Completing a treatment program and attaining sobriety is one of the biggest achievements a recovering addict will accomplish. That said, this milestone is merely the beginning of their journey. Maintaining sobriety is a lifelong effort often filled with numerous challenges and obstacles.
In many instances, the first year of such a transition is the most difficult. Fortunately, healing subjects who are aware of the challenges they will face and follow certain expert tips stand a better chance of remaining sober for extended periods.
Reasons The First Year Of Sobriety Presents Challenges
The initial stages of sobriety present potential pitfalls because the individual in question is basically beginning a new life. Those who underwent treatment for dependency on alcohol or another drug likely:
- Used the chemical in question for a significant length of time
- Held a serious addiction to said substance
- Suffered notable health, personal, professional, or financial consequences as a result
- Damaged relations with family or other close associations
Naturally, the first and most crucial step surrounding the sobriety attainment process is overcoming the addiction and ridding the body of the offending chemical. However, once that ladder rung is passed, the recovering subject must attempt to repair the harm their dependency caused and learn to readjust to the world as a sober person.
This next phase is challenging and often precipitates a measurable amount of anxiety and uncertainty. Moreover, if the former addict is not careful, the pressure associated with these tasks could result in relapse or participation in other potentially detrimental actions.
What To Expect
Addiction treatment professionals, in addition to those who have overcome dependencies and maintained sobriety for prolonged time frames want those new to the process to realize that they should expect to experience ups and downs but also create a plan of attack enabling them to peruse through the process with greater ease.
Tips For Success
Persons in the know suggest that a newly sober subject might remain in that favorable state for extended stretches through actions including:
Building Relationships With Sober People
Those just entering sobriety cannot establish or rekindle associations with those who continue to use or abuse alcohol or drugs. Said subjects present too great a risk. Rather, social activities must be centered on sober events.
In certain cases, the healing soul may need to build relationships with new friends. Those learned on the topic even recommend joining groups comprised of people who have been through the process and understand the associated struggles.
Following An Established Schedule
The worst thing newly sober individuals can face is idle time. Extensive periods of such freedom can play tricks on the mind and precipitate dangerous thoughts resulting in relapse.
To combat these potential hazards, persons are urged to create productive schedules involving healthy activities such as attending school or work, partaking in mind and body-stimulating leisure activities. and participating in rewarding community or family events.
Placing A Priority On General Health
Achieving and maintaining longstanding health often involves one’s commitment to important endeavors including:
- Consuming a balanced and nutritious diet
- Staying hydrated
- Exercising
- Partaking in relaxation techniques
- Making the lives of other people better
- Obtaining enough sleep
Above all, recovering subjects should always place significant emphasis on the reasons they began using in the first place and properly address those issues.
Potential Pitfalls To Avoid
Success staying sober often also hinges on avoiding potential detrimental behaviors like:
Being Too Confident
Healing individuals should display a can-do attitude and be positive about their recovery. However, they should not be too prideful to ask for help if they run into possible roadblocks.
Rushing Back Into Civilian Life
Naturally, everyone possesses the desire to put challenging or unhappy times in the past and move forward with the future. However, recovering addicts must not rush this process. They should understand that there is no set time frame for re-establishing the life and happiness they once enjoyed.
Comparing Themselves To Others
It is important to reiterate that recovery is a marathon and not a sprint. Everyone heals at their own pace and one is not failing or struggling because they do not progress as quickly as others in similar positions.
Isolating Oneself
Healing souls should never isolate themselves. Addicts typically need to establish a support system and not be afraid to rely on them for help along the way.
Contacting Us
Persons hoping to once again live life as sober people are encouraged to contact us at 833-820-2922. Our Columbus, Ohio facility has helped a wide variety of individuals kick their dependencies and rekindle joyful and healthy lives.