A person is always in recovery from the disease of addiction. There is no cure, but there is hope. Sacrifice and hard work are imperative, especially in the beginning stages of recovery if a person is going to stay clean and sober. It will become easier over time, with dedication and focus. It is hard, in the beginning, to give up something even when it has caused great harm to self or others. Relapses can occur when an individual is unwilling to give things up including old hang-out spots, people who are considered friends, or an old habit that creates a trigger, then relapse. Here are 5 tools to use when seeking help to get sober.

 

Eliminate associations

An important tool for recovery and sobriety is to eliminate association with people, places, and things that are related to addiction and substance use. This step is crucial but may prove to be the most difficult when it seems all the people who were once friends are still using or are not healthy to be around. It is OK, and necessary, to cut them out in order to remain sober.

 

Seek professional help

Therapeutic support is critical to success in sobriety. Life in recovery will be filled with daily ups and downs and most people who think they do not need it to try to figure it out alone which can lead to relapse. Addiction causes physiological, psychological, and physical changes which shift the way a person thinks, acts, and behaves. Find the right support to keep on track and remain healthy.

 

Stay positive

Keeping people in an inner circle who are positive and affirming can be very beneficial to sobriety. An atmosphere of negativity breeds bad energy which can drag a person down. If a friend is looking for a fight, a girl/boyfriend is encouraging poor behavior or attitudes and does not believe in sober goals, it may be time to let the friends go.

 

Financial assistance

Finances can become very tangled and messy following addiction to sober living. It takes a trusted person to begin unraveling the mess and start to put pieces back together. A partner, family member, or friend are good places to begin asking for support. This person should not give unfettered access to money, needs to track expenses, and keep things orderly. Over time, an adjustment will take place but not overnight.

 

Keep busy

Schedule lots of time to be with other people and keep occupied with positive things. Get up, take a shower, go to work, make dinner, spend time with family, work out, volunteer, start a hobby, and create spaces where it is possible to spend positive energy doing things that will bring good energy and joy. It is necessary for survival, otherwise idle hands will make haste towards poor decision-making and possibly relapse.

Hired Power exists to provide resources and tools for you to live a sober life.

If you need help, call us today, we can help. 800.910.9299.