Popovich: Six tips to help you maintain your sobriety
Do you or someone you know struggle with staying sober on a daily basis?
If so, it can be really challenging to remain sober while dealing with other issues in your life.
As a result, here are six ways on how to maintain your sobriety and remain alcohol free.
1. Learn how to stay sober: Your best bet is to learn the techniques that will help you to remain sober. It is important to be aware of what you should and should not do when trying to maintain your sobriety. Talk to other addicts to see what they do to avoid alcohol.
2. Take part in a support group: Join a local support group to meet other people who are in your situation. Get to know the other members of the group and try to learn new ways in dealing with your mental health issues. Many people will be willing to help you if you ask for some assistance.
3. Work with a professional: Find a person that you can work with who will help you to stay sober. You can find someone at your local treatment facility or you can talk to your doctor for more information. You can also talk to an addiction counselor to see if they know of anyone who can help you.
4. Learn to take it one day at a time: Instead of worrying about how you will get through the rest of the week or coming month, try to focus on today. Each day can provide us with different opportunities to learn new things and that includes learning how to deal with your problems. Focus on the present and do not think about what may happen next week.
5. Don’t give in to peer pressure: Do not let your friends and relatives pressure you into drinking alcohol. Politely say that you do want to drink and stay firm in making your decision. Don’t let others pressure you into drinking when you are trying to remain sober.
Instead of relying on your friends and other people in your life, try to rely on God to help get you through. Be persistent and be open in the avenues that God may provide to you in solving your problems. It is not always easy, however God is in control and he will help you as long as you make an effort.
6. Avoiding your problems does not work: Avoiding your fears and your problems through the use of drugs and alcohol are not the answers. Eventually, you will have to confront your fears and mental health issues. Save yourself the time and heartache and confront your problems now rather than later. You will be better off in the long run.
Stan is the author of “A Layman’s Guide to Managing Fear” which covers a variety of techniques that can drastically improve your mental health. For more information, please visit Stan’s website at http://www.managingfear.com