How to Stay Abstinent From Drugs & Alcohol

There's a reason why alcoholics and drug addicts refer to themselves as "recovering" rather than "recovered." Addiction is a lifelong condition that never truly goes away, even with people who have been sober for years. The key to staying on the wagon -- beyond commitment to the process, work through therapists and self-help programs -- is learning how to abstain from drinking or using drugs. Temptation will always be there, but recovering addicts learn to find coping mechanisms that keep them from succumbing.

Instructions

• 1

  Think about the impact of drugs and alcohol on your body. Both can destroy your health, your financial security and your relationships with those close to you. By focusing on the downsides, you take greater control over your urges and can more readily say no when the chance to drink arises.

• 2

  Remove any temptations in your immediate surroundings. Get rid of any bottles of alcohol, drug paraphernalia, drinking glasses or anything else that might tempt you to take a drink.

• 3

  Identify "threat points": times or places where you might be tempted to indulge. It could be a particular bar where you used to drink, times of the day when you took a hit or a social situation where alcohol is served. If you can spot those places and understand their significance in your drinking pattern, you can learn to avoid them in the future.

• 4

  Stay away from enablers. You may have friends or even family members who think drinking and drug abuse are no big deal. You can't be responsible for their behavior, but they are obligated to respect yours. Explain to them firmly that you are abstaining and that they need to stop pressuring you to drink. If they can't do that, cut them out of your life.

• 5

  Take up activities other than using to fill your time. Boredom and unstructured free time can lead to a relapse. You can prevent that by finding healthy things to do during periods when you used to drink. Begin an exercise program, learn a new hobby such as fishing or find fun social events that don't involve alcohol.

• 6

  Check before attending any social event to see whether alcohol is being served or drugs will be present. If you feel strong enough to attend, make sure they have soft drinks or alternate beverages available for you to consume.

• 7

  Consider joining a 12-step program or a religious organization. Faith is a deeply personal issue and may not be for everyone, while recovery programs don't serve as a "one size fits all" cure. They can provide a supportive environment, however, as well as people who understand what you're going through and can help you abstain when you feel tempted.