The lure of alcohol has puzzled many people for centuries. People turn to alcohol for many reasons: social drinking, wanting to forget the present personal problems for a while, and relaxation. When consumption of alcohol reaches a level that depreciates the value of human functioning, problems sets in—coming late for work or, worse, drinking while at work. It is best to heed the words of an English scholar, John Selden: “It’s not the drinking to be blamed, but the excess.” So how does one become and, to that effect, remain sober?
Start a hobby
Begin a hobby by answering the question: “What interests you apart from alcohol?” By answering this question, it provides a clear view of alternatives for an individual. For instance, interests in sports, such as swimming, horseback riding, tennis, will fill the hours of the day instead of drinking. By keeping the mind off from the ideas of alcohol and start getting active, the person is helped to transition to a more productive day.
Keep yourself busy
To work is the best choice to keep any person busy. But at the end of the day, the individual may yearn for the bottle and see it as a means of relaxation. Hence, the cycle starts all over again. Controlling the amount of work and stress a person takes on each day is an important aspect of remaining sober.
Alternative relaxation techniques such as dancing and exercising after work are a good idea. Helping a friend fix their car or run errands for an elderly relative is also an alternative. Depending on the person’s personality, there are varied ways to keep one’s self busy.
Engage and reconnect
To engage socially again may mean social drinking, which can push the person to fall back to excessive drinking. Engaging socially can also mean involving one’s self with other activities that provide meaning to an individual, such as getting involved with non-profit organizations in helping others.
One example is getting involved with groups that help individuals cope with day-to-day stress for single parents. Another example is to help traumatized adults cope with their experiences. The key here is to help you find a purpose by helping others and, by doing so, help you to stay sober.
Gather your support system
A strong support system, such as the family, is an important factor in sober living in Scottsdale, Arizona. A supportive family can help by providing opportunities to feel valued and connected. But there are instances where this is not possible for some. A confidante, wife, girlfriend, or a small group of supportive friends can help get you back on your feet. They can also help you celebrate your little triumphs and make you feel good about yourself again.
Check yourself
If you think that you don’t have the strength to remain sober yet, then, by all means, check yourself. Value yourself above all else and seek help. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a sign of true courage and humility.
The road to sober living is not the same for everyone—but it always starts with the first step—and you all know that the journey of a thousand miles begins with that one courageous step.
