The ADE shows that people often develop stronger cravings for alcohol when they quit, which can lead to binge drinking. This was the exact cycle I was stuck in for nearly 10 years—until I found TSM. Looking back, I realize I had tried these habit-change techniques many times before I discovered TSM, but it was always a struggle. When I was still craving alcohol, I often found myself ‘white-knuckling’ my sobriety. Essentially, I wanted to drink but kept telling myself I shouldn’t.
Therapy and Coaching
At some point in your recovery, you’ll feel stressed out, whether it’s major stress (like losing a job) or minor stress (like running late for an appointment). When things like this happen, find a sober friend or loved one you can talk to for support. And keep your schedule loose enough that you have time for group meetings and other things that can help you through rough stretches. If you decide after reading this article that it’s sobriety without aa not for you, either, there is nothing wrong with that. There are plenty of alternatives and many, many treatment facilities offer these alternatives.
How to transition from inpatient to outpatient treatment
Taking care of yourself is essential to maintaining sobriety. Relying on a support system can help you stay accountable and provide you with the encouragement you need. Seeking help from therapy can provide you with the tools to manage your problems. Discussing medication options with a healthcare provider can be an effective way to help manage cravings and maintain sobriety. There are several medications available that can assist you in your recovery journey, such as Naltrexone, Acamprosate, and Disulfiram.
The Role of Nutrition and Hydration in Detox and Recovery
Consider a new living situation or a job switch, if necessary. Distance yourself from people who threaten the success of your sobriety. Your first responsibility is to your recovery, and it’s important to protect it by making necessary changes. Maybe peer support groups are not your thing, and you desire an alternative to support groups not because of the spiritual aspect, but because you want to focus on recovery in a more individual manner. While it’s still crucial to lean on your loved ones and meet routinely with your therapist, there are daily practices you can put into place to foster a sober lifestyle on your own.
- There are options to stay a while, and there are also options to get medication and support while you continue to go to work, or take care of other responsibilities.
- It works by blocking the effects of opioids, helping you avoid intoxication and physiologic dependence.
- Although Alcoholics Anonymous is a great step for anyone looking to maintain sobriety, it is not the only option.
While ramping up my therapy sessions, I started to gamify how long I could go without shooting drugs. I’d get high once in a while when I had to cop for friends driving down to NYC from upstate. As recovery became my focus, I eventually introduced these guys to my connections.
AA Video for Legal and Corrections Professionals
In addition to connecting with others in recovery, Sober Grid offers a digital library of mental health resources, peer support coaching, and digital Sobriety therapeutics. While the app offers valuable support and connections, it’s important to remember that it should not be considered a substitute for professional help and counseling. Sober Grid is a social networking app that connects individuals in recovery, providing a supportive community for staying sober. The app’s GPS locator user interface, called The Grid, allows you to find other people in recovery nearby, view their profiles, and connect with them.
SMART Recovery Groups for Alcohol Addiction
- If one thing doesn’t work for you, there are a dozen other things you can try next.
- One of the critical steps in your journey towards sobriety is seeking professional help and support.
- These neurotransmitters send messages that help you relieve stress, lower anxiety, and relax in a healthy way.
- If you do not have internet access at home, it is free in many places, including libraries.
They offer 6 guidelines to follow for responsible recovery and abstinence. If you want to look somewhere other than AA, there are also online groups designed to support people through this journey. There may also be local meet-ups where you can connect in person with others. By becoming better-informed about the risks involved in excessive drinking, you can strengthen your commitment to quit drinking. This also gives you the motivation to avoid triggers and temptations and stay the course when recovery gets challenging.
