How to Manage Early Sobriety

Summary: This article reviews several ways that individuals can learn to manage sobriety, especially early sobriety, and what role things like support groups and therapy can play.

The first 90 days after completing a treatment program are considered early recovery, a time frame where individuals are at the highest risk of relapse. For some individuals, this time frame extends all the way up to the first year after completing initial detox and treatment.

Being able to manage early sobriety effectively is essential for several reasons:

The brain needs time to heal itself after addiction, recovering from a dopamine deficit, and this can take several months
Relapse is most likely during early sobriety, and individuals need to establish a daily routine to help avoid returning to old habits
Early sobriety can be physically exhausting while the body processes its detox and organ systems get repaired

During this time, there are several things that individuals can do to help manage that early sobriety.

For starters, the neurological healing that happens is best supported through ongoing outpatient treatment. Participation in individual and group therapy sessions can help individuals deal with all of the emotions that tend to return with higher intensity after what is called emotional fine-tuning following substance abuse.

Relapse prevention is best facilitated with ongoing outpatient care and support group attendance. Support groups and ongoing outpatient therapy can provide a form of external support, giving clients the skills they need to navigate triggers, stress, and other high-risk situations.

Keeping the mind and body healthier during early sobriety is aided by the establishment of a regular routine. Part of the benefit to attending a lower level of outpatient care early and sobriety or continued weekly support group meetings is the ability to establish and maintain a routine. During this routine, individuals can learn how to manage their energy levels, set up a new normal with things like improved sleep processes, better nutrition, new boundaries, and improved relationships alongside new hobbies.

At our facility, we work with each client to offer relapse prevention skills, aftercare support, and connections to local support groups that can encourage physical and emotional healing during this time frame.

Manage Your Early Sobriety

With East Coast Recovery, we understand that managing early sobriety can be a particularly difficult time for clients. If you have participated in a residential or outpatient program and are looking for continued support in your early sobriety, we provide flexible outpatient programs.

With multiple levels of care, clients are able to participate in a PHP, Partial Day Treatment Program, or traditional outpatient program that started as sober living but has transitioned into high-quality, affordable outpatient treatment. We make it possible for clients to participate in different treatment programs, with a wide range of modalities and holistic options, so that each client can focus on individual needs in recovery, whether that is staying away from triggering situations, participating in ongoing support groups for accountability, or working with an individual therapist for continued support.

Let East Coast Recovery help you manage early sobriety with our outpatient programs. Call our admissions team at (617) 390-8349.

FAQ

What Are the Most Important Things to Do First 30 Days Sober?

During your first month of sobriety, your focus should be on creating a routine, building a support network that can be there to help you with your sobriety, and continuing to attend things like group therapy or appropriate or support group meetings like NA or AA. When you come to the end of your treatment program with us, our team will help you connect to local resources like support groups in your area.

How Can I Cope with Cravings in Early Sobriety?

This looks different for everyone. In some cases, you might utilize things like medication, especially with medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction or alcohol use disorder. These FDA-approved medications make it easier to reduce the severity of your cravings so that you are able to more mindfully apply other coping skills to things like triggering situations.
Other ways of coping with cravings include reaching out to someone like a sponsor if you participate in support group systems, or even a close family member or friend who is there to support you in your sobriety. Things like DBT might encourage skills such as distraction techniques, while CBT might encourage things like mindfulness.

Why Are Support Groups So Important for Early Sobriety?

Attending support groups like NA or AA, SMART Recovery, or even mental health-related support groups early in your sobriety is an essential way to deal with cravings and reduce your risk of relapse. Studies indicate that when individuals are in their early sobriety, they are more likely to struggle with things like loneliness and depression, but support groups can provide peer support, reduce those feelings of isolation, and help you stay accountable.

What Lifestyle Changes Can Support Early Sobriety?

Part of what you learn during your outpatient programs with East Coast Recovery has to do with lifestyle changes, things that you can incorporate on a daily basis to support your sobriety long-term.
We focus on things like avoiding triggers, especially early in your recovery, incorporating regular exercise, healthy nutrition, and prioritizing sleep. Equally important is having a routine, staying busy and active in a way that is regulated. This type of routine encourages things like regular exercise, regular meal times, and going to bed at the same time.
As part of your outpatient programs that are facility-based, you’ll have regularly scheduled meetings, including individual and group therapy sessions and holistic modalities, to help you build this routine for early sobriety.

How Do I Handle Emotional Challenges in Early Recovery?

This is another area tackled as part of your outpatient treatment. There are several ways that you can deal with emotional challenges early in your sobriety, like practicing self-compassion and setting boundaries, using healthy coping strategies that you learn during things like CBT or DBT sessions, seeking additional levels of care if you need more intense forms of support, and working with things like support groups and sponsors.