Sobriety is a lifelong journey, and it can seem a bit intimidating if you’re at the beginning of this road ahead of you. Even those who’ve practiced sobriety for many years can tell you that there’s a lot to learn – and as the path involves ups and downs and winding curves, you’ll be forced to grow along the way. The most successful people, however, tend to have a few key characteristics – and if you can learn to adapt and apply these characteristics well, you’ll find that you have a much higher chance of not only remaining abstinent, but also in continuing to pursue and exceed your recovery goals.
First and foremost, you want to ensure that you’re always actively involved in your recovery. A 2017 study published in the Journal of Social Work Practice in the Addictions found that 12-Step program participation greatly help those in recovery to stay motivated through a variety of avenues, such as: mentorship, the structure of the program, accountability and fellowship (or community engagement). Sobriety is most likely to be followed when our mind, body and spirit are actively working towards it – and 12-Step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) can promote that.
Secondly, you’ll want to ensure that you continue using and practicing all of the coping mechanisms you learned in your formal treatment program. Holly Whitaker, a person who has been in recovery from addiction for many years now, explained via her website, Hip Sobriety, that she maintained a number of the strategies she learned in treatment – such as practicing gratitude and appreciation everyday, surrounding herself with people who supported her sobriety, and more.
Lastly, you never want to give up. No matter how hard it gets, stay motivated – as long as you’re reaching towards sobriety, you’re winning. Remember that.
Arbor Behavioral Healthcare offers an integrative and holistic approach to treat substance abuse and a wide variety of addictions, as well as underlying mental health and psychological issues. All of the addiction recovery programs offered by The Arbor are designed to heal the mind, body, and spirit leading to a lifetime of sobriety, health and wellness. If you’re ready to find healing and restoration in a peaceful, loving environment, please call us today at 844-560-7269.
References