A 6 Step Guide on How to Stay Sober

Everyone is different. There is no easy way to stay sober. If there was, everyone would be sober. How to stay sober can be a difficult process. Here are a few steps to help guide you on the right path.

Step 1: Remove alcohol from sound, body, and mind. Getting rid of the temptation of alcohol is a huge step in the right direction. Eventually, you might be able to be in the presence of alcohol further down the road in your recovery. In the beginning, or if you are prone to relapses, it is best to stay away from alcohol entirely. How do you remove alcohol from your life? Removing all alcohol from your house is a start. You can no longer go to bars or clubs or anywhere that serves alcohol. Another method is to explain your situation to your friends and ask them not to drink around you. If they cannot follow this request, try to only spend time with them in a place they cannot drink.

Step 2: Support is essential. Talking about your goals in life and even the urges to drink can help put things into perspective for you. Talk with a friend, family member, or a support group. Attending AA meetings are very helpful to some people. Relating to people and their stories can remind you that you are not alone. If group meetings are not for you, find a mentor or sponsor. Find someone who has had experience with this situation and has been sober for awhile. Removing negative people from your life will help too. When staying sober you need positivity.

Step 3: Confidence is key. Committing to staying sober is the key to a better life. Never let that evil voice in the back of your head win. You have the right to improve yourself. If your confidence is low, do not shut yourself in. You need to be social and talk about your feelings. Reminding yourself of all the problems you had before being sober will help too. Keep in mind that your family and friends are happy you are sober and improving your life. They are your cheerleaders.

Step 4: Reward yourself for your hard work. When struggling with anything in life, it is always easier if you see a reward at the end of the tunnel. One reward that would help put things into perspective is to save up the money you would have spent on alcohol in a jar. You can then see how much money you were wasting on alcohol and spend it on a vacation or something else you have always wanted. You could also reward yourself weekly, with a treat of some sort, like a fancy dinner.

Step 5: Keep yourself occupied at all times. If you are constantly busy, you will not have time to think about alcohol. Eating healthy and exercising will add to feeling better and energetic. Find a hobby you enjoy that will keep your mind off of alcohol. Create a deadline for yourself, like painting 10 pictures in 4 months.

Step 6: Remember that you will never be able to have just one drink. That is not in the mind of an alcoholic. You cannot just have one. Why risk everything that you have worked so hard for. How to stay sober is a lifelong process, not something that is completed in a year.