It is a challenge to get sober. Even more so it is harder to stay on the right track and stay sober. There are many occasions that can happen and throw you off the balance and make you want to revisit your old habits.

Many people that struggle with drug or alcohol abuse, find it hard to stay sober over the holidays while others may find it difficult after running into an old friend. It is more than important to continue with your progress on your journey of not misusing substances. For that reason, here are seven tips that can help you to stay sober after addiction treatment.

1. Praise Yourself

You probably are aware in case you are already involved in a 12-step program, how important the milestones are. It is customary to award the progress of the participant by acknowledging their hard work. It is nothing wrong with celebrating your work of recovery. It is helpful and can keep you motivated which these programs are aware of. Also, it will remind you why you made a brave decision and started to walk towards sobriety in the first place. it would be wise not to involve any alcohol or drugs in your reward though. For instance, you could focus on some experience or activity instead which can support your new and healthy lifestyle.

2. Avoid Relapse Triggers

It would be important to understand your internal triggers in order to prevent relapse. Once you find out what is the biggest risk, you could create a plan to prepare yourself in order to avoid them. The most common triggers are:

– Emotional distress
– Environmental cues
– Job or financial problems
– Meeting people who are still drinking or using drugs
– Relationship troubles
– Stress

3. Recognize PAWS

The post-acute withdrawal syndrome, known as PAWS, can last from about six months to even two years after you stop using. It can include a variety of symptoms. For example:

– Intermittent anxiety
– Irritability
– Prolonged depression
– Sleep troubles

These symptoms can be involved with PAWS and can represent a barrier in recovery in case you are not being careful.

For that reason, it is important to recognize them and to know when you should seek help.

4. Fill Out Your Day with Activities

In case your daily life is empty, it is easier to relapse. The part of staying sober is to find out new activities that will engage you enough and keep you interested enough. Of course that having a job will help and take your mind off the addiction, however, there are plenty of other fun things you could do besides feeling busy all the time.

The key would be to learn how to do things alone and have fun at the same time and not depend on others to keep you entertained. Few basic ideas that can turn your mind off of alcohol and drugs are:

– Going to museums
– Gazing at the stars
– Studying a new language
– Teaching to play a musical instrument
– Going for a walk in nature
– Going on a course
– Reading books
– Finding a hobby
– Treating yourself with a spa day

5. Lead a Healthy Lifestyle

Your emotional or physical health can be affected by chronic misuse of alcohol and drugs. Since you are now in recovery, it would be wise to prioritize a self-care routine and to ensure you stay sober in the future. Here are some tips on how to achieve that:

– Exercise on a regular basis
– Have enough quality sleep
– Create some time for hobbies and recreational activities
– Practice something relaxing, for example, yoga or meditation

6. Getting Yourself in Order

It is often that people which are in recovery from a substance use disorder can have problems when it comes to their work-related responsibilities, like managing money or maintaining a job. In case you were active for a period of time, there are chances you have developed some financial problems as well.

Even though those things are major triggers for relapse, it is possible to take some steps and get your finances in order. All you have to do is keep in mind that the overall improvements will not come overnight, everything needs time.

7. Seek Support When Needed

It is extremely important to have your family involved if you suffer from substance abuse. meaning, in some cases, the dynamic of the family can sometimes contribute to your recovery and staying on the right path. If you ever feel like you might “fall off the wagon”, your family and friends will have the potential to keep you from tripping.

So, the message here is to seek the support of those you care for, there is no shame in that.

If by any chance, you are struggling to stay sober, it is important not to feel like a failure. Have in mind that success often comes with many setbacks along the way. That being said, keep fighting and do not forget to seek help if the times are calling for it.

The struggle will be easier to handle with your loved ones and with the support of professional individuals.