17 Jan Staying Sober at Sober Living
Sober living is an essential part of recovery, offering individuals in recovery a safe and supportive environment to focus on their sobriety. There are many tips and tricks that can help you make the most out of your sober living experience. Here are some things to keep in mind while you’re working towards a long-term recovery.
Find Your Support System
Having strong support networks are integral for anyone in recovery, especially for those who are just starting out on their journey. It’s important to build relationships with people who will be there for you when times get tough—people who will encourage and motivate you when you’re feeling down or tempted to go back to your old ways. Reach out to family members, close friends, counselors, sponsors, and peers at your sober living home; they will provide invaluable assistance throughout this challenging process.
Set Boundaries
Living in a shared space can sometimes make it difficult to focus solely on yourself and your own well-being—especially if there is substance abuse going on around you. Setting boundaries with other residents is essential for protecting your sobriety and ensuring that your needs are met without compromising that of others. Know what kind of language and behavior is acceptable to you so that you don’t have to worry about being exposed to negative influences or triggers.
Stay Busy
Staying busy is an important part of maintaining sobriety; it keeps your mind occupied and away from thoughts of using substances or relapse. Pursue activities such as hobbies (reading, writing, painting), exercise (running, walking, yoga), volunteering opportunities within the community or with sober living organizations; whatever helps keep your mind off drugs or alcohol. Additionally, attending 12-step meetings regularly can help remind you of why staying sober is so important and keep you accountable for any slip-ups along the way.
Set Goals and Celebrate Small Victories
One way to stay motivated and on track is by setting small, achievable goals for yourself. This helps keep you focused and gives you something to look forward to as you progress through your recovery journey. Celebrating your small victories along the way will also help boost your morale and remind yourself that you are capable of achieving great things if you remain committed.
Get Involved in Social Activities
It can be hard to stay away from temptations when living in a sober living home, but getting involved in social activities with like-minded people can help keep you on track. Try joining a support group or attending meetings with fellow residents who share similar experiences and goals as yours. Participating in activities such as going to the movies or playing sports together can also be beneficial, as it gives you something positive to do instead of using drugs or alcohol.
Create a Healthy Routine
Having a healthy routine is one of the most important components of staying sober at sober living. A good routine can provide structure and stability during this time, helping you stay focused on your goal of remaining clean and sober. Creating a daily schedule that includes time for self-care, such as meditation or exercise, is key for maintaining balance and mental health during this period of transition. Additionally, creating time for fun activities such as reading books or painting can be helpful too since they allow you to express yourself creatively while still staying away from substances.
Staying sober at sober living requires dedication, patience, and commitment; however, it is possible with some hard work and determination! By following these tips—setting goals, getting involved in social activities with other residents, and creating a healthy routine—you’ll be well equipped to make the most out of your sober living experience! With these strategies under your belt, there’s no reason why staying clean won’t be achievable.
The information on MedicalResearch.com is provided for educational purposes only, and is in no way intended to diagnose, cure, or treat any medical or other condition. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health and ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. In addition to all other limitations and disclaimers in this agreement, service provider and its third party providers disclaim any liability or loss in connection with the content provided on this website.
Last Updated on January 17, 2023 by Marie Benz MD FAAD