It’s sometimes hard to be social when all of your friends think hanging out at a local bar or drinking the night away is the normal experience. It does not have to be like that, especially if you are in recovery. The key is to look for new ways to have fun that don’t put you at risk for relapse. It’s also important to know when you are experiencing an increased risk of relapse. If you’re at that point, BoardPrep Recovery Center® can help you. Please reach out to our treatment center today at 866.796.4720.
How to Live a Sober Life
During your drug and alcohol treatment, you’ll learn a great deal about triggers, or people, places, and experiences that put you at a higher risk of relapse. Often, being around others who are drinking or being in locations where you previously used to drink is a big trigger. However, for some, that’s where socialization happens. What do you do to create a sober lifestyle that’s still one you can enjoy? Here are a few ideas to help you:
- Let your existing friends know how much you’ve worked towards becoming sober. Real friends won’t put that at risk.
- Try new locations where alcohol isn’t always present. For example, head to the gym or hang out with a friend at home.
- Encourage people to socialize with you in new experiences. Instead of sitting at a bar, choose an adventure in the mountains, travel to the ocean, or go fishing. Find new adventures to have that don’t include alcohol.
- Socialize during the day. It’s less likely that people will feel the need to drink in the middle of the day.
- Host events at your home. It doesn’t have to be big, but let others know that alcohol isn’t welcome.
Be creative and find new things to do and see. A good friend isn’t going to complain about an evening of watching movies at home without alcohol present.
How to Find Sober Friends Who Get It
There are some situations where sober living is hard because your friends are still drinking. That’s their choice, but it doesn’t mean you can’t learn how to find sober friends. You can find people who get what you are going through at local support meetings. You can find many people in groups on social media websites as well. These are people who understand the risks and get what you’re experiencing. They may want to help you to enjoy a higher quality of life as they do.
It’s up to you to tell new people about your addiction history. For some, it’s eye-opening. It may even save a person’s life if you communicate about what you’ve gone through to get to this point.
Choose to Embrace Treatment at BoardPrep Recovery Center®
There are times when it’s time to seek additional help and support, especially when you are thinking about using substances again. Sober living treatment centers can help you to avoid relapse. They do this through one-on-one meetings, group meetings, and family therapy sessions. You’ll be able to step back into care with our professionals at BoardPrep Recovery Center® whenever you need a bit more encouragement and support. There is nothing wrong with finding yourself in need of more structured support and reassurance. Our programs, listed below, are here to help you:
- Treatment programs for professionals
- Rehab programs for young adults
- Partial hospitalization program
- Outpatient treatment program
- TMS therapy for addiction
Are you having trouble staying sober? Do you need support to get to that point? BoardPrep Recovery Center® offers the tools and resources to help you no matter what you are facing in addiction and mental health. Explore the treatment options when you give us a call at 866.796.4720 or reach out to our counselors online.
