What is Sobriety and How to Maintain It

Summary: This article provides a definition of sobriety, differentiating it from other aspects of recovery and provides information on how to maintain it.

What is Sobriety?

Sobriety refers to an overarching ability to live a life free from substances. Many people associate sobriety with abstinence, but abstinence is the ability to abstain physically from drugs or alcohol, while sobriety refers to the holistic lifestyle that includes:

Abstinence
Emotional stability
Personal growth

The idea behind long-term sobriety is not just avoiding intoxication but remaining committed to a substance-free lifestyle that includes healthy relationships, a good support system, and lifestyle changes that avoid or repair root causes of addiction.

During a rehab program, clients start by detoxing, where they are able to achieve abstinence, but from there, things like individual and group therapy sessions, as well as holistic therapies, help clients build the skills they need to maintain their sobriety long-term, focusing on self-care, trigger avoidance, support groups, and coping mechanisms.

How to Maintain Sobriety

Learning how to maintain sobriety takes a lot of time, as there are several aspects to a well-rounded approach.

For starters, repairing relationships can be an essential component. Those clients who are early in their recovery program might find that one of our outpatient programs with family therapy can provide the level of involvement needed to improve communication, address any triggers or family dynamics that might contribute to addiction, and improve the support system that exists at home.

From there, some clients might need to focus on emotional regulation, and that can come from our individual and group therapy sessions. With regular therapy as part of an outpatient program, clients can learn to recognize impulsive or automatic negative thoughts, catch them when they happen, correct them, and change them into things that are more realistic. Doing so can help people avoid triggers and remain more open-minded to challenges or stresses.

Maintaining sobriety is best done with a support system. That not only means family, but also attending local support groups during treatment and after rehab. Our team works hard to keep clients connected with local support groups like NA or AA, as well as aftercare programs.

Getting Help For Treatment at East Coast Recovery

At East Coast Recovery, we offer multiple levels of outpatient programs to those who have already completed a residential inpatient program and need continued support in order to learn how to best maintain sobriety.

But we also know that sobriety goes beyond physical abstinence, so as situations and life circumstances change, individuals who have maintained their sobriety might suddenly find themselves relapsing or dealing with triggers. If clients need an opportunity to adjust their current sobriety strategy by building additional emotional regulation skills or self-awareness, our flexible outpatient programs can help.

What is sobriety? Call East Coast Recovery at (617) 390-8349 today.

FAQ

Is Abstinence the Same as Sobriety?

Abstinence refers to the physical act of avoiding drugs and alcohol. This is a necessary starting point, but it doesn’t extend to the psychological or emotional healing process of recovery from addiction. Sobriety, by comparison, refers not only to abstinence but to the mindset, habits, and tools that an individual uses to sustain their abstinence. At East Coast Recovery, we can teach things like self-care and coping strategies that encourage long-term sobriety.

How Can I Achieve Sobriety?

There are many ways that individuals can achieve sobriety, but it all starts with recognizing an addiction, getting professional help, and following through with a personalized treatment plan.
With East Coast Recovery, we help each client develop better self-awareness through our flexible outpatient programs, offering individual and group counseling to help each client understand their personal triggers or emotional patterns, set goals like improving their personal relationships or personal motivation, and develop better self-awareness, all of which contribute to successful sobriety.

Do I Need Rehab to be Sober?

Going to rehab is a highly recommended way to not only achieve your initial abstinence but also maintain lifelong sobriety. This includes the ability to work with multiple levels of care when needed. At East Coast Recovery, we can help you reengage with treatment if you need to adjust your current sobriety strategy. Our therapist can also help you understand what might have led to low motivation or a relapse, such as emotional distress or triggers.

How Long Does it Take to Get Sober?

Long-term sobriety requires an ongoing commitment, not only abstaining physically from drugs and alcohol but making lifestyle changes to support your overall well-being, improve your relationships, better handle triggers, and practice self-care.
There are many ways that you can achieve and maintain sobriety. Studies indicate that one of the most important things is to build a healthy routine, something that our team helps you establish when you participate in the daily or weekly routine of your outpatient sessions.
Other ways to get sober include building a healthy support network, attending local support groups, and staying committed to your recovery. A big part of that is our ongoing aftercare program, which helps clients stay connected to individuals who have gone through similar trials.

What Are the Best Strategies for Maintaining Sobriety?

Maintaining sobriety requires regular effort, and it starts with things like creating a structured routine every day. Part of that routine might include maintaining accountability by attending support group meetings and staying connected to peers through ongoing therapy or outpatient programs.
Maintaining sobriety also means developing healthy coping mechanisms, like a new hobby, learning a new language, meditating, journaling, or using tools from things like cognitive behavioral therapy sessions. Early in the recovery process, maintaining sobriety might be best achieved by avoiding triggers like people or places that might be associated with previous substance abuse. As individuals transition, more strategies focus on self-care like mindfulness, regular exercise, good quality sleep, and nutrition.
The more levels of care in which clients participate, the more well-rounded their strategies for long-term sobriety become. Participation in support group meetings, for example, can offer a way to continually learn new strategies and coping skills.