Addiction, also known as substance use disorder (SUD), is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) as a chronic, relapsing brain disorder. It is characterized by compulsively engaging in rewarding stimuli despite adverse consequences. Achieving and maintaining sobriety is often considered to be the only way to recover from addiction. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines sobriety as “the condition of not having any measurable levels or effects from alcohol or drugs.” Every person is unique and will rely on distinct and personal tools to successfully maintain sobriety, but below are eleven tips to help keep you on your path:
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- Get enough sleep: Go to bed at a decent time to give your body and mind sufficient rest. Cultivating healthy sleep habits can help you stay mentally, physically, and emotionally fit. Further, ample sleep can help your body expel toxins, as evidence indicates that “when one sleeps, the brain reorganizes and recharges itself, and removes toxic waste byproducts which have accumulated throughout the day.”
- Eat nutritiously: Eating healthy snacks and well-balanced meals can help give your body the essential minerals and nutrients required to function at its best.
- Keep busy: Fill up your time with activities that do not revolve around drugs and make time for recreational activities and hobbies.
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- Exercise: Finding healthy pass times is essential to maintaining sobriety. Integrating regular exercise into your daily or weekly routine can help you stay fit, release endorphins (which can enhance your overall mood) and increase your endurance levels.
- Explore relaxation methods: Consider trying meditation, yoga, reading, listening to music, journaling, etc. to help quiet your mind. Research has found that meditation can help lower blood pressure, reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, improve insomnia, and more.
- Laugh at the funny things: Empirical evidence shows that laughter can boost one’s immune system, ease pain, enhance relaxation, reduce depression, and alleviate stress.
- Get fresh air: Nature has the propensity to heal. Hugging a tree can feel energizing, swimming in a natural body of water can be an emotional release and witnessing the wonders of wildlife in nature can be humbling. Give yourself the opportunity to bask in the sun and soak in a little extra vitamin D.
- Surround yourself with healthy people: Being around other healthy people in recovery can be encouraging and motivating to one’s own recovery process. It also creates a great network of likeminded individuals who share the common goal of sobriety.
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- Stick to a routine: Developing and adhering to a regular routine can help provide you with structure and security.
- Avoid triggers: While there are certain triggers that may be unavoidable, it is important to try and avoid those that are. Maintaining sobriety can be challenging, and there is no reason to add unnecessary temptations to your plate.
- Lean on people: Ask for help when you need it. You have an entire network of people that you have created that are there to help support you through your recovery. Allow them to be of service to you by giving them the opportunity to support you in a time of need.
For Information and Support
Substance abuse and addiction can be incredibly dangerous and can result in severe short and long-term consequences. If you or someone you know is suffering from substance abuse or addiction, please get help as soon as possible. The earlier you seek support, the sooner you and your loved ones can return to leading happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives. There is no reason to go through this alone, and we are here to help. Please feel free to reach out to us for further information or with any questions regarding substance abuse or addiction. We are available anytime via telephone at: 213-389-9964, or you can always email us at: info@friendlyhousela.org.
