Sobriety is a difficult journey, but it’s also one of the most rewarding. The beginning is often the hardest part. It’s important to establish healthy habits from the start.
This can be hard to do by yourself. It’s best to seek professional treatment and advice. Help from friends doesn’t hurt, either.
Here are some ways that you can start developing healthy habits today.
1. Develop a Routine
- A routine is the best way to establish stability.
- It might seem dull to create a routine, but it’s helpful. It gives you something that you can always fall back on when you don’t know what to do.
- Find a routine that works for you. Some people need more structure than others. It will take some time to find the right balance.
- Start your day by doing something healthy. Drink a glass of water before you make your coffee. Or take some time to journal or meditate.
- Find something that can ground you throughout the day. This could be a song you listen to. Or it could be a mantra.
- It’s best to find something that you can do anywhere. That way you can ground yourself no matter what’s happening.
- Your routine will develop and evolve over time.
2. Get Treatment
- Professional treatment is the healthiest way to get sober.
- That doesn’t necessarily mean going to a traditional rehab facility. There are many options that fit all schedules and budgets.
- Centers like Studio 64 Recovery have intensive outpatient programs, or IOPs. These programs allow you to remain at home while receiving treatment.
- They are, as the name suggests, intense programs. Getting sober isn’t easy. It takes a lot of dedication and help.
- During your treatment, you will learn skills to help you cope. You will learn how to create a healthy routine. You’ll also learn how to talk about your problems.
- You will probably have some type of therapy during treatment. Group therapy is good for those struggling with addiction and substance abuse. It gives you the chance to hear other people’s stories.
- A professional treatment enables you to detox under medical supervision. Detoxing on your own isn’t easy. Most addicts who quit cold turkey don’t stay sober for very long.
- Detoxing at home can even be dangerous. It’s important to have a professional team that can support you.
3. Talk About It
- Everyone needs to talk about their problems.
- There is no shame in admitting you have an addiction or substance abuse issue. In fact, it’s a sign of strength.
- Therapy and treatment are the best places to start. Other patients are going through the same thing. They understand what you’re going through.
- Once you’ve been able to talk in a safe environment, you’ll feel more comfortable sharing with friends and family.
- Be prepared for the fact that these conversations won’t be easy. They might be overwhelming and challenging. It will be tempting not to talk at all.
- If you can’t talk with loved ones, call a hotline. Or reach out to an AA program or group for addicts. There is always someone who’s ready to listen.
- Eventually, you might feel comfortable sharing your story with the world.
4. Be Creative
- Having a creative outlet is healthy.
- Art is a safe space for you to express what you’re feeling. There’s a reason why art therapy is one of the most successful forms of therapy.
- Try out different art forms to see what interests you. Maybe take on an online photography course like one of these from Creative Live.
- With a smartphone, anyone can be a photographer without investing a lot in equipment. If photography isn’t your thing, take to writing.
- There’s no cost to writing poetry. And there’s no such thing as bad poetry. In fact, there isn’t any bad art.
- Good art is art that you love making.
5. Stay Healthy
- Don’t neglect other areas of health.
- Addiction is not easy on your body. Starting to treat yourself well is an important part of recovery.
- Start by drinking enough water every day. Go for walks. They don’t need to be very long for there to be health benefits.
- Learn how to cook and do some research into nutrition. Everyone needs at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day.
- Experiment with new recipes. It’s possible to be healthy on any type of diet. Exploring new cuisines can become part of your routine.
Conclusion
Becoming sober isn’t easy, but it is possible. A routine and healthy habits will help you stay sober.