Building a support system is essential for maintaining sobriety. You can start by attending support group meetings, reaching out to friends and family who are supportive of your recovery, and finding a sponsor or mentor who can what does stay sober mean offer guidance and accountability. In summary, maintaining sobriety long-term requires commitment, self-improvement, and avoiding relapse. Surround yourself with a strong support system, continue learning and growing, and have a plan to avoid triggers. With patience and dedication, a new life of sobriety is possible.
Maintaining social relationships while sober
Things will absolutely be different after recovery. It may seem, at first, like these changes are negative, simply because they’re different. But recognize that these changes are part of the best thing that Substance abuse will ever happen to you – as long as you allow it to be. You will need to find some new things to enjoy – and know that you will enjoy them far more than anything you’ve experienced before. Alcohol may seem like it’s something you need to have fun.
How to Enjoy Being Sober In 2022
The restaurant around me buzzed with laughter and clinking https://hsc-athletics.de/sober-living/alcohol-use-during-pregnancy/ glasses, but all I felt was an itching sense of missing out. Mark joined the medical team at The Freedom Center in September 2018 as the Medical Director. He received his medical degree in Mexico with further certification from Rutgers Medical School in New Jersey.
I Actually Like Myself…A Lot
Typically when we’re focused on drinking on vacation we limit the activities and adventures we experience and explore. You make your world smaller without even realizing it. There are a variety of reasons, aside from problem drinking, why someone might decide to be sober, including health concerns, general well-being and pregnancy.
- Do you know creating these articles and providing this information online and you can really find so many interesting things to do.
- And you know, I thought I’d be missing out on all this debrief and bonding.
To this day, I’m like no fucking wine in my house. Like, you know, I wouldn’t drink it but like why why would have it there? I have a client who was going to Hawaii and actually I order from athletic Brewing Company and Ruby that has a really awesome non-alcoholic Prosecco. And she’s like, I just shipped a case of, you know, just sent a case of the athletic Brewing Company beer to, you know where I’m staying, because I want to have it there. So there’s a lot you can do, where you’re not going to feel like, Oh my god, I’m just sitting here with water, it just takes long thinking about it in advance. The other thing I wanted to mention was, I know for a lot of people going to see family is a big trigger, like either family vacations, what you know, in the summer, or especially at holidays.
- It was her idea, her friend’s idea originally.
- The knowledge that you are putting distance every day between yourself and problematic past behaviors.
- He holds a Master of Science degree in Counseling and has over 26 years of experience as a substance use/mental health counselor with the Montgomery County Government.
- Aftercare programs focus on relapse prevention, life skills development, and sober living planning.
Because I’ve been there, I know what an unsatisfying answer can be, so to give you a morale boost, I want to go over some of the biggest benefits of sobriety I’ve experienced in my journey. Researchers and doctors are making exciting progress in understanding mental health and addiction—bringing hope to millions. Be open about your reasons for not drinking if you’re comfortable, as this can help your friends understand your choice. It might also prompt them to share their own experiences and perspectives, deepening the group’s collective empathy. When genuine connection is the priority, you’re more likely to build and maintain strong, meaningful friendships. To encourage stronger connections in sober settings, focus on creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable and included.
My approach to therapy is grounded in compassion, empathy, and a deep understanding of the unique experiences and perspectives of each of my clients . I utilize a person-centered approach to my clients to help empower change within themselves. Being born and raised in Gaithersburg, Maryland, it was always a dream for James to start a program where he began his own recovery journey. Having faced addiction in his own life, and having worked through recovery, James truly understands what it takes to get sober and stay sober. James now has the opportunity to do what he loves and help others achieve long-term recovery.
Family Nurse Practitioner
Having a support system of like-minded individuals can be helpful in dealing with social pressure. It’s also important to have a plan for handling situations where drugs or alcohol are present. This may include leaving early or bringing a sober friend along. Building a support network is crucial for anyone in recovery.