The first year of sobriety can be a challenging time, as individuals who have struggled with addiction must adjust to a new way of life without the use of drugs or alcohol. This transition can be difficult, as people may experience a range of emotions and challenges as they learn to cope with their disease in healthy ways. There are many resources for people looking to stay sober long-term after a detox or residential inpatient program, from individual or group therapy to support groups, medication therapy, and sober living programs.
When embarking on this new way of life, it is important for people in recovery to take advantage of all available programs and strategies to give themselves the best chance at staying sober long-term. Contact BoardPrep Recovery Center® at 866.796.4720 to learn more about our sober living program.
Adjusting to Sobriety
One of the first challenges that many people face during their first year of sobriety is dealing with cravings and triggers. These can come in many forms, from seeing people they used to use with to encountering stressful situations. It is important for people in recovery to have strategies in place to help them cope with these cravings and triggers, such as avoiding certain places or activities or calling a trusted friend or sponsor for support.
Another common challenge during the first year of sobriety is dealing with the emotional and psychological effects of addiction. Many people who have struggled with addiction have developed unhealthy coping mechanisms and may need to learn new ways of dealing with stress and negative emotions. Accessing available resources can be helpful in this regard, as they provide a safe space for individuals to process their emotions and learn healthy coping skills.
Life After Rehab
In addition to the emotional and psychological challenges, people in recovery may also face practical challenges during their first year of sobriety. For example, they may need to find new ways to socialize and have fun without the use of drugs or alcohol. They may also need to rebuild relationships with friends and family members who have been affected by their addiction or learn necessary life skills that they avoided when using. This can be difficult, but it is an essential step in the recovery process.
One way that people make the step from addiction to recovery is with a sober living program. This can involve more long-term residential treatment care that extends past an initial 28-day stay. Included in a sober living program might be housing, therapy, access to 12-step groups, academic or professional services, and, most of all, a safe and supportive environment. A sober living program can help people adjust more easily to the changes they face while recovering from an addiction. Some additional benefits include the following:
- Creating meaningful relationships
- Living with like-minded sober people
- Access to 24-hour care
- Structured environment
- Lower risk of relapse
Overall, the first year of sobriety can be a difficult time, but it is also an opportunity for individuals to rebuild their lives and develop a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle. With support from friends, family, and other resources, people in recovery can learn to cope with the challenges of sobriety and build a strong foundation for a sober future.
BoardPrep Recovery Has A Sober Living Program For You
Whatever your goals are in sobriety, BoardPrep is here to help you achieve them. We offer many different options for you or your loved one, from navigating early recovery to succeeding long-term. We understand that recovery isn’t easy, and we know how to help you make the transition as seamless as possible. Contact us today at 866.796.4720 or via our online form to learn more about why a sober living program might be right for you.
