your life. If any area of your life continues to feel out of control, it will only hinder your long-term sobriety.
Strive for a healthy balance in everything you do. Each should hold equal importance from eating healthy to exercise, work, relationships, and self-care. Find a 12-step program, such as alcoholics anonymous, to help you confront your issues with alcohol and provide support when needed.
Get Clean and Stay Sober
It’s possible to get clean and maintain sobriety, but it’ll be something you need to work at for the rest of your life.
There’s no magic potion or method that cures alcoholism, but there are ways to find health, happiness, and balance while staying sober. First, surround yourself with others who offer support and ask for help when needed. You are not alone.
If you enjoyed this article, you’d love our other Health and Lifestyle posts. Check them out today!
Read Also:What Is PPC? An Introduction
