Recovering from addiction is a total commitment. Many people think that once you get clean, you are supposed to simply white-knuckle your way through sobriety. Research and observable experience have shown that willpower alone is often not enough for many people to stay sober. If you spent a long time in the grip of addiction, then you probably developed habits in regards to using. You developed personal relationships built around that abuse. The most effective way to stay sober is to change your life to one that is dedicated to sober living.
Community
When you were using, you built communities around using. Whether that was buddies at the bar where you were drinking or people with whom you did drugs, you probably ordered your life around that abuse. Now that you are looking to live a sober life, you have to essentially rebuild your personal relationships to encourage that sobriety. That means, in many instances, forming new interpersonal relationships with individuals who do not tempt you to abuse. You also need to form relationships with other people who are traveling on this journey with you.
Sober living homes are a great way to form these relationships. An organization such as Business Name will give you the tools necessary to create healthy interpersonal skills to maintain your sobriety. These new types of facilities are not the stereotype of a halfway house, but instead are communities of like-minded individuals and health professionals.
Location
Very often, these places are far away from the places you used to frequent while you were using. That is important because you will not be passing the places where you traditionally used. When you are still learning how to live a clean and sober life, you have a greater chance of success if you avoid those old triggers that enticed you to use.
Also, the communities tend to be located in very attractive places, such as San Diego. They’re located in these great locales because getting sober should not be joyless; it will be work, but you should be able to enjoy yourself. You have to create rewards for yourself that inspire you to want to stay sober. Traveling to beaches, visiting new locations, eating new food, and hearing new music are all reasons to enjoy a life free from substance abuse. Sterile, antiseptic hospitals make you want to leave as soon as you get there; in a healthy community, you want to enjoy every minute with a clear head and a healthy body.
No matter where you are on your sobriety journey, there is no shame in asking for help. Getting sober is one of the most important and most difficult tasks many people will take on during their life. You should be in a community of individuals who encourage you and understand the difficulty of the journey.
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