Are you on the road to recovery and looking for tips to stay sober? We know that remaining sober takes a lot of work and it’s great that you’ve taken the first step.
Keep reading to find out what you can do to make the path to recovery just a little bit easier.
What is Considered Heavy Drug Use?
Heavy drug use is when an individual consumes a lot of drugs or alcohol at one time or over the course of the week. It’s difficult to define what is excessive. By definition, drinking five or more drinks in one sitting is excessive, but for some this is normal.
If you’re using drugs frequently and often using a lot of drugs or alcohol in one sitting, you may not have a full-blown addiction but you should still seek help.
1. Find Something to Stimulate You
Why do people use drugs? Drugs provide a sense of stimulation and an escape for many people. But you can be stimulated by more than drugs. If you have a hobby or passion, throw yourself into it. Maybe it’s a creative outlet or a physical activity. Chances are, these passions suffered throughout your addiction.
Now is the time to reignite the flames and seek stimulation through healthy channels. If you don’t already have a passion or hobby, this is the time to seek one out. Try new things, take some online courses, and experiment with things that help to relieve stress.
It may be difficult to feel pleasure after extended drug use, but by tapping into that creative and curious nature that all people have, you’ll be able to find that joy again.
2. Join a Sober Group
Whether you’re trying to overcome illegal drug use or legal drug addiction, there is no denying the power of a community. Finding people that are on the same journey as you and have the same goals will keep you motivated and on track.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) are good places to start. Here you’ll meet people who have been clean for years and will inspire you, as well as people struggling to remain clean who may need your help to do so.
Surrounding yourself with a strong community that influences you in a positive way and keeps you accountable will help you on your path to stay clean.
3. Create Healthy Routines
Work on creating healthy routines and a strong schedule, especially in the early days of recovery. This will help you to maintain balance and to ensure that you set aside time for positive practices in your life.
Start with simple daily routines such as a general sleep schedule, five minutes of meditation or quiet time in the morning, a healthy breakfast, and so on. Taking the time to care for yourself physically and mentally will be crucial in helping you to stay clean.
Focus on building your physical health as this will have massive effects on your emotional well-being. Schedule-in hobbies, visits with friends and family, or activities that you know will help you to prevent anxiety and a buildup of stress.
Work Hard to Stay Sober
Staying sober is no easy feat, but there’s no doubt that you have the capabilities to do so if you set your mind to it. Remember, take it easy on yourself and take it one day at a time.
If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol or drug addiction, contact us today for a free, confidential assessment at our New Hampshire drug rehab.
