For the addict, getting sober is usually the easiest step in the recovery process. Staying sober, however, is much more difficult than most addicts realize and is usually where most fail. There are a few things that can be done to help keep from falling back into the insanity of addiction and here are 10 of them.

1. Get into Aftercare

The most important thing that a recovering addict, fresh out of rehab, can do to help stay sober is to get into aftercare. Rehab is only as effective as the aftercare received which makes perfect sense since aftercare is always full of other recovering addicts.

2. Put What You’ve Learned to Use

Rehab is a great first step and typically teaches the recovering addict quite a few techniques that can be used to help stay sober. There will always be triggers that turn into potential temptations but by using the tools learned in rehab, victory is more than possible.

3. Stay Busy

Having too much free time is never a good situation for the recovering addict especially right out of rehab. Too much free time allows the mind to wonder and a wondering mind is a mind that can end up taking the rest of the body to places you might regret. As much as possible, stay busy!

4. Put Together a Support Team

Going it alone is never a good idea in the journey to Sobriety. Finding individuals who you can relate to, as well as go to for support, is a wonderful thing for any recovering addict. You can never have too much support.

5. You Might Fall But You Don’t Need to Stay Down

While slip ups are disappointing, they are not the end of the world and don’t have to mean total failure. Using during recovery is nothing to be proud of but if at all possible, contact your support team, pick yourself up and continue moving forward.

6. Success Begins in the Mind

You are only as successful as you think you are so positive thinking is a must. It is important to begin thinking like you have already won the battle while not letting down your guard in the process.

7. Attend 12 Step Meetings

One of the most important steps in recovery is attending 12 step meetings. These meetings are a great place to accomplish several of these steps all at once. If the 12-steps aren’t for you, there are other meetings such as SMART Recovery meetings which can also provide support.

8. Remember to Take it One Day at a Time

Thinking too far ahead, during recovery, can be overwhelming and overwhelming is never good for a recovering addict. Taking things one day at a time will help to keep things simple and simple is always good.

9. Take Care of Yourself

An addicts body is used to reacting negatively to abuse so taking care of yourself will be essential in the recovery process. Learn to eat healthy, get exercise and relax whenever necessary.

10. Keep a Journal

A journal is a great way to keep track of the recovery process. Journals force an addict to take a close look at how things are really going and keeping it real can be extremely effective in recovery.

These are just a few great ways to stay sober after rehab. Having the chance to start again and be healthy and happy is not an opportunity everyone is afforded. Your health and sobriety are something of which to be proud and continued for the rest of your life.