If you’re in early recovery, you’ll want to stay away from any situation where alcohol or drugs are involved for some time. These environments can trigger cravings and put you at risk of relapse. Being sober doesn’t have to mean giving up your social life, yet managing sobriety in a social setting (especially when alcohol is involved) can be a bit of a challenge. You may have a lot of concerns about going out after quitting drinking.

Addiction Among Teachers

Maybe you’ve never been interested in logging your innermost thoughts, but journaling can be a great tool to track your feelings as you work on quitting alcohol. But maybe you’re unsure about quitting completely and don’t want to hold yourself to that goal. Maybe you don’t think you depend on alcohol exactly, but you still wonder whether you might be drinking too much. Regular exercise can help improve your mood and reduce anxiety. When you feel the urge to drink, try to distract yourself with something you enjoy doing. This can help you focus on something positive instead of turning to alcohol.

• This scientifically proven treatment teaches you how to regulate your emotions and end self-destructive cycles.
• They focus on methods that use both Motivational Enhancement Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy components to engender change of self-destructive behaviors.
• Moderation may not be the best strategy for everyone, MM acknowledges, but it may work well for some.
• One of the easiest things you can do to avoid drinking—and to avoid having to explain yourself—is to go to places that don’t serve alcohol.

New York City, New York

I’ve seen what it does to their bodies, families, and livelihoods. I experienced it myself over years of painful accidents, depression, getting sober without aa and near-death alcohol withdrawal. Crystal Raypole has previously worked as a writer and editor for GoodTherapy.

Reach out for support

And most of all, the recovery program is powerful, educational, thorough, and thoughtfully designed. If you’re seeking help getting sober, feel free to send me a message via my contact form. In terms of sobriety, it is essential to know that even if all you want is to believe in yourself, you are on the right track. You might not believe in yourself today, tomorrow, or next week. Still, if you’d like to believe in yourself, you have what it takes to do it.

Anne Hathaway, 5 years sober, opens up about quitting alcohol

From month-long sobriety challenges to the Sober Curious movement, more and more people are taking a closer look at the role alcohol plays in their lives. Don’t forget to prioritize self-care and seek out professional help if needed. There’s no shame in asking for help, and it can be a crucial step in maintaining Sobriety. Try to incorporate exercise into your daily routine, even if it’s just a short walk.

Find an Alcohol Recovery Program Near You

So if you go to a place that serves alcohol, maybe you can immediately order a non-alcoholic drink. You might go out alone as you start this new chapter of your life. Or, you might invite your friends to join you in these places as a way to encourage sober activities.

Avoid Old Routines and Habits

This can include avoiding places or people that trigger your urge to drink or setting a limit on how much alcohol you allow yourself to consume. Eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly can also help you stay sober. Avoiding sugary and processed foods can help prevent mood swings and cravings. Exercise can also be a great way to reduce stress and improve your overall health. Staying sober without AA can be challenging, but it’s not impossible.

Depending on the type of dependency, PAWS can last from six months to two years after you stop using drugs or alcohol. Some definitions of sobriety call for complete lifelong abstinence while others focus on developing coping mechanisms that can reduce harm with the understanding that setbacks are common. This article discusses what sobriety means and describes strategies that can support your long-term recovery. It also covers tips on how to deal with the challenges you’ll face on your journey to sobriety. One of the keys to maintaining sobriety is recognizing and steering clear of triggers and temptations. Identifying situations, environments, or people that might prompt you to drink is crucial.