The journey of detox is never an easy one, but once you’re through to the other side, it’s important to maintain your new, sober lifestyle. Life is so much better without the crutch of alcohol to lean on, but if you’re not careful, your sobriety may very easily turn into one big trigger. So, how can you maintain your hard-earned progress? Here are some tips for healthy living after detox.
1: Know your triggers
When it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, recognizing and identifying your triggers is paramount. For example, if you know that spending time with certain friends invariably leads to a relapse, then avoid those people at all costs. If you’re tempted to drink again because of stress in your life, try some deep breathing or meditation to calm yourself down and re-assess your decisions before reaching for the bottle. The more you know about your personal triggers, the better equipped you’ll be to avoid them.
2: Create a support system
At times, it can be difficult to maintain your sobriety on your own. This is where a strong support system becomes invaluable. Lean on your friends and family members for strength when the going gets tough. Find a sponsor who can help you through difficult times and always make sure to attend any sober social events that interest you. By surrounding yourself with like-minded people, you’ll be less likely to fall off the wagon.
3: Do something productive
After you’ve spent weeks or months doing nothing but wallowing in your misery, getting active again can be very difficult. That’s okay, though! You might not be able to get out and run a marathon right after you finish your detox program, but you should try to make an effort to stay active. Do something fun, like going for a walk or getting together with friends for a game of basketball. It’ll help keep your mind off of drinking, and you’ll feel better about yourself because you’re doing something productive.
4: Work a proven program
If you’ve completed a detox program and want to continue living a healthy lifestyle, consider working a comprehensive addiction recovery program such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. The 12-step programs are time-tested and have been successful for millions of people, but there are many programs out there, like https://impactrecoverycenter.net/ and more. So, do your research and find the one that’s best for you.
5: Find new interests
If you’ve spent years drinking, it’s likely that your old interests no longer interest you. Try to find something new that can capture your attention. For example, take up painting or learn an instrument. Doing so will help keep you distracted from the temptation of alcohol, and your new skill may even give you a sense of fulfillment and achievement as well.
6: Go to meetings
If you think that it’s impossible for you to be happy without alcohol, then try attending some Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous meetings. You might find there are many other people in recovery who have the same struggles as you do. Meeting up with supportive, like-minded individuals can help remind you that not everyone is better off drinking and that you’re not alone in this struggle.
7: Get a sponsor
If you find that attending meetings by yourself is not enough, consider getting a sponsor. A sponsor is a person who has been sober for a long time and can offer guidance and support when you need it. He or she can also act as an accountability partner, helping you stay on track with your goals.
