Getting sober is an extremely difficult task. Off the bat, you have to deal with old behaviors, cravings, withdrawal, and friends that don’t know you’re clean.

Whatever your challenges were in the process, it’s an impressive and important task that you’ve achieved. It’s not all over yet, however.

Relapse is a reality for many people who have gotten clean a time or two. For whatever reason, people have a hard time when they’re trying to stay sober. We’re going to give you some of our best tips on how to stay sober when you’re already clean.

How to Stay Sober

It’s difficult to give blanket options that will help in all situations. Everyone is different and faces different struggles in their relationship with sobriety.

There are some tried and true things to keep in mind when you’re staying sober, though. Here are some things we think will help:

1. Address the Underlying Issues

What do you think contributed most to your alcoholism in the first place? Was it a difficult family life, a rough crowd of friends, or trauma? Something else?

It’s likely that you didn’t become an alcoholic out of the blue; there are typically circumstances that lead to such destructive behavior, and you’re liable to relive that behavior if you don’t address those issues.

This might mean talking with specific people in your life, seeing a counselor, or something else that helps you come to peace.

2. Join Alcoholics Anonymous

AA is an organization that serves the strict purpose of helping individuals deal with their alcoholism in the healthiest ways possible. They’ve dealt with all kinds of people in all kinds of situations and have a vast understanding of how to talk about and deal with alcoholism.

You would be missing out greatly if you decided to avoid the group altogether. We highly recommend that you at least try to attend a meeting or two.

3. Establish a New Routine

The old places and people you used to spend time drinking with might not be the right people for you in this stage of life. It’s a positive thing that you are moving forward and making healthy choices.

If people aren’t willing to adjust their behavior to support your decisions, that’s totally fine– they aren’t required to. Their lives are their own. However, you can’t step backward just because they won’t move forward.

4. Communicate Your Feelings

This can be a hard thing to do. At the same time, it’s essential if you want to have the kind of support that you need.

Talking with your friends and family is essential in this entire process. These people should have a decent understanding of the struggles you’re having with sobriety and be there to help you through them.

That way, if you’re feeling a craving and your sponsor doesn’t pick up, your friends and family will be there to catch you before you fall.

5. Actually Move Forward

Many people get sober and try to stay sober without making any real changes to their lives. Sure, you’re sober, but you’re still living the way you did when you were drinking.

Make advances in your personal life that are really impactful. Go to school, make new friends, find new interests, whatever you like. The point is, you wanted to get sober so you could have a better life– get out there and make your life better.

Struggling With Alcoholism?

If you’re having a hard time trying to stay sober, you’re not alone. Many people don’t get it their first try, but it’s essential that you keep on moving.

We’re here to help you on your journey. Contact us to find out more about how you can find treatment.