A step-by-step guide to multiple-year sobriety
A step-by-step guide to multiple-year sobriety
When it comes to having twenty years of sobriety, unfortunately, dreaming doesn't always translate to achieving it.
You need some strategy to get there!
So today, we're going to take a look at how you can get started on your “active” recovery journey by breaking down your addictive, life-changing goal into manageable chunks.
Starting with this step-by-step guide, you can follow it to achieve multiple years of sobriety. My sponsor once told me that the only way to get twenty years of sobriety is to get twenty years of sobriety. It took me eighteen years to realize he was right.
Just like I did! I have been actively sober since July 28, 1996; I’ve obtained a Masters Degree in Professional Communication; I’ve become my own boss of a non-profit society; I have been a part of a Christian church for 20 years; and my chequebook is finally balanced.
Here’s how
Acknowledgment: The first step in recovery is acknowledging that there is a problem that needs to be addressed.
Seek Professional Help: Consult a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment options suitable for your condition. This might involve detoxification, medication, and a treatment plan.
Create a Support Network: Surround yourself with supportive people, whether it's family, friends, or a dedicated support group like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous.
Personalized Treatment Plan: Work with a professional to create a treatment plan that may include therapy, counselling, and possibly medication.
Set Achievable Goals: Break down the recovery process into smaller, achievable objectives. This can help make the long process of recovery feel more manageable.
Lifestyle Changes: A significant component of recovery involves making lifestyle changes. This could mean avoiding triggers, adopting a healthier diet, and incorporating physical exercise into your daily routine.
Ongoing Support and Maintenance: Recovery is an ongoing process that doesn’t end after a detox or treatment program. Continued counselling, support from loved ones, and possibly maintenance medication are often necessary.
Mindfulness and Coping Strategies: Learning coping strategies and mindfulness techniques can be valuable in maintaining recovery and avoiding relapse.
Accountability: Keeping yourself accountable, either through self-monitoring or through your support network, can help maintain your progress.
Education: Understanding the effects of addiction and the process of recovery can empower you to stick with your recovery plan.
Financial Planning: Addiction can often lead to financial instability. Financial planning and budgeting can be an essential part of recovery.
Reintegration: For some, reintegrating into society as a productive individual is a crucial step in the recovery journey. This might include going back to work or school or engaging in community service.
No more excuses! You’ve got all the information you need to get started right here!
