What you Need to Know About Staying on the Road to Sobriety

Many surveys suggest that drug and alcohol addiction are on the rise, but how do you know if your drinks at happy hour or occasional dips into the medicine cabinet are signs of something more? Start by asking yourself some very tough questions, and be sure to answer them with brutal honesty. This sort of self assessment is hard, but it’s important in determining what kind of help you need, if any, and how to start on your journey towards sobriety. If you are ready to begin this process, use the following strategies from Flock of Legals to set yourself up for long-term success.

I. Repair Your Body

Drug and alcohol abuse damage your body and mind in many ways. Addicts often experience harmful effects like nutritional deficiencies, muscle loss (atrophy), cognitive decline and/or brain damage, and gastrointestinal distress, so it’s important that you repair as much damage as possible.

Research suggests that healthy eating can help you repair your body and keep you focused on recovery. Proper nutrition can help you feel better physically and mentally by giving you energy, building and repairing organ tissue, strengthening your immune system, and boosting your mood and self-confidence. You should definitely collaborate with a nutritionist to tailor a program that targets your specific needs.

It’s also important to get a physical from your doctor before starting any exercise program. Then you’ll know where to begin. And don’t underestimate starting simple. Daily stretches and walks in the park can make a huge difference as you begin your recovery process.

II. Avoid Temptation

The best way to avoid temptation is to remove yourself from people, places, or things that could trigger a relapse. Separating yourself from temptation can look different for each person. You may find that taking up a new hobby introduces you to new people and keeps you occupied when addiction could creep in.

On the other hand, you may need to move from where you are currently living into a space that does not have memories of addiction and relapse. Look at apartments for rent in another area of town or consider starting someplace entirely new.

Or perhaps you simply need to get away for a while to reset mentally and physically. There are many vacation companies that curate trips to sober resorts where you’ll get the double benefit of sobriety support and new adventures. If a professionally organized trip isn’t your thing, there are also several destinations around the world that are just naturally more sober-friendly without categorizing your lifestyle.

III. Go Holistic

While some experts are skeptical of holistic therapies as effective tools for those in recovery, there is no harm in trying relaxing and healthy activities, such as yoga and meditation, to calm and center yourself. If you want to try more explorative methods such as light therapy, acupuncture, or herbs, be sure to speak to your doctor or coach first.

IV. Treat Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders

It’s not uncommon for an individual with a substance abuse problem to also have a mental illness, such as depression at the same time. In fact, abuse can actually exacerbate the problem. On a deeper level, some evidence suggests that addictions and mental illnesses stem from genetic influences, thus increasing vulnerability for both problems.

Research indicates that these co-occurring conditions need to be treated simultaneously or it can make maintaining sobriety more difficult. If you believe you might suffer from co-occurring mental health disorders, there are rehab centers in the US that can help you find the support you need. Review the services offered and payment options before seeking treatment at any one facility.

Many treatment centers accept health insurance, so check your policy. If you aren’t currently covered because the cost of premiums is too high, look into your state’s subsidized programs that were implemented to make health insurance more accessible. You may be surprised by the rates and the coverage may help you get the rehab support that you need.

V. Take Steps Towards Recovery

Facing addiction is hard. You may have already been approached by a concerned loved one, or seen first hand the consequences of your addiction. Getting yourself into a rehab program is the first step on the road to recovery, but maintaining long-term sobriety is a life-long effort. Steps like healthy eating, meditation, exercise, and a strong support system can make all the difference in your path to sobriety.