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- Even though abstinence isn’t easy, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) considers avoiding drugs and alcohol entirely to be the safest way to keep individuals from repeating harmful behaviors. In addition, studies have shown that the number one factor for successful sobriety is a commitment to abstinence.
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May 28, 2019 · Recovery is rigidly defined: You are either 100 percent abstinent or you are not. Obviously, abstinence is the best path toward recovery because that leaves no gray area.
Abstinence may be a necessary recovery component for some individuals with AUD, yet research indicates that it is not essential for all, and positive changes in functioning and well-being often are more fundamental elements.
Sep 11, 2018 · Abstinence has become the de-facto standard for anyone who is struggling with addiction of any sort – alcohol, drugs, porn, gambling or otherwise.
Feb 15, 2024 · Explore the vital role of abstinence in recovery, covering different types, benefits, and support mechanisms like CBT and DBT. Learn how to practice it successfully with strategies for a healthier, sober life.
- Overview
- What Is Sobriety?
- How to Stay Sober
- A Word From Verywell
If you're in recovery from a substance use disorder, you already know how much work it took to achieve sobriety, and you'll want to do everything possible to avoid having a relapse. It may seem that relapse is the last thing that could happen to you, but the truth is they are very common for people new to recovery.
This article discusses what sobriety means and describes strategies that can support your long-term recovery. It also covers tips on how to deal with the challenges you'll face on your journey to sobriety.
Sobriety means not being under the influence of a substance. However, the word is often used in different ways in different contexts. Many 12-step programs suggest that sobriety means total abstinence—never using the substance ever again.
Other definitions, however, often focus on the process of recovery and developing coping mechanisms and habits that support health and wellness over the long term. Total abstinence may be the goal, but the reality is that setbacks are common.
Some say the best advice for newcomers to recovery on how to stay sober is simple: "Don't drink or use, and go to meetings." If that formula works for you, then by all means, do it.
But for most people, staying sober isn't that straightforward. The more strategies you learn to identify triggers, cope with stress, and manage your new sober life, the easier it is to prevent relapse.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the 12 steps to sobriety? The 12 steps are: Admitting you are powerless over addiction Believing in a higher power Surrendering to a higher power Taking a moral inventory Admitting wrongs Being ready to have a higher power remove your wrongs Asking a higher power for help Making a list of people you've wronged Making amends Taking personal inventory Engaging in prayer or meditation Practicing these principles and service to the community Learn More: What Are the Twelve Steps? How long does sobriety fatigue last? It depends on what substance you are recovering from, how long you've been using it, and how much you used. Sobriety fatigue can last a few weeks to a few months. However, in severe cases of post-acute withdrawal, symptoms can last up to two years. Learn More: Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal What is a sobriety date? A sobriety date is the date that you stop using a substance—for instance, the day you quit drinking or quit using drugs. How do you congratulate someone on their sobriety? Congratulate someone on their sobriety by expressing your support. You might say, "I'm really proud of you," or "I'm so happy to see you succeed." Avoid asking questions that are too personal or focusing on the negative aspects of their substance use. Learn More: Communicating With Someone Who Has an Addiction What is considered long-term sobriety? Long-term sobriety is a relative term—it means different things to different people. But many people consider long-term sobriety to be sobriety that has lasted at least one year. By Buddy T Buddy T is a writer and founding member of the Online Al-Anon Outreach Committee with decades of experience writing about alcoholism. Because he is a member of a support group that stresses the importance of anonymity at the public level, he does not use his photograph or his real name on this website.
The two most common, and very different, recovery philosophies are abstinence and harm reduction. The following is a brief description of each of these approaches. Abstinence. Abstinence-based recovery dates back centuries, long before addiction was determined to be a medical disease.
Jan 31, 2024 · Harm Reduction. Individuals grappling with substance use disorder (SUD) and addiction often face complex challenges, necessitating a multifaceted approach for resolution. The journey to recovery is highly individualized, with diverse paths tailored to unique circumstances.
