Sobriety Matters: Are You Ready to Get Clean and Sober?
If you’re like hundreds of thousands of other addicts out there, you may not even realize you have a problem. If you’re aware that you’re drinking too much or consuming drugs at an alarming rate, you may still be in denial that you need help to get clean and sober.
However, if you’re reading this, chances are you’re on the right path, at least when it comes to getting started. The process of getting clean and sober is not an easy one, and if you’re not mentally ready to take it on, the chance of relapse is always possible.
You also have to think about the physical impact that drugs and alcohol are having on your body. Will you be able to recover if you don’t stop now?
Use this guide to learn more about getting clean and sober the right way. It can be a long, hard journey, but it’s one you’re going to need to take if you want to get your life back.
What About Detox?
Before you can do anything else, you may need to consider going to an Orange County detox center if you have a physical dependence on drugs or alcohol. Even if you don’t think you have a physical dependence, detox can make the process of getting clean and sober a whole lot easier. Most people just don’t understand the importance of detox until they’ve been through it though.
If you’ve been drinking for years or taking drugs for a long time, there’s a good chance that you may have a difficult time quitting physically without some help. Nobody loves the idea of going through a detox facility, but in the long run, it is often the best possible thing you can do for yourself.
Remember, quitting drugs and alcohol can be dangerous if your body believes that it needs them. Addicts who have been addicts for years have tricked their bodies into functioning, at least on some level, with drugs and alcohol in their system.
Suddenly taking these substances away can make it hard for your body to cope. Medical intervention is often the only way to make this transition to a sober body and life.
Consider Rehab
Detox facilities are an excellent first step for addicts trying to live a clean and sober life. You’re going to need more than medical detox if you want to continue living in your new sober state for more than a few months though.
The fact is that many addicts who only go through detox will be likely to relapse within the first six months of sobriety. While this is true for almost all addicts, those who go through an accredited rehab program are more likely to succeed when it comes to stay sober.
There will still be a lot of work you need to do on your own, but rehab really can make a big difference. From finding out why you turn to drugs and alcohol in the first place, to teaching you ways to cope with your new life and stressful situations, rehab is a wise decision for any alcoholic or drug addict serious about recovery.
Avoid Dangerous Situations
One of the biggest challenges for people who are finally clean and sober after years of addiction is avoiding relapse. While that’ obviously a serious issue, many people don’t realize that there are certain situations that make using much more likely.
Is there a particular area where you used to hang out when you were drinking or doing drugs? Did you always see certain people who may not be clean to this day? Changing that behavior, as well as where you go and who you see, is an important part of recovery.
Avoid dangerous situations for at least six months to a year when you’re getting sober. From there, you’ll have to use your judgment about when it’s safe to do things like go to a party where alcohol is being served.
Ask for Support
Trying to get clean and sober on your own is nearly impossible. Most of the people that attempt end up failing, often because they just don’t have the support system that they need to get through the difficult times.
Talk to your friends and family and let them know what’s going on in your life. Even if they were negatively impacted by your drug or alcohol abuse they’ll probably be there to support you.
After all, most of the people that care for you will want you to get better and succeed in your life.