So you have finally recovered from an addiction and successfully entered a life of sobriety. That’s great!
Your success story is a motivation for a lot of people suffering from the pain of addiction. Now, do you want to seal the deal and lock your life into a state of sobriety?
Not saying that all your efforts will go down the drain and you will fall back into your old habits, but there can be mild withdrawal symptoms even after recovery. Since we are here to help you get through them, don’t worry.
This is something that will help you recover better and fight any relapsing urges. Again, these have been clinically proven and can be conducted inside the safety of your home.
If you are someone planning to start an addiction recovery for yourself or your close ones, look at this site.
Table of Contents
Maintain Sobriety With These 10 Tips
These do not have any medicinal advice, as these recovery measures are more holistic. They are supposed to take your life on a better path.
1. Stop Substance Completely
Moderation doesn’t work! Especially with substances like cigarettes and alcohol. After a thorough recovery, if you are planning on consuming these substances in moderation, it is not a good idea.
When you have decided to lead the path of sobriety, then you have to walk straight on that path. There could be no other chance of diversion as such.
2. Have A Schedule
Working in a tight-knit schedule can be difficult at times, but it is much needed when you have just recovered and led a healthy life. If you mildly restrict yourself within a routine of doing motivational work and holistic recreational activities, you will have less time to relapse.
Your mind will essentially be occupied with other activities which can be mindful and, at the same time, divert you from dangerous thoughts.
3. Don’t Give In To Relapsing Urges
You will have relapsing urges; it is not uncommon for people who have just recovered from having urges. You do not have to essentially feel bad or punish yourself. This withdrawal urges you are possible even after a successful recovery.
The trick to fighting it is to not give in. Stop reasoning with that little voice in your head who is asking you not to pick that one glass. Do not justify your moderation because then you are doomed.
You shouldn’t encourage any urge; the discussion ends there.
4. Yoga
This is a holistic approach to recovery, and it has received the most success in full sobriety. Yoga is a peaceful activity that calms the chaos in your head, which essentially makes you want to relapse back.
This is also an activity that doesn’t have to be just a part of your recovery program. You should continue this even year after your recovery and make it a part of your life. Yoga is the healthiest way to get rid of any bad habits that might pain you.
5. Meditation & Breathing
Meditation or breathing through meditation is the quickest way to get rid of a sudden urge that might be irritating you. Simply put on some peaceful music and start with the method of box breathing.
This distracts your mind by concentrating solely on breathing, and once you do it for a long time, your urge will eventually go away. Again, you do not have to practice this only when you have a withdrawal symptom. Like yoga, meditation can also be practiced daily.
6. Stay Away From Questionable Company
Peer pressure is one of the biggest external factors that can essentially lead to problems. This is why you need to stay away from questionable ‘friends’ who push you more toward your addiction.
You have received the gift of sobriety after a lot of effort and hardship. Do not throw them away with friends who don’t appreciate them. Rather they shame you for your efforts and badly influence you.
7. Stop All Supplies
Supplies are the worst! You might think that you will not have the urge to drink even with that bottle on your shelf after sobriety, but you are wrong. Supplies lying around can induce the urge.
Do not be around the substances that cause your addiction. You have to keep yourself miles away to fully recover. Not saying you can never go near them; of course, at many parties, alcohol is a must.
However, when the sobriety is fresh, you should keep your distance.
8. Befriend Sober People
You do not have to stop socializing. Clearly, you are not the only sober person in the world. However, there will be a lot of people who will praise you for your efforts and make a plan without any substance influence.
Find like-minded people and make plans to go out with them. Then, you will be less anxious and have a good time. Soon you will realize that there is a life outside these addictive substances, and it is quite beautiful.
9. Do Not Punish Or Shame Yourself
Withdrawal symptoms even after full recovery are common. However, in no way does it imply that you have failed. All you need to do is make a plan and stick to it.
Take a deep breath and try to calm yourself. Talk to someone who can give you constant support. Whatever you do, do not blame yourself.
10. Continue Therapy
Continue your therapy sessions even after you have fully recovered. This will ensure that your mental state is constantly kept in check.
This also ensures that the therapist can understand the reasoning behind your sudden urges and treat you accordingly. Make therapy a regular thing and not just a part of your recovery.
Final Notes
Relapse after recovery is nothing to be ashamed of. All you need is a little bit more of that motivation that you carried all along with your recovery.
You should be proud of yourself and continue your journey to sobriety, and whenever your old habits call you again, just take a deep breath and recall why you started.
