Here are five quick ways to embrace sobriety. Actually, it’s been 22 years since I have had a mind-altering substance, so I have a lot of tips. But, let’s just keep this as an easy read.
Tip #1: Prescription pills can easily be a sobriety “trap”
Just because pills are prescribed by a doctor and administered by a pharmacy, it doesn’t mean they are safe for everyone. As prescription numbers continue to rise, the chance for prescription drug abuse rises as well.
Tip #2 – Don’t misunderstand the power of Detox?
If an alcoholic stops drinking suddenly it is very dangerous. Most people don’t understand that alcohol withdrawal is typically more harmful than drug withdrawal.
Everyday “heavy” drinkers need a detox. Detoxification is a process to manage withdrawal complications and pain. The goal is to minimize harm. The formal definition: Detox is the medically supervised process to prevent life-threatening problems that appear if the alcoholic or addict was left untreated.
Tip #3 – Sober Friends
A strong support group, new friends, and a healthy lifestyle will help you during a recovery process.
Tip #4 Surround yourself with people who understand and support your recovery
Don’t feel alone. You can always reach out to others if you feel overwhelmed.
Tip #5 – Embrace Social media in sobriety. There are tons of online groups.
There are lots of online groups, but you can get started by looking at my pages:
Facebook – Everyone’s favorite social media site. I have a minimalist approach here. If you choose to like my page, feel confident that I will not clog up your news feed.
Pinterest – A visual social media site. My account has over a dozen boards that show infographics on subjects like addiction, recovery, and sobriety. When you open up a board there will be “pins” you can click on. Each pin has additional information and a link to a website.
Instagram – This is pure fun. I love my collection of photos here. Our small family has an RV and we travel through many states. Along the way, we stop in many small towns. I am constantly finding inspiration and posting pics of our adventures.
Twitter – I consider this my “micro” blog. I post often (several times a day). I have lots of followers and I always follow back.
Tumblr – This is my combination account. You will find short posts, videos, and photos on this stream. I provide an update about once or twice a week.
Periscope – This is a site that broadcasts live video stream. My account here is the same as my Twitter – 800RecoveryHub. I don’t stream any video, I simply subscribe to other accounts.
SnapChat – I am just starting to figure this out. I have an account. I follow other people and if you want to follow me, just click to add 800 Recovery Hub. This is has been a fun learning journey.
I write this blog for fun and for free but you can always call my company number at (877) 590-5859 — we can walk you through the insurance sign up and rehab process. You can also send me a personal email at [email protected]
Remember that recovery is a challenge even for a motivated participant. The process can be more complex for someone who doesn’t want to change and was forced in to rehab by the courts or intervention.
Bonus Tips: Do you have a loved one in Drug Rehab? Don’t be surprised.
A. If they want out. They may promise you “the world” to get out of rehab. It’s easy for parents or loved ones to get tricked into helping the addict, but often times you are just enabling their behavior.
B. If they lie about the conditions of their rehab. It’s very common for the patient to say the facility is worse than a homeless shelter. In reality, the place is probably very nice. It’s just that your loved one wants to check out and “use” their drug of choice.
C. If they relapse. Rehab is not jail and it’s possible to use substances while in rehab. That is why patients are drug tested in rehab. Patients have visitors, attend outside functions and have a host of ways to use. But they will be caught and they will be held accountable. The professionals at the rehab will turn this into a learning experience.
Sobriety Nutritional Tip
I found this helpful (any unique) tip over at The River Source Blog.
Any drug or alcohol addiction is most likely going to cause nutritional deficiencies. Either the addict eats too little or too much, depending on the drug of choice. They probably also have poor eating habits in general, such as binging on food late at night or consuming mostly fast and processed foods.
Chronic alcoholism is also a direct cause of a B-12 deficiency. The gastrointestinal problems that are associated with alcoholism make it difficult for the body to absorb B-12 and other important B vitamins.
In addition to the deficiency, alcoholics may also become anemic because of the lack of B-12 in the blood. They can also suffer from peripheral neuropathy, which is why some serious addicts will experience nerve damage that results in tingling and numbness in the arms and legs.
Vitamin B-12 shots are most effective when they are combined with other naturopathic treatment measures such as acupuncture, infrared sauna treatments, and nutritional counseling. The purpose of these shots is to treat the deficiency so that recovering addicts are no longer lacking in it. They feel better and more restored, giving them the energy and focus needed to succeed in recovery.
B-12 shots aren’t needed forever. Once there are enough B vitamins in the blood, patients can continue in good health by eating a diet that includes lean meats and low-fat dairy products and/or by taking a multivitamin. It can take a very long time to restore and replenish lost vitamins and nutrients through food alone, which is why vitamin therapy can give recovering addicts the boost they need sooner.