A Quick Guide to Getting, and Staying, Sober

Author: Nancy Moyers, Taproot Therapy Clinical Trainee

Transitioning to sobriety from addiction can feel so daunting, yet freeing. The waves of emotions without the safety blanket of a substance can leave us feeling raw. Feeling unsure of what to do in your next steps to sobriety is a shared experience many have. Here are a few steps to check in with yourself to see how you can build up your recovery. You are not alone. 

1. Receive regular therapeutic help. Whether that’s with group therapy, individual therapy, a psychiatrist, or a higher level of care - like inpatient treatment. Getting assessment and care from a professional is one of the most crucial steps to maintaining recovery and preventing relapse. Removing the substance requires an exploration into the function of use and the way we were trying to cope with past experiences and current struggles. 

 

1. Seek out community support. 12-step based, like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous. A different support group, like SMART recovery or SHE recovers. Find what works! Try out different types of groups – take what you need, and leave the rest. There is so much strength in the common experiences shared amongst communities, and relying on others can help us stay sober. Connecting to others helps us feel understood, appreciated, and loved. These communities provide that.

 

1. Get your immediate needs met. Sleep, movement, nutrition, and a safe place to live are the basic needs for survival. Especially once coming out of a period of using substances, we may be without one, or many, needs. A regular gym routine, well-rounded nutritious foods, stable sleep patterns, and a roof over our heads provide stability to the rest of our recovery journey.   

 

1. Tap into your hobbies. Remember when you liked to paint as a kid? Or how you love listening to podcasts on walks? You deserve to do activities that give you passion and make you feel whole. Practice being new at something. Feeling that passion again can replace the feeling of passion we had when using substances. 

 

1. Validate, validate, validate. You’re having overwhelming emotions today? You are so valid in that feeling. You’re scared of what tomorrow will bring? Of course, the unknown is scary! You don’t know if a life of sobriety is a life for you? I get it, and all we have is right now. A reason we may have used substances in the past is because of how painful the feelings are. Validate that pain. Validate the feelings. Ride that wave. The feeling will pass. 

Recovery brings connection, personal growth, passion for life, and safety within ourselves. You have made it this far. Now you can pause and take a deep breath, you are safe. You are taking the steps to allow yourself to heal. One day at a time! 

Taproot offers individual and group therapy for those questioning their use of substances, those wanting to get sober, and those maintaining their recovery.

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