According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, people with substance abuse issues have a wide variety of options for creating a sober lifestyle, free of addiction. A wide variety of self-help resources, including the NIAAA's "Rethinking Drinking" booklet, offers free tips and tools for self-help. In addition, community support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, offer structured support for people who want to abstain from alcohol or drugs.
Step 1
Consider the pros and cons of living sober. The NIAAA notes that people can anticipate what they will gain and any barriers they'll encounter by thinking about the positive and negative aspects of living sober. When individuals consider all the facts related to their substances use, they will often be more prepared to create a realistic plan for abstaining from drugs and alcohol. When people are ready to make a change, they can then make a plan that anticipates the possible problems that may arise as well as create coping tools and solutions.
Step 2
Plan to start living sober. According to the NIAAA, making a plan will include finding alternative activities. These activities can be new hobbies or an extra job or project. It's important to fill the time that was typically spent using substances. In addition, a plan should include a list of people who can offer support and the type of support they can offer. Finally, strategies for avoiding "triggers" that prompt the individual to drink should be carefully planned. For example, an individual may have to avoid locations where he frequently drinks.
Step 3
Use resources that can support sober living. MayoClinic.com notes there are a variety of professional resources and peer support groups available to individuals in recovery from substance abuse. An effective sober-living plan should include outside resources that will offer the support necessary to avoid relapse. This may include individual psychotherapy, participation in a 12-step program that supports abstinence, or consultation with a psychiatrist or medical professional who can prescribe psychotropic medications. MayoClinic.com notes that people are likely to maintain an abstinent lifestyle if they seek treatment for any comorbid psychological disorders, such as anxiety or depression, that place them at risk for substance abuse.
Things You'll Need
- Self-help resources for sober living
- Referrals for community support groups or 12-step programs
- Referrals for professional counselors
References
- MayoClinic.com: Drug Addiction, Coping and Support
- Mental Health America: Fact Sheet: Substance Abuse
- America Psychological Association: Understanding How People Change is First Step in Changing Unhealthy Behavior
- National Institute for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: Self-help strategies for quitting drinking
- National Institute for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: Rethinking Drinking
