If you have chosen to walk the road of sobriety, congratulations! It is often said that recovery is a lifelong journey, and you will find many useful tips and pieces of advice along the way. The first 90 days of recovery can be the most challenging as you are adjusting to your new life without your drink or drug of choice. Other changes may also be apparent, such as a new job, place to live, taking part in recovery programs, spending time with new people, etc. Even though a lot may be changing, the key during this time is not to become overwhelmed and to take things slow. 

Ten Sobriety Tips

To help you stay on the road to recovery, check out these ten tips for sobriety that might help:

Build a Safe Sanctuary –

By choosing sobriety, you have made a wise choice. You owe it to yourself to create the safest and most supportive environment possible in order to keep your sobriety on track. Start by removing all drugs, alcohol, pornography and any other items or substances that can be addictive out of your home.  Start off fresh. If you have a difficult time getting rid of things, ask your friends, family or trusted sponsor to help you. In addition, removing excess clutter can also help clear your mind of distractions and keep you focused on more important things.

Ask for Help –

If you still have good relationships with family and friends, don’t be shy asking for help, especially in the early stages of recovery. This early period also represents a good time to have a conversation with friends and family about the possibility of you needing others to grant you a little more patience. You will be in the midst of creating a new schedule and daily life for yourself, and those around you might be affected.

Stay Vigilant on Diet and Sleep –

Often times, someone addicted to drugs or alcohol is deficient in vitamins and overall nutrition. Getting your body back to its highest functioning state will take dedication to your diet, exercise schedule and getting adequate sleep. Good nutrition can improve how you feel physically and mentally, so be sure to make a nutrition plan at the beginning of your recovery process.

Recognize Triggers –

One of the main ways someone can backslide in their sobriety is by not recognizing or acknowledging their triggers. Triggers can be anything from a sound or smell to a person or social setting. Keep track of your known triggers and do your best to avoid them.

Seek out a Sponsor –

One of the best sobriety tips is to seek out the help of a 12-Step Program and also the support of a sponsor. Sponsors are a key factor in 12-Step protocols and they can help you navigate through many areas of recovery. Your sponsor acts as your go-to person in many areas of life, and will become someone you can depend on and trust.

Consider a Schedule –

Schedules are a great idea for anyone making sobriety a part of their life. A schedule will keep you on track and remind you of the things you need to concentrate on each day. Be sure to schedule time each day or week for relaxation, exercise, meetings, doctor appointments, meditation, and any hobbies you want to spend time enjoying. Keeping yourself on track with new hobbies and goals means you might be less likely to indulge in old/bad behavior.

Find a Meeting –

Recovery meeting groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous and SMART Recovery are an important step in one’s sobriety. Here you can receive ongoing support and education no matter what stage you are in of the recovery process.

Cut Ties with Toxic People –

This can be a difficult sobriety tip to hear but it is crucial to keep you on track with your recovery. Old friends with whom you used drugs and alcohol with are not good company while in recovery. Peer pressure and the desire to feel the way you did emotionally or physically when these people surrounded you could cause you to stumble and relapse. Do some soul searching and trust your instinct about who should and should not be in your life.

Find a Hobby –

Perhaps there is an old hobby you loved but haven’t engaged in a while, or maybe there is something you always wanted to learn or do. Now is the time to add a hobby or two to your life. Whether it is a cooking class, playing an instrument or joining an exercise club, a hobby will keep you occupied, clear your mind and bring joy into your life!

Be Grateful –

Recovery can be difficult and sometimes you might find yourself reminiscing about the way things used to be. We have a funny way of romanticizing the past and not remembering it exactly how it was. Gear your thoughts on today and try to come up with 5 things each day you are grateful for. It could be your family, good weather to take a walk in, or meeting a new friend in a recovery meeting. Showing gratitude for the wonderful things you do have in life is a great sobriety tip and can help keep your outlook positive.

Drug Detox Centers Linden can help you begin your recovery journey. Just give us a call today at (908) 368-4232.