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Important Factors in Living Sober

For alcoholics and drug addicts, completing a program in a rehabilitation center is only the first step to a life of sobriety. To remain substance-free, the addict must also implement drastic lifestyle changes to avoid the urge to fall back into old patterns. The degree of the presence of several important factors will determine how successful the addict will be at staying sober.

  1. Change of Environment

    • Sober living may require addicts to change where they go and with whom they associate. If an alcoholic socializes with friends in bars, the temptation of alcohol may become irresistible, and sobriety may end quickly. There may even be a need to change the place of residence if other users are in the household. The addict should focus on developing relationships with people who practice sobriety.

    Change in Behavior

    • Addicts often develop a sense of self-worth and decrease their desire to abuse substances by replacing the destructive behaviors with ones that enrich their lives. Self-improving activities, such as exercise, volunteer work or continuing education, are all possible, positive alternatives to the addictive behavior. For example, starting an exercise program will increase healthy habits which will replace unhealthy ones. And when the alcoholic feels the urge to have a drink, he instead can go for a jog or bike ride.

    Continuing Treatment

    • Even if the addict completes rehab or receives outpatient treatment to such a point where he feels he is "cured," some form of follow-up treatment needs to occur. Attending group meetings, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, will provide the addict with continued support even when times get tough and the urge to drink returns. Continued contact with a sponsor or visits to a therapist can also help keep the addict on the right track.

    Spiritual Base

    • For some recovering addicts, the introduction of spirituality is an important factor in maintaining sobriety. Becoming involved in a spiritual practice introduces an element of faith that inspires the belief that the addict can survive without drugs or alcohol. It can also give the addict hope that life will continue to improve as long as sobriety is maintained.

    Avoiding Triggers

    • Triggers are environmental factors that create the urge to revert to undesirable behavior. For some addicts, the aroma of a certain brand of Scotch or the sight of a crack pipe may trigger the desire to use the substance again. For others, a picture of a loved one who has passed away or returning to the site of a horrific event may provide the stimulus. It is not always possible to avoid triggers, so a strong support system, such as sponsors or family members, can literally prove to be a lifesaver.

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