How to Stay Sober After Detox

Drug or alcohol detox is one of the first steps on the road to recovery from addiction. If you’re reading this article, it’s probably because you’ve just gone through a drug or alcohol detox. If so, good for you. That was no easy feat.

The next part of the process is critical for you. You’ll need to develop a plan to not only help you maintain sobriety but to also overcome the mental challenges that arise in the process.

Your recovery might include group therapy, individual therapy, and even new habits that you’ll have to form in the process. Here are some of the ways to help you stay sober after detox.

Your Life Will Look A Lot Different

You will have to make some changes in your life. You’ll be starting over and this can be a difficult thing, especially when things were already pretty bad before you got sober.

You may have to change your daily routine, your diet, and even your friends. You’ll especially want to avoid friends who used drugs or alcohol with you or hung out with you while drunk/high. They often don’t understand the importance of staying sober and will pressure or guilt-trip you into going back to your old ways.

This is one of the reasons that many people seek out after care near Palm Desert, Moreno Valley, or even Palm Springs. They want to set themselves up for success by building longer term relationships during rehab.

Don’t go it Alone

You have to ask for help. The truth is that recognizing you can’t do it alone can be one of the most freeing revelations. It’s important to remember that recovery doesn’t happen overnight.

It takes a long time for your body to heal from years of abuse and it may be difficult for you to trust yourself in making the right decisions.

You should always be prepared for relapse, but if you’re vigilant about getting back into recovery after a slip-up, it will be much easier than it was before.

You shouldn’t go it alone. While there’s a lot of self-reliance in sobriety, it’s important to have a support system. Support can come from friends, family members, and sponsors, or other sober people you meet through online programs.

While there are many different types of support groups and meetings available—some free or low cost—they all serve the same purpose. They provide you with others who understand what you’re going through because they’ve been there as well.

Keep Your old Friends at a Distance

Your friends from your old life may not understand why you’re doing what you’re doing. They may have a hard time understanding that it is possible to have fun without alcohol, or that there are other ways of being social and having fun than getting drunk at clubs. They also might think that sobriety is boring or lame, which can be frustrating for someone who has worked hard to get sober.

If these people are toxic in general, it may be best to keep them at arm’s length during the detox process. Set firm boundaries with them while they adjust to your new lifestyle.

Once the detox is over, however, it might be time to see where things stand with these friends again. If they still value your friendship after the detox period and are willing to support your sobriety, then they may still be friends you want to pursue.

Get a New Hobby

You’ll need to find something to do with your time. A hobby like painting, running, golfing, or even caring for animals can be a good use of your time after detox.

You might even consider volunteering to help other people or to help in an animal shelter. Using your time to do something you enjoy or that brings you joy can be very beneficial for you.

Go to MeetingsWhen you’re newly sober, one of the most important things you can do is go to meetings. Meetings are a great way to get support from others who have been through what you’re going through, and they’re also a great place to learn how to stay sober.

It’s okay if you don’t feel like going or even if it seems boring at first — just remember that this is an important part of your recovery. You should go regularly, even if it takes some time for the meetings and the people there to feel comfortable.

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