Knowing who you’ll be before and after the change is a big enough unknown that can hold you back from fully committing to the process. Exercise is an excellent option for releasing endorphins and staying healthy physically and mentally. It’s a great way to relieve stress and take some time for yourself to clear your head on a difficult day. Swimming provides an incredible workout, as well as jogging, weight lifting, or even a vigorous walk. When people drink or use drugs, it frequently starts as a way to deal with hardships but becomes a primary coping mechanism.

• It means thinking before you act and making conscious choices with your best interest in mind.
• You can now download SOS literature in English and Spanish to help support your recovery journey.
• Deirdre has extensive experience in mental health and treating substance use disorder related issues.
• This will give you a better sense of the role the addiction is playing in your life.

While contemplating the gratitude of living in the United States, remember to acknowledge that freedom does not come without struggle. You fought hard for your sobriety, so be grateful that freedom exists from doing what is right.

How Do You Become Sober?

For many, recovery from drug & alcohol addiction does not need to feel like a struggle. Discover the importance of rehab aftercare for a meaningful recovery. As you meet other sober people, you will find many activities you can do for fun without drugs or alcohol. Many support groups have recreational activities for members to have fun together.

But does being sober or having a sober lifestyle require an ongoing abstinence from alcohol? Yes, at least according to the standard medical definition of sobriety, a common view shared https://ecosoberhouse.com/ by popular recovery programs like Alcoholics Anonymous. See why Newsweek Magazine named us as one of America’s top addiction treatment centers for the second year in a row.

Medical Director

Shelley and her husband have four grown children and two grandkids. Donna Brown serves as Operations Assistant for Burning Tree Ranch. Whether scheduling appointments, managing patient records, or coordinating staff, Donna plays a vital role in the delivery of healthcare at Burning Tree Ranch. Originally from Kaufman, TX she counts two children and a beautiful grandchild amongst her growing family. Julian Duran serves as National Business Development Representative for Burning Tree Programs. By educating families and providers on the unique program offered at Burning Tree Ranch, Julian seeks to create as many opportunities as possible for the chronic relapser. Prioritizing open-mindedness, teachability, and faith as the foundational principles of his own recovery, Julian helps our network of community partners continue to grow on a daily basis.

There are many ways to do this, such as continuously attending support groups, going to therapy, or participating in activities that support your sobriety to prevent relapse. It’s also important to avoid triggers that might cause you to use drugs or alcohol again. Triggers can be things like hanging out with old friends who still use drugs or going to places where you used to drink or get high. Most addiction treatment centers recommend at least 90 days of sober living before returning home. Many people need more time to get the skills they need to continue sober life outside of a sober living program.

Sobriety tracker for recovery

You may also need to change your route to work or home in order to avoid any triggers, or people, places, or things that make you want to use drugs or drink again. Sobriety means not being under the influence of a substance.

• Talk to your doctor or an addiction specialist to learn more.
• Having grown up with an alcoholic father, she understands both the subtle and not-so-subtle ways that addiction can affect the family unit.
• Surround yourself with positive influences and people who make you feel good about yourself.
• In fact, more and more people are becoming “sober curious” as a way to have a healthier, more balanced life.

The person with the drinking problem needs to take responsibility for their actions. Don’t lie or cover things up to protect someone from the consequences of their drinking. Express your concerns in a caring way and encourage your friend or family member to get help. Try to remain neutral and don’t argue, lecture, accuse, or threaten. Alcohol abuse is often a misguided attempt to manage stress. Find healthier ways to keep your stress level in check, such as exercising, meditating, or practicing breathing exercises or other relaxation techniques. The symptoms listed above may be a sign of a severe form of alcohol withdrawal called delirium tremens, or DTs.

Sober Living: A Guide to Getting and Staying Sober

Sobriety, on the other hand, entails more than simply abstaining from the preferred drug. It involves new ways of thinking, behaviors, and attitudes learned through a detox program’s steps. Recovering substance abusers learn to accept that drugs were not the problem; it was their choices that were. The plan should list who to contact and the steps to get immediate help from an addiction treatment professional. Having a plan can motivate you to find support or get back into treatment quickly. The sooner people get into treatment after a relapse, the more likely they are to continue their recovery.

• She earned her Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling from Johns Hopkins University with an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Maryland.
• Sober living houses can foster peer encouragement, camaraderie, character development, and accountability in residents.
• Perhaps you are in recovery, but having a particularly difficult day – Your cravings are bad.
• If you’re not sure if you’re ready to change or you’re struggling with the decision, it can help to think about the costs and benefits of each choice.
• Whether you have a problem with illegal or prescription drugs, addiction treatment should be customized to your unique situation.
• Are just a symptom of deeper issues that are holding you back from doing more in your life.

What he has found to be most rewarding about working in the addictions treatment field is being able to help suffering addicts and alcoholics to realize their fullest potential. Jesse Earwood serves as Executive staying sober Director for Burning Tree Ranch. His leadership style inspires trust, confidence, and security as our clients navigate through the difficult challenges of becoming fully and permanently sober.