It takes daily dedication, but with the right attitude you can experience sobriety domination.
Being sober is a beautiful thing. When I decided to throw out the drugs, my life immediately began to change. I could see the world clearly, and I was in control. Looking back on the years of my addiction is like remembering a bad dream; I can’t believe that was me. The further you get away, the stronger you become. Here are 19 methods of sobriety domination.
1. Want to be Sober
This may sound obvious, but the only way to stay sober is to want it. Remind yourself daily of the positive things that come from staying sober.
2. Gather a Support Group
Even the strongest have moments of weakness; have friends and family ready to be at your side.
3. Communicate Honestly
Always be honest with both old and new relationships, but most importantly be honest with yourself. There were times where I began to feel weak, but I was too afraid to admit that I needed help. When I took a moment to honestly evaluate my emotions, I was able to take the appropriate action.
4. Dissolve Unhealthy Relationships
I have said it before and I will say it again: take out the trash. People who are wrapped up in drugs and alcohol and are not ready to change do not want you to succeed. Your failure means their success. Get rid of any people in your life who are not going to support you in something as incredible as sobriety.
5. Target Deeper Problems
I don’t know why you ever started drinking or doing drugs, but I know that many times deeper problems led me to continue my addiction. Healing old wounds will make it harder for a relapse to get through the scars.
6. Be Willing to Change
Once you have targeted deeper problems, you must be willing to make changes to fix them.
7. Don’t Accept Failure
The statistics will tell you that your success is a rarity, but the statistics don’t know you. Don’t ever think you cannot succeed. Failure is not an option.
8. Remember it’s a Disease
Take it seriously. This isn’t a child’s sweet tooth for candy; addictions destroy lives beyond your own. Treat it like a disease and get the help you need.
9. Stay Away from Negativity
People, statistics, and addicts will tell you that success is rare. They are wrong. I was successful because I wanted to be. I am where I am today because I believed in myself and filled my life with positivity.
10. Start a New Hobby
Staying busy is key. Start a new hobby that is low-stress but will also keep you busy.
11. Plan a Vacation
It doesn’t have to be an extravagant trip on the other side of the world. Plan it for 6-18 months out. It is amazing how much fun it can be to plan a vacation.
12. Write Daily Journal Entries
Writing is one of my favorite things to do, but looking back on older entries from the start of my recovery is empowering. Those entries give me the strength to never turn back.
13. Reward Yourself Daily for Your Success
That vacation is going to take money, so every day of success, drop a dollar in a jar. Record your success on a chart, and watch the jar grow. As the money gets taller, and the chart fills up, you will see the amount of success you have had.
14. Go for Walks and Hikes
Nature can do amazing things, but it always clears my mind and helps me connect spiritually with myself.
15. Exercise
Exercising is proven to produce endorphins that positively affect your mind and body.
16. Read Recovery Material
Reading success stories is what inspired me to change. When I only allowed the positive stories into my life, the odds were in my favor. Everything I read was a story of success, so I knew that it was possible for me too.
17. Don’t be Afraid
Don’t live in fear because someone told you that you cannot succeed. They are wrong. Enjoy living sober and never look back.
18. Write a Gratitude List
Be thankful for what you have, and you will begin to realize your worth. When you recognize all the good things in your life, you can see why living sober is so important.
19. Attend AA and Other Meetings
In the beginning, meetings were what I looked forward to. They got me through the week, and were the day I started my week with. They gave me the support and encouragement I needed. As you fill your days with hobbies, exercise, meetings, and fun, you won’t have time to think about a relapse; relapse is not an option.
By Michelle Conway
Photo by: Zach Dischner (Flickr)