It’s also helpful to change your environment—for instance, avoid going to bars. There are also resources such as 12-step groups and recovery groups. 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.
Online Therapy Can Help
From tailgating at sporting events and celebrating weddings to attending happy hours and networking events, we celebrate many of life’s greatest events with champagne, wine, beer, and cocktails. If you’re opening up your social circle to a few close friends, consider a hike or picnic in the park. The new reality of Zoom hangouts might not be the most fun option, but they do reduce the need to explain your choice not to drink if you aren’t comfortable telling https://capitaltribunenews.com/top-5-advantages-of-staying-in-a-sober-living-house/ others about your plans. If you’re weighing the benefits of short-term sobriety, Turner recommends focusing on what you’ll gain, not what you’ll lose. To get some insight on sober curiosity and alcohol moderation, we reached out to Cyndi Turner, LCSW, LSATP, MAC. Another major source of support, regardless of income level and access to devices, is free mutual aid groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Moderation Management (MM), and SMART Recovery.
Sober Living Houses
Your intentions may be good, but it takes more than willpower to avoid having a relapse. 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. 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.
- Sometimes, you might consider engaging in other activities that don’t put drinking front and center.
- While emotionally sober people may not always feel happy, they are no longer victims of their feelings and emotions.
- This means not partaking in the addictive substance (like drugs or alcohol) or engaging in the addictive behavior (such as gambling or binge eating) at all.
- “Reframe is a neuroscience-based way to quit or cut back drinking,” he says.
Cali sober: Is marijuana actually a safe alternative?
Studies suggest digital health options can improve access to care for some of the 15 million people experiencing alcohol use disorder each year. Getting sober may seem difficult, but there are strategies you can use to get and maintain sobriety. Some are structured in programs, such as the 12-step approach used by Alcoholics Anonymous and similar addiction recovery programs. California Sober is a term typically used to describe people who decide to quit consuming drugs and alcohol—with a few exceptions. While everyone interprets this lifestyle choice differently, marijuana is the most commonly cited “acceptable” substance for someone who considers themself California Sober. There’s nothing wrong with choosing a sober curious lifestyle to improve wellness.
- Understanding these nuances is crucial for anyone navigating the path of recovery.
- Abstinence is often the initial step in addiction recovery programs and is considered a necessary condition for the treatment of many forms of addiction.
- Residing in sober living homes increases the likelihood that recovering alcohol and substance abusers remain sober.
- People who have undergone addiction treatment in rehab centers often struggle to stay sober as they adjust to the real world.
- People can experience specific challenges in recovery depending on their gender.
What Does It Mean to Be Sober Curious?
It’s also a good idea to start pursuing hobbies and activities that don’t involve drinking. Ideas you might explore include local recreation centers or parks, art classes, reading, playing an instrument, or dancing. Think about how you Top 5 Advantages of Staying in a Sober Living House will navigate situations where you might feel pressured to drink. The movement has encouraged more sober-focused events such as yoga retreats, meditation sessions, book clubs, online communities, and non-alcoholic dinner parties.
Step 3: Identify Your Tools
In cases where you have been drinking heavily or frequently for some time, it is a good idea to have your detox supervised by a medical professional to manage potentially risky withdrawal complications. It can be helpful to talk to other people interested in being sober curious. Having a friend who is also sober curious can make it easier to navigate social situations where drinking is encouraged or expected. It is important to note that, for a person with an alcohol use disorder or a history of destructive behavior surrounding drinking, participation in the Sober Curious movement is not a substitute for professional help.