Alcohol Awareness Month was established by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) to help reduce the stigma that’s associated with alcoholism. The intent of the month is to increase awareness and understanding of alcohol, alcoholism and recovery.
Many people use Alcohol Awareness Month, which occurs every April, as a month of intense focus on staying sober. Now that the month has come to a close, you may be wondering how you can keep your resolve. We’ve put together a list of tips on how you can maintain your hard-earned sobriety throughout the next month and beyond.
Find a Sponsor, Mentor or Therapist
Staying sober can be isolating, which is why finding a sponsor, mentor or therapist may help you keep on track. They’ll hold you accountable to your sobriety, listen to your struggles, provide advice and act as a reliable support system. You can find a sponsor through Alcoholics Anonymous, or ask a trusted friend or family member who has experience with sobriety to act as your mentor. You can alternatively find a therapist by looking up local therapists online.
Make a List of Sober Goals
Now that you’re sober, you’re able to do things that you never could while you were abusing alcohol. You can be fully present at family events, feel in control of your behavior and spend more hours on the things you love. Make a list of goals that you can achieve now that you’ve become sober, such as mending a relationship or getting in physical shape, and start taking steps towards achieving them.
Ask for Support From Loved Ones
Let your loved ones know that you’re working hard at staying sober and that you may need some extra support and patience during this challenging time. Sobriety is a hard road that you shouldn’t be walking alone; let your friends and family know how they can walk alongside you and give you the support you need.
Remove Temptations From Your Life
Sobriety can be tough enough without visible temptations in your life. Go through your house with a trusted friend and get rid of alcoholic beverages and drinking paraphernalia like shot glasses or beer steins. Furthermore, you’ll want to avoid events and places where alcohol will be present. Otherwise, you may feel the strong urge to relapse. Instead, spend time with your friends and family at alcohol-free places such as your house.
Reward Yourself for Not Drinking
Now that you’ve quit drinking, you’re probably realizing that you’re not spending nearly as much as you used to. You may want to take the money that you used to spend on alcohol and put it in a savings account or save up for something fun. You could also try marking an “X” on a calendar every day you’re sober and treating yourself to a fun activity such as a hike or a favorite meal every 30 days.
Staying sober can be difficult, but with these tips, you’ll be well on your way to maintaining your sobriety beyond Alcohol Awareness Month.
Feature Image: Brian A Jackson / Shutterstock.com
