Getting sober is one thing, but maintaining it is another story. It’s a journey that comes with its own set of challenges, especially during stressful situations. In such triggering moments, it can be highly tempting for someone to relapse, but staying sober is still possible with the right strategies.
For this post, we asked our addiction specialists about their tried-and-tested advice on remaining sober when the going gets tough. Keep reading to see how you can overcome these challenges or how you can help your loved one stay sober.
The connection between stress and relapse
Sobriety is a life-long process and a long-term commitment. While many succeed in living a clean and sober life, others succumb to relapse due to stress.
According to peer-reviewed research, stress limits a person’s brain reward system, which will trigger drug-seeking habits. Also, they found that stress-related hormones can disrupt parts of the brain, which will worsen cravings, eventually leading to relapse.
On the upside, the same research also found that stress-reduction interventions can be a big help in preventing addiction relapse. And if you need this kind of help for staying sober, our tips below can be a good start in managing your stress and sustaining your recovery.
Tips for staying sober during stressful situations
Knowing how to get sober during stressful situations may not come easy, but our specialists swear by these techniques to keep you focused on your goal. If you or someone you love is experiencing stress post-rehab, they can do the following steps:
1. Identify your triggers
First, it’s important to know the root cause of your stress that makes you crave addictive substances.
These triggers could be work-related stress, specific social situations, relationship conflicts, or financial issues. By identifying your triggers, you can find help to manage them before they ultimately lead to relapse.
Aside from that, avoiding high-risk situations is a great way on how to be sober. But if you can’t avoid such situations, let’s say, attending a party where there could be a presence of alcohol or drugs, you should plan ahead.
In this case, you can choose to avoid certain places or people that could make you feel vulnerable. Or better yet, you can tag someone along who can help you keep in check of your drug or alcohol sobriety.
2. Seek healthy coping mechanisms
Knowing how to remain sober starts by developing positive coping mechanisms that you can resort to during stressful situations. This way, you can direct your energy toward something productive and prevent yourself from going back to your old ways. It’s a very effective strategy, so much so that it’s our main focus in our Los Angeles rehab center.
In our rehab center, it’s our priority to help clients develop healthy coping mechanisms to help maintain their sobriety. Here are some of the most effective strategies that we practice:
- Get into fitness. Get yourself moving by exercising, hiking, biking, or doing any sport you like. Physical activity promotes the release of endorphins, which greatly alleviates stress.
- Take up new hobbies. Gardening is on the top of our client’s list when it comes to newfound hobbies. You can also do arts and crafts, photography, cooking, and any new interest you want to pursue. This way, you can channel your energy into productive activities while helping you destress at the same time.
- Volunteer to good causes. Another way on how to become sober when faced with stressful situations is to dedicated your time to a good cause. You can volunteer at a local animal shelter, orphanage, or a non-profit organization. Many of our clients found a good sense of purpose and support by making volunteerism a part of their recovery journey.
- Journaling. Writing down thoughts and feelings on a personal journal have made a huge difference on our clients. It’s a very effective way to manage stress and distractions if you’re not yet ready to open up to someone. Getting it out on your chest by scribbling can be a very cathartic experience when maintaining your sobriety from alcohol or other substances.
3. Get enough sleep
A healthy sleep hygiene does wonders not just on your sobriety, but also your overall health. It’s a great way to minimize stress and even reduce the risk of relapse in the long run.
In fact, a study published at the National Library of Medicine found that those recovering from addiction and having sleep disturbance are more likely to relapse than those who get restful nights. It’s because lack of sleep causes stress, mood swings, and all sorts of negative effects on a person, regardless of whether they are getting sober from alcohol and drugs or not.
Take note that during stressful situations, a good night sleep can help reset your mood and behavior. Overall, clocking in at least 7 to 9 hours a night will give enough energy to practice healthy coping mechanisms, so you can fight the risk of relapse when you’re stressed.
4. Practice meditation techniques
At our inpatient rehab center, we promote mindfulness and meditation as part of our holistic approach to recovery. If you’re asking, “how do I get sober during stressful situations?”, this might be the solution you’re looking for.
Relaxation and meditation techniques will keep you centered on your journey to recovery. It will also help you control temptations, a perfect strategy to promote sober living for females and males alike.
For example, you can do yoga, nature walks, breathing exercises, and other similar activities. It’s very effective in handling stressful situations where your sobriety might be tested.
If you need guidance or want to learn more about meditation techniques, you can contact us anytime. Our team of specialists can get you started on this holistic approach.
5. Get professional support
Whether it’s you or your loved one who’s recovering from addiction, it’s important to know that you’re not alone in the journey. Our inpatient rehab in Los Angeles is here to provide professional support to maintain your sobriety if you’re in a stressful or challenging situation.
We have a sober home that will serve as your safe place to recover and regroup if you’re at risk of relapse. On top of that, we have a team of counselors, therapists, and coaches who will be your support system to overcome any temptation or situations that may hinder your recovery.
Always remember that seeking professional help on how to go sober isn’t a sign of weakness. In fact, many of our successfully recovered clients keep coming back to us to visit and receive counseling, much checking in on an old friend.
Learn how to stay sober with the help of LA Wellness Home
Do you need help on how to get sober from alcohol and drugs? Do you need support to learn coping skills in stressful situations? Here at LA Wellness Home, help is just a call away.
You can always reach out to our 24/7 helpline to talk to one of our specialists. We also provide transportation assistance so you can get the best substance use disorder treatment wherever you are in the United States.
In our sober living home, you’ll have a structured and nurturing environment away from your triggers. We’ll help you deal with stress, prevent relapse, and get the best care you need for life-long recovery. We can also refer you to our outpatient facility, where you can receive continuous sobriety support while working, attending school, or taking care of your family.
Contact our addiction treatment center today to learn how we can help! We also provide free and confidential insurance verification to get as much of your treatment covered as possible!
