How To Stay Sober: Tips, Commonly Asked Questions, and the Alcohol Rehab Program That Can Help

The day has finally come — you are ready to find help and get sober.

But, where do you start?

Deciding to stay sober can be the most beneficial and challenging decision you make. If you want to make a difference, you ned clear support and strategies to help you succeed. In this article, we will cover 6 tips to stay sober and provide a program that can aid in the process. If you are ready to take control of your life, we have help and tips to help you succeed. 

Table of Contents

• How Do I Keep Myself Sober? 
• 6 Tips for How To Stay Sober From Alcohol
• Commonly Asked Questions About How To Stay Sober
• Dove Recovery: Empathetic Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Columbus, Ohio

Staying sober is easier said than done, but at Dove Recovery we not only provide the support, but we also provide the tools to succeed. Staying sober is achievable by following these six tips that may prepare you for any situation that may come your way:

• Build a strong support system
• Know your triggers
• Recognize the relapse warning signs
• Prepare for PAWS (Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms)
• Practice healthy living 
• Celebrate milestones

These tips will give you the start that you need on your journey to sobriety. Let’s dive into each and give tangible examples to set you up for success. 

#1: Build a Strong Support System

When becoming sober, you want to ensure that you have the proper support system in place so you do not have to do it alone. Make sure you always have someone to lean on through the recovery highs and lows. 

Having a significant other, family members, or friends can be the key to staying strong when facing triggers or tough times. Finding a support group or therapist can also be beneficial, as these people can share their experiences or offer professional support. 

Having someone to talk to or answer your questions when times get tough can be so helpful on this journey. 

#2: Know Your Triggers

When working through recovery, it is important to recognize any triggers that could lead to relapse. The National Institutes Of Health breaks down triggers as external or internal triggers.

External triggers are “people, places, things, or times of day that offer drinking opportunities or remind you of drinking.” Internal triggers are set off “by a fleeting thought, a positive emotion such as excitement, a negative emotion such as frustration, or a physical sensation such as a headache, tension, or nervousness.”

Triggers form because your brain is trained to crave any alcoholic interaction due to the release of dopamine. This leads people to feel like alcohol is a reward, and those who need it will always be on the lookout for more alcohol.  

Some triggers you may experience could be: 

• A person/relationship
• Stress
• Others who consume alcohol/drugs
• Job/financial problems 

Additionally, it is important to change the habits and routines that could lead to a relapse. This may mean, finding new friends, avoiding work events/happy hours, or even avoiding traveling near locations that could be triggering.

#3: Recognize the Relapse Warning Signs

A relapse is something that begins before even reaching for that drink. Understanding your triggers and recognizing signs of relapse can help long before the opportunity for alcohol/substances arises. 

It is important to have a plan of action when you are faced with relapse triggers. By understanding the warning signs, you can have a better opportunity for success. Some examples of warning signs are:

• Slipping into addictive thoughts and attitudes
• Giving into stress and denial
• Surrounding yourself with others/locations who are also using alcohol
• Behaving irresponsibly

#4: Prepare for PAWS

Paws or Post-Acute Withdrawal Symptoms are physical withdrawal symptoms that continue after discontinuing the use of alcohol. Dealing with the physical withdrawal and mental hurdles can be especially difficult for those trying how to get and stay sober. 

Do not be discouraged if you have PAWS — it is completely normal when detoxing from alcohol. 

Be prepared for symptoms to last longer than you would expect. Many times they last up to two years. 

At Dove Recovery, we can help support you with extra assistance to ensure your successful path to recovery. 

#5: Practice Healthy Living

Becoming sober can greatly impact your health for the better. Not only is this an opportunity to treat an addiction, but it’s also a chance to invest in your body and mind for years to come. Make sure that you prioritize healthy living during this journey. 

Some ways you can incorporate healthy living into your life are:

• Exercising 
• Attending therapy or counseling sessions
• Eliminating stressors
• Eating well-balanced meals
• Getting 7–8 hours of sleep each night
• Allowing time for relaxing/restful activities 

#6: Celebrate Milestones

This journey to sobriety can be challenging, but celebrating milestones throughout can provide motivation and a reward for the hard work you put in. It is important to not turn these rewards into opportunities to drink. Talk with your friends or a trusted source near every milestone to have a plan on how to celebrate your sobriety. 

Why Is It Hard To Stay Sober?

Sobriety is a complex situation. Depending on the severity, withdrawal can be your biggest hurdle. Changing your lifestyle might be another challenge. There are also biological and situational factors that play into the bigger picture of becoming sober. Taking all of these into consideration is a key part of keeping your sobriety. 

Additionally, many people will also try to detox on their own. Without having the proper education and skills, it can set you up for failure. If you are taking the next step toward sobriety, make sure you have a support team by your side. Recovery centers like Dove Recovery, supportive family and friends, and even therapists can be the key to accountability and encouragement.

How Do I Enjoy Being Sober?

Congratulations on taking the step to recovery! Recovery can unlock a new chapter of life full of joy, success, and presence. A large part of becoming sober is changing your lifestyle to activities that will not encourage relapse. The exciting part is you have the opportunity to jump into new passions and opportunities to make yourself feel good without alcohol. Some of these could be:

• Exercise
• New hobbies such as traveling, cooking, or playing sports
• New traditions 
• Learning a new skill
• Practicing self-care with journaling, a spa day, or yoga

Most importantly, seek out friends and family that will encourage your new endeavors. Surrounding yourself with positive people can make a huge difference in your outlook on recovery. 

Are you looking for how to stay sober without AA? Dove Recovery offers addiction treatment in Columbus, Ohio that provides:

• Intensive outpatient programs
• Partial hospitalization programs
• Outpatient programs
• Counseling/therapy
• Ambulatory detoxes

Our compassionate and helpful staff is available to find the best program for you. 

Are you looking for treatment options for a loved one? You don’t have to do it alone. Reach out today to learn more about ways you can support loved ones on their path to recovery. 

Staying sober is not an easy task, but we are here to provide the support you need to live your best sober life.