STAYING SOBER

You did not become a drug addict overnight. It was a long process occurring over a period of, perhaps, several years that turned into a dependence on those drugs. You began using probably primarily because you needed an escape. It’s very important that you remove anything in your life that could cause you to begin using again.

This begins with changing your life and the people around you. Your friends probably played a big role in getting you to start using in the first place. Peer pressure is difficult to overcome and when you are around people using drugs, your recovery is seriously compromised.

Many people hate this part of drug recovery. But you have to keep in mind what is best for you. True friends will stay with you and maybe even help you. Those who got you to use in the first place will be the ones who will stay away from you. Their drug use will be much more important to them than you are. Remember this.

During initial recovery stages, you will want to avoid situations where you might be tempted to use. For example, if you are trying to stop drinking, keep away from social situations and locations that may make it more difficult for you to not drink. That means no bars or clubs and not going to parties where alcohol is served. Think about the places where you used drugs and avoid them at all costs.

Eventually, you will become stronger and more able to resist the temptation especially after a period of time has passed.

We can’t stress enough the advantages of counseling during drug withdrawal. The biggest mistake you can make is to not seek help. You have a very powerful force working in you wanting you to use again. Therapy can help you stay strong against these inner demons and teach you new ways to deal with stress and anxiety that could have pushed you towards drugs in the first place.

Even if you are not a religious person, it’s a good idea to acknowledge that there is a higher power affecting our lives. We are here for a reason and came to be what we are because of certain factors that we just can’t explain.

For example, there is a set of unwritten “rules” that we just know for no explainable reason. Those rules came from a higher power. Whether you call him (or her) God, Buddha, or whatever, that power exists somewhere.

This book isn’t meant to be a religious dissertation, so we’ll let you make whatever decision you need to regarding this higher power, but please know that your recovery will be much easier when you have this power in your life.

You may want to explore some other avenues for peace in your mind and body.