Sobriety journey: How to be sober once and for all

Being sober from drug or alcohol addiction is a goal every addict is looking to achieve to be the best version of himself.

Such addictions affect every aspect of your life from general health to social interactions. that’s why living sober is a must if you really want to turn your life around.

This article serves as a comprehensive guide, outlining the necessary steps, strategies, and resources to embark on a transformative journey toward a sober life.

What does being sober actually mean?

Before we get into how to be sober, we need to understand what it actually means.

Being sober is a state of being free from the influence or effects of intoxicating substances. particularly alcohol or addictive drugs.

It often involves a commitment to maintain a clear mind, make responsible choices, and address the underlying causes and consequences of substance abuse.

It is not merely the absence of substances but also a way of life that focuses on personal growth, self-improvement, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Sobriety empowers individuals to live life to the fullest, fostering better relationships, improved physical health, mental clarity, emotional stability, and overall well-being.

QUICK SUMMARY: Being sober means living free of drug or alcohol addiction to maintain a healthy lifestyle both mentally and physically.

How to get sober fast?

The search for a way to sober up fast can be an endless one. There are many tall tales and secret recipes out there that claim to have solved this problem. None are backed by science and most of them are just myths.

Ask any doctor how to sober up fast, and they’ll tell you the truth: It’s impossible!

The only thing that lowers the concentration of alcohol in your bloodstream is time.

QUICK SUMMARY: all the ways to get sober that you find out there is not backed by science and the only way to be sober is giving your body time to get the substance out of your system.

How long does it take to be sober?

The amount of time it takes to be sober can vary depending on several factors such as the amount and type of alcohol or drug consumed, individual metabolism, and other personal factors.

For the effects of drunkenness to wear off, it typically takes about 1 to 2 hours for your body to metabolize and eliminate the alcohol in a standard alcoholic drink like a beer or a glass of wine.

If your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is at the legal limit for driving, which is usually .08, it may take about 5-6 hours for alcohol to leave your system.

QUICK SUMMARY: The time needed to get sober depends on the type of alcohol or drug, your metabolism and other factors. but as for alcohol, it takes between 1-6 hours to leave your system.

How to be sober for life?

living sober is a journey that takes time and commitment, and there are no shortcuts to achieving lasting sobriety.

However, here is a step-by-step guide on how to be sober right now:

A step-by-step guide to being sober

STEP 1: Acknowledge that you have a problem

Recognize and accept that you have a problem with substance abuse. This acknowledgment is the first step towards positive change.

This is typically the most challenging part. Denial is a common response. It’s difficult to admit that you have lost control over your substance use.

STEP 2: Ask for help

The first line of help that you can get is your friends and family but most of the time it’s not enough.

Don’t get me wrong, you need their support for sure but professional help will put you on the right track from the beginning to the end.

I strongly recommend reaching out to a healthcare professional, therapist, counselor, or addiction specialist. They can provide guidance, support, and appropriate treatment options tailored to your needs.

STEP 3: Set a clear goal

Establish a specific and meaningful goal that will serve as your guiding light throughout your journey.

You need to focus on why you are doing this and what your life will look like after you get clean. Say it to yourself out loud and in front of others to hold you accountable!

STEP 4: Create a plan

After setting your goal, you need to develop a comprehensive plan to achieve and maintain sobriety. Identify potential triggers and situations that might prompt substance use. Determine how you will cope with cravings and challenging situations. Incorporate healthy coping mechanisms, self-care practices, and stress management techniques into your plan.

STEP 5: Take care of your physical and mental health

Lastly, you need to prioritize your overall well-being by engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, and getting enough restful sleep. Consider incorporating practices such as meditation, therapy, or counseling to support your mental health.

How to stay motivated to be sober forever?

Staying motivated to be sober forever can be challenging, but with the right strategies and support, it is possible. Here are some tips to help you stay motivated:

  1. Educate yourself: Learn about addiction, its effects, and the benefits of sobriety. Knowledge can empower you and reinforce your motivation to stay sober.
  2. Build a support system: Surround yourself with a network of supportive individuals who understand your commitment to sobriety.
  3. Remove triggers: Rid your environment of any substances, paraphernalia, or items that might trigger cravings. This includes alcohol, drugs, and any reminders or associations that may tempt you to use.
  4. Learn healthy coping strategies: Discover and practice healthy coping strategies to manage stress, negative emotions, and triggers.
  5. Celebrate milestones: Recognize and celebrate your accomplishments along the way. Set smaller, achievable goals to mark your progress and reinforce your motivation.
  6. Stay connected and committed: Continue to engage with your support system, attend support group meetings, and participate in ongoing therapy or counseling.
  7. Find new hobbies and interests: Explore new activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Engaging in positive and enjoyable experiences can distract you from cravings and provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

QUICK SUMMARY: To stay motivated being sober you need to surround yourself with like-minded people, avoid triggering situations and find new hobbies to get your mind off your addiction.

What to do if you relapse?

If you relapse after a period of sobriety, it can be disheartening, but it’s important not to lose hope. Here are some steps to take if you find yourself in this situation:

  1. Accept reality and be honest with yourself: Admit that a relapse has occurred and take responsibility for your actions. This honesty is crucial for moving forward and making positive changes.
  2. Reach out for support: Connect with your support system, such as a sponsor, therapist, counselor, or support group. They can provide guidance, understanding, and a non-judgmental space to discuss your relapse. Don’t isolate yourself during this time; utilize your support network.
  3. Understand the triggers and learn from the experience: Reflect on the circumstances that contributed to the relapse. Identify any triggers, such as stress, emotional struggles, or specific situations, to develop strategies to avoid or manage them in the future.
  4. Revisit and adjust your recovery plan: Review your relapse prevention strategies and determine if any adjustments are needed. Modify your plan to address any gaps or areas of vulnerability that were exposed during the relapse.
  5. Take immediate action: Get back on track as soon as possible. This may involve resuming healthy habits and coping mechanisms that you used during your period of sobriety.
  6. Adjust your mindset: Embrace the belief that slipping up does not mean you have failed or that you cannot recover again. View the relapse as a temporary setback on your journey rather than a permanent obstacle. Remember that recovery is a lifelong process, and every step forward is progress.

QUICK SUMMARY: when you relapse, you have to tell yourself it’s okay but take action to prevent it from every happening again such as finding the cause, remove the trigger and replan.

What you need to know…

Breaking free from alcohol or drug addiction to live sober is an extraordinary achievement that requires commitment, perseverance, and unwavering support. By acknowledging the problem, seeking professional help, building a support network, developing coping strategies, and embracing a healthy lifestyle, you can embark on a transformative journey toward sobriety.

Remember, while the road may be challenging, the rewards of a sober life are immeasurable – improved health, restored relationships, and a renewed sense of purpose await on the other side of addiction.

References

  1. https://americanaddictioncenters.org/sobriety-guide
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK64119/
  3. https://www.asam.org/asam-criteria/about-the-asam-criteria
  4. https://nida.nih.gov/sites/default/files/675-principles-of-drug-addiction-treatment-a-research-based-guide-third-edition.pdf
  5. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/08897077.2012.746950
  6. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0740547214000282