Rehab Costs & Options for Alcohol | Drugs | Other addictions The fact that you’ve found us, or are asking Google questions about your alcohol or drug abuse, might be proof enough that you need help. Other people won’t be able to tell the difference just by looking at your glass.How Bad is Your Addiction? So, you want to know if your addiction is severe enough for treatment. A mocktail looks like a cocktail but doesn’t have any alcohol in it. And it can keep people from asking questions. In social situations where people are drinking, you might feel more comfortable with a drink in your hand. It also gives you a sense of purpose that can help you stay focused. This gives you a quick and easy explanation for why you aren’t drinking. If you don’t know the person well, simply saying you have to get up early the next morning or you quit for health reasons should be enough. If the question comes from someone you know well, you may want to say that drugs or alcohol became a problem for you, so you’re staying away from them. You can try to avoid the conversation, but it’s good to have a response ready in case that’s not possible. Prepare Your Storyĭecide what you’ll say if someone asks why you’re sober. Ask your doctor about nonmedical ways to manage your pain, like massage or acupuncture. If you recently had surgery or an injury, your doctor will be careful with the pain medication they give you, because some of those drugs can make you more likely to relapse. Different strategies work for different people. When you’re relaxed, you’re more open to new things. When you’re tense, you tend to do what’s familiar. So make time for exercise, eat a balanced diet, and get a healthy amount of sleep. Keeping your body healthy will help your mind stay healthy and positive during recovery. And keep your schedule loose enough that you have time for group meetings and other things that can help you through rough stretches. When things like this happen, find a sober friend or loved one you can talk to for support. Whatever it is, new activities can lead to new friends with interests like yours.Īt some point in your recovery, you’ll feel stressed out, whether it’s major stress (like losing a job) or minor stress (like running late for an appointment). Or you might rather spend time volunteering for a good cause, like an animal shelter or children’s hospital. You may want to start an exercise routine - exercise releases brain chemicals called endorphins, which can make you feel good. Find an Activity That Means Something to You Write down the things that bring you joy and things you’re grateful for, then go back and read it during tough times. And some people find it helpful to keep a journal.

Staying busy is also a great way to distract yourself. You might try a substitute, like chewing gum or a personal mantra: “I am stronger than this, and it will pass.” While most last only 15 to 30 minutes, it can be hard to fight them off. In addition to guidance and support, some of the apps also can help you get immediate help from your network or find a ride to a support group meeting. Several smartphone apps offer ways to connect with others who are going through the same things you are. You can try different meetings for the different groups to find one that’s right for you. Organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous are other ways to build a support network. And stay in touch with your sponsor and call them if you’re feeling anxious or uncomfortable. Have some sober friends you can invite as your plus-one to a social event like a party or wedding. Think about going to counseling or family therapy to help with that and to deal with other personal issues. Lean on close friends and family for support, even if your relationships aren’t what they used to be.

You might take a new way home from work, for example, to keep from going past your favorite old hangout. This may mean that you don’t spend time with someone you used to use drugs with or go somewhere you used to drink.

Now the support of family and friends, and a good plan for managing urges and stress, can make staying there easier. Learn more: Tips for sobriety.

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