12 Steps to Achieving Permanent Sobriety
Achieving permanent sobriety is a journey that requires dedication, commitment, and support. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), individuals who remain sober for at least five years have an 85% chance of achieving permanent sobriety. In this article, we will discuss 12 steps or things you can do to increase your chances of achieving permanent sobriety.
Seek Professional Help: The first step towards achieving permanent sobriety is to seek professional help. Research has shown that individuals who receive treatment for addiction are more likely to achieve long-term recovery than those who do not seek treatment.
Build a Support Network: Surround yourself with supportive friends, family members, and professionals who understand the challenges of addiction and can provide encouragement and guidance on your journey to recovery.
Attend Support Groups: Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) offer a supportive community of individuals who are also in recovery. According to SAMHSA, individuals who attend support groups have a higher chance of achieving long-term sobriety.
Practice Self-Care: Self-care is an important part of achieving permanent sobriety. This includes eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and practicing stress-management techniques such as meditation and yoga.
Avoid Triggers: Triggers such as people, places, and things that remind you of using substances can be a challenge during the recovery process. Avoiding these triggers and learning how to cope with them is essential for achieving permanent sobriety.
Set Realistic Goals: Setting realistic goals can help you stay motivated and focused on your recovery. It's important to break down your goals into small, achievable steps that will help you reach your ultimate goal of permanent sobriety.
Practice Gratitude: Practicing gratitude can help you stay positive and focused on your recovery. Taking time each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for can help you maintain a positive outlook on life.
Learn Coping Skills: Learning coping skills such as mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can help you manage stress and other challenges that arise during the recovery process.
Build Healthy Relationships: Building healthy relationships with friends, family members, and romantic partners can provide a support system and a sense of community during the recovery process.
Practice Forgiveness: Forgiving yourself and others for past mistakes and hurtful actions can help you let go of negative emotions and move forward in your recovery.
Give Back: Helping others who are also struggling with addiction can be a powerful motivator for maintaining sobriety. Volunteering or becoming a mentor can provide a sense of purpose and meaning during the recovery process.
Celebrate Milestones: Celebrating milestones such as 30 days, 60 days, and 90 days of sobriety can help you stay motivated and focused on your recovery. According to SAMHSA, individuals who celebrate their milestones are more likely to achieve permanent sobriety.
Achieving permanent sobriety is a journey that requires dedication, commitment, and support. By following these 12 steps, individuals can increase their chances of achieving long-term recovery and living a fulfilling life free from addiction. Remember that recovery is possible and that you are not alone on this journey.