If you or a loved one has recently made a commitment to sobriety, let us be one of the first to congratulate you. This is a big step toward improving your quality of life.
The first few months of sobriety are life changing. But, like most things that change your life, there may be some difficulties. Alpine Recovery Lodge wants to help you through your first few months of sobriety so you can enjoy a new life filled with recovery, joy and lasting hope.
Eight Challenges of Sobriety
It’s completely normal to experience a range of emotions in the early days of sobriety, not only for yourself, but from your loved ones too. You can overcome each of these challenges and more, but if you need help along the way the skilled team at Alpine Recovery Lodge is ready to help.
Here are a few common challenges you may need to face in the early days of sobriety:
- Developing a coping strategy
New coping strategies may include speaking to a therapist, attending AA meetings, meeting regularly with your sponsor, calling friends and family members for support, exercising, journaling, or doing yoga. Find a mix of healthy activities that work for you.
- Transitioning from rehab to home
We understand transitioning out of a rehabilitation center and back into the real world can feel overwhelming. If you’re concerned about making the transition, consider a transitional living program that allows you to slowly transition into the real world.
- Rebuilding your social network
Sobriety means cutting ties with friends who were a negative influence on you and restoring relationships with those you may have hurt along the way. This is also a good time to build a network of new friends who will support your sobriety.
- Boredom
Though boredom may seem fairly innocuous, it can be a common relapse trigger when you consider how much of your time had previously been focused on drugs or alcohol. To avoid relapse it’s important to stay busy, especially during the first few months of sobriety. Build activities like volunteering or art classes into your coping strategy.
- Fear of relapse
In this case, fear is a good thing. It shows you are taking your sobriety seriously. Keep in mind millions of people have achieved long-term sobriety—and you can too.
- Depression and anxiety
While it’s normal to experience periods of negative emotion, it’s important to have your mental health properly managed. Be sure to seek medical help if it’s getting to be too much.
- Sleep disorders
Many people in the early stages of recovery experience sleeplessness, and it’s a common reason for relapse. If you are having trouble getting the restorative sleep you need there are therapies that can help like yoga, aromatherapy and meditation.
- Dating
if you feel like you’re ready to start dating again, we recommend taking things slow and avoiding activities that involve the temptation of drugs or alcohol.
If you or a loved one is ready to live a life of sobriety, the Alpine Recovery Lodge can help with individualized, safe, compassionate and effective addiction treatment plans. We look forward to helping you along your path to recovery. Call 877-415-4060.