To be successful in any area of life, it is critical to create strong, versatile plans to account for the unexpected hurdles that invariably arise. Gulf Breeze Recovery offers a comprehensive aftercare program to ensure you can successfully avoid relapse during the first year of sobriety after detox. Call our team today at 833.551.2304 to learn how our team will continue to support your successful transition back to regular life.
Tips for Maintaining Sobriety During Your First Year
Upon concluding rehab, you will likely experience a number of strong, sometimes contradictory emotions. Although it is exciting to know that you have conquered your physical dependency on drugs and/or alcohol, it can also be frightening, even overwhelming, to face the responsibility of making so many new decisions. The first year of sobriety following rehab will almost certainly be the most challenging as you approach familiar people and situations sober, perhaps, in some instances, for the first time.
While in rehab, you will have practiced contingency plans for what to do in situations where you would normally engage in substance abuse, like parties or family gatherings. Take comfort in this training, and trust the plans your therapist or doctor recommended. In fact, you might wish to share these plans with loved ones who you can lean on when feeling stressed or triggered.
Some of the tools you can use to regain focus during the first year of sobriety include the following:
- As they say in AA, take it “one day at a time.” You can’t change the past, but you can remain mindful of the ramifications of current decisions to shape the future. For example, if you decline alcoholic beverages, you don’t need to worry about what to do if you become intoxicated.
- Educate yourself regarding the physical and emotional withdrawal symptoms that may still emerge in the months ahead.
- Remove any possible barrier between you and the help you need if a crisis arises, no matter how small. Keep a list of contact information in your phone for your therapist, sponsor, doctor, or other individuals who can help you when you need it.
- Read biographies of individuals who have navigated their first year of sobriety to remind yourself that it is possible to succeed, even after some setbacks.
- Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good. Accept any improvement, especially when it comes to your decision-making.
- Remain as busy as possible, and use this opportunity to engage in healthy behaviors. This is a great time to continue an exercise program you began during rehab or pick up a new creative hobby.
Tools for Maintaining Ongoing Sobriety
As you gain confidence in your ability to live free of your substance abuse problem, you’ll want to make sure that you allow yourself access to ongoing support. Remember, improvement rarely occurs in a straight trajectory. We often move two or three steps forward, one or two steps back, rather like a map of the stock market. However, never stop celebrating your successes, and make sure to surround yourself with friends and loved ones who champion your growth.
Finally, listen closely to your therapist’s recommendations, and, when in doubt, attend sessions or meetings before you feel that you need them. It is just as important to recognize how you feel during periods of success as when you are feeling down.
Find Help During Your First Year of Sobriety at Gulf Breeze Recovery
At Gulf Breeze Recovery, we can help you make a comprehensive aftercare plan to help you navigate the first year of sobriety. Call us today at 833.551.2304 to learn about the physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual supports our team can offer to set you on the right path.