Substance Abuse to Sobriety: The Ultimate Guide
It’s been reported that there are 23 million Americans who deal with some form of substance abuse. Unfortunately, 75 percent of those people never get any professional help. Although some people get sober by going cold turkey, they tend to be the exception and not the rule.
The reality is that just like it takes a village to raise a child, it also requires a community of caring individuals to help people get free from substance dependency. If you’re curious about what it takes to start a sobriety journey, please read on.
Commit to Making a Change
Nothing can happen without making a personal commitment. Commitment is an interesting word because it means that you will do some things out of obligation.
That means sometimes you won’t feel like it. Other times it won’t be fun. But you will stick it out anyway because you know that it needs to be done.
Find a Reputable Therapist or Counselor
Becoming sober and maintaining sobriety are easier with the assistance of a licensed therapist, counselor, or life coach. That’s because they’re trained in how to help you cope with stress, lifestyle changes, and the emotions you may experience while on your journey to sobriety.
Find one who specializes in substance abuse. Also, consider maintenance therapy even after you’ve reached your sobriety goals.
Identify Triggers. Work to Deactivate Them.
A simple way to explain a trigger is it’s something that reminds you of trauma. Triggers may have led you to substance abuse. Triggers can also creep up while you’re on your sobriety journey.
This is another reason why a professional is beneficial. They can help you to identify your triggers so that you can deactivate them. That will make it easier to maintain sobriety for years to come.
Surround Yourself with a Loving Accountability Group
When you’re in a substance abuse lifestyle, you probably have some people in your life who aren’t healthy for you. There’s no way around the fact that substance abuse recovery requires you cutting bad influences out of your life. The next step is to replace them with individuals who will love you and hold you accountable.
Replace Your Habits
Substance abuse is a bad habit. To overcome it, you must replace it with good ones. For instance, the time that you’ve spent in that lifestyle, devote that to other things.
Find some new hobbies. Try yoga and meditation. Do things that will improve your mind, body, and spirit.
If you devote time to things that nurture you, that will make substance abuse recovery easier.
When It Comes to Sobriety, Reward Yourself
As you’re on your sobriety journey, remember to extend yourself grace. Some days will be harder than others. Make sure to forgive yourself.
On the great days, also reward yourself. Do something healthy that acknowledges your efforts and makes you feel good.
It’s important to remember that you’re exceptional for striving to overcome substance dependency. Be gentle with yourself along the way.
I’m a Recovery Coach Who Can Help You
Are you serious about sobriety and are ready to make a change? I can customize a plan that will help you with your journey to sobriety.
If you live in the Riverside and San Bernardino, California area, feel free to book a consultation. You can also give me a call at 909.993.2042 or email me at marissa@recoverEDNow.org. I look forward to hearing from you soon.