Every year, millions of Americans enter alcohol detox and rehab to recover from alcoholism. Although setbacks are common, about half of all those who seek treatment will establish long-term sobriety. The ability to stay alcohol-free over time is not a matter of luck. Sobriety maintenance takes planning and focus. Research has identified several effective strategies for staying sober. The use of these strategies can significantly enhance your abstinence efforts.
Alcohol Addiction Help – Getting Sober
How do you get sober in the first place? Effective alcohol addiction help comes in two basic forms: supervised detox and rehab. In supervised detox or detoxification, you stop drinking and receive support for alcohol withdrawal. When successful, this process allows you to reach an initial sober state.
Rehab is an essential accompaniment to detox. It helps you get to the root of your motivation to abuse alcohol. It also helps you:
- Recognize the ways in which your current habits help keep alcoholism going
- Introduce new habits that reinforce your newfound sobriety
- Develop a set of practical life skills that support your sobriety when rehab ends
While do-it-yourself detox and rehab efforts are common, your odds of success are substantially higher in a formal program.
Strategies for Staying Sober – What the Experts Say
Once you’re addicted, it takes tremendous work to reach an alcohol-free state. It also takes ongoing effort to maintain that state. Experts have developed and tested a wide range of sobriety support approaches. Methods known to boost your sobriety odds include:
- Knowing what kinds of things tend to increase your urge to drink
- Recognizing when your drinking urges are on the rise
- Steering clear of the habits you developed in your alcohol-using past
- Building strong relationships with people who support your sobriety
- Joining a 12-step or mutual support group
- Following accepted health guidelines on exercise, diet, and sleep habits
- Taking a positive attitude toward everyday life
- Finding ways to improve your ability to handle stress
- Celebrating your recovery milestones and acknowledging your hard work
- These strategies work best when used in combination.
You can also add other elements to your sobriety plan. One major add-on is enrollment in an aftercare program when rehab ends. Programs of this type give you continuing access to addiction specialists. They also help you build up your network of recovery allies. In addition, an aftercare program simplifies the process of re-entering treatment if your DIY sobriety efforts are unsuccessful.
Benefits of Alcohol-Free Living and a Healthy Lifestyle
There are many benefits to alcohol-free living and a healthy lifestyle. One of the most significant benefits is the avoidance of a relapse and a return to active drinking. Lasting sobriety can also help improve your overall mental and emotional health. It has similar benefits for your physical health.
Not only can you improve your general sense of wellness. You can also decrease your risks for certain kinds of major illnesses. For example, you can lower your exposure to several forms of heart disease. In addition, you can reduce the odds of developing several forms of cancer.
Turn to Northpoint Colorado for More Advice on Living Alcohol-Free
Want more tips on ways to get sober and stay sober? Consult the specialists at Northpoint Colorado. Every day, we help people from all walks of life achieve these crucial milestones.
Northpoint features a full slate of alcoholism recovery services. Start your sobriety journey with enrollment in our customized alcohol detox program. Then continue with a personalized rehab plan for your unique needs and situation. Call us today at 888.231.1281 for more information on getting started. You can also reach us online through our brief message form.