Making the decision to quit drinking alcohol or drugs and to begin living a sober life can be challenging. Someone who depends on alcohol continues to drink in the face of serious family, health or legal problems, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). Some alcohol abusers have to hit what Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) refers to as "bottom," before they are able to give up the bottle. Attending AA meetings or similar support groups, taking an honest look at your behaviors while using, building a support network and possibly taking medications may all help you stay sober.
Support Groups
AA was launched in the 1930s and has since grown into an international non-profit organization that provides support for people who are trying to live sober lives. The only requirement for AA membership is a desire to stop drinking. AA is a 12-step program that emphasizes turning your drinking problems over to a higher power. During meetings, you can share your experiences and concerns and hear other problem drinkers share their experiences. AA meetings provide a source of strength and hope for attendees.
Sponsorship
A sponsor is similar to a mentor or tutor who may offer supportive guidance in your quest to stay sober. He has also struggled with sobriety and can relate to what you are going through, according to the Alcohol 411 Info website. A sponsor can help you work the steps of AA and is usually a phone call away if you need to talk about an urge to drink or use drugs.
Self-Assessment
Taking an honest self-evaluation of your behavior while you were drinking or taking drugs is a critical part of staying sober, according to the 12 steps of AA. Openly sharing information about your past conduct with another person, such as your sponsor or a member of the clergy, is intended to help clear your conscience and pave the way for a fresh start.
Supportive Friends
When you make the decision to quit drinking or using drugs, it may be unwise to socialize in bars or other settings where you may run into former drinking buddies. Spending time with a friend who is sober or one who is happy to refrain from drinking in your company can be helpful as you work to stay sober, according to the Bright Eye Counseling website.
Medications
Certain oral medications may help maintain sobriety in different ways, according to the NIAAA. Disulfiram makes you feel sick if you drink alcohol; naltrexone decreases craving for alcohol while acamprosate appears to diminish symptoms, like anxiety and insomnia, that may develop when you been abstinent for a period of time.
