Going Sober Alone: 5 Resources to Help You Stay Sober While in Isolation
Approximately 14.4 million people in the United States struggle with alcohol abuse, and only 7.9 percent receive treatment.
If you're someone who has worked hard to overcome addiction, then you know how challenging recovering in isolation can be.
Although going sober in isolation has its challenges, it's not impossible. Read on to learn these useful tips for staying sober in isolation.
1. Find an Online Community
Even though you might find yourself social distancing from people, it doesn't mean you can't connect with others. When you're committed to staying sober in isolation, you will find other people willing to do the same.
Start by finding an online community with the same goals as you. You will be surprised how many recovery centers host online meetings and one on one sessions with sponsors.
There are plenty of groups online to help you in your recovery during these tough times.
2. Know Your Boundaries
If you live by yourself, it might be easier for you to stay sober since you make the rules. However, if you live with family or roommates, you should set clear rules from the start.
It might be difficult to stay sober when people living in the house enjoy a glass of wine. In order to stay on track during isolation, it's important to identify your triggers and set boundaries.
For example, if you live with roommates, talk to them about keeping their drinking to their private space. Also, talk to your family about the behaviors that might push your buttons and tempt you to drink.
3. Keep Your Mind Busy
One of the hardest things about solation that might tempt you to break sobriety is boredom. It's important to keep your body and mind stimulated, so you stay on the path.
To make the best of your time at home, you should do a home workout, read a book, re-watch your favorite shows, schedule FaceTime calls to catch up with your friends.
4. Strong Support System
Nothing will make you feel better when you're about to slip than having someone to talk to. Whenever you feel stressed, anxious, or angry, it's important you have a strong support group to keep you on the right path.
If you feel like you're about to relapse, make sure you can call a sponsor, therapist, family member, or anyone else who can distract you.
5. Admit When You're Hurting
Staying sober under "normal" circumstances is tough enough, but during isolation, the stakes are higher. If you want to stay as focused as you were before, you should stay in touch with your feelings.
It's okay to admit when you're hurting and in pain. However, you should refrain from denying and bottling up your feelings.
Going Sober in Isolation? These Tips Will Help You Stay in the Right Path
Now that you know going sober in isolation is possible, you can remain on the path to sobriety. Start by finding an online community, have a solid support system, admit when you're in pain, and keep your mind busy.
If you want to help others trying to stay sober in isolation, we recommend you do so with sobriety medallions. Click here to learn more.