Abstinence is the complete cessation or avoidance of the substance or behavior to which one is addicted. 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. Abstinence is often the initial step in addiction recovery programs and is considered a necessary condition for the treatment of many forms of addiction. Keep in mind that alcohol alternatives shouldn’t be used as part of addiction recovery. (You shouldn’t be drinking anything that resembles alcohol if you’re an alcoholic, even if it’s alcohol-free.) They can be a positive addition to a sober curious lifestyle, though. In the last two years, her office has prioritized cases involving fraudulent sober living homes.

Developing a structured routine can help a person stick to their sobriety goals, make healthy decisions, and reduce the likelihood of triggers and relapse. Establishing a routine with regular sleep and support group attendance can reduce stress and help you stay sober. There are common setbacks to getting and staying sober like withdrawal, craving, and pressure to use.

The Role of Prayer in Staying Sober

A sober person remembers when they were new to sobriety, whether wanting to be there or not, and how they white-knuckled their way through each day. Now that they are enjoying the benefits of sober life, they find many examples in their lives when they can make a decision that keeps them in recovery without it being something they have to debate. It might be turning down an offer to use or declining to spend Living in a Sober House: Fundamental Rules time with an old drinking or drug-using friend or dealer. It might be avoiding a situation they know feels more like their old, unhealthy life, and instead engaging in new, healthy activities they have come to cultivate and enjoy. What these individuals have in common is that living a clean life is just half the battle. They see the difference between being clean and sober as initially embracing the clean part, but learning to love and put into daily practice their commitment to staying sober.

• Another study found that women have higher blood ethanol concentrations than men and are more likely to suffer alcohol-related liver diseases.
• If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, our addiction treatment facility in Massachusetts is ready to help.
• It is not meant to replace the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional.
• It’s not just your drinking buddies and drug dealers who can get you into trouble—sometimes those who are closest to you can contribute to a relapse.

Finding the right road to recovery

This attitude means Gen Z are reducing their alcohol intake as a way to manage their emotional wellbeing, and may look at alcohol as an impediment to a robust mental framework. Social media platforms like TikTok have also helped users to broadcast the benefits of a sober or sober curious lifestyle. Physical health can improve in both sobriety and abstinence, but sobriety often involves a more comprehensive approach to health.

Can You Be Sober and Still Have Addictive Behaviors?

Living a sober-curious lifestyle may have started among a small segment of the population, but it has grown into a mainstream movement with more and more people exploring a life without — or with less — alcohol. By focusing on these three pillars, individuals can establish a state of sobriety where they are not only drug-free but also engaged in personal growth and healthy coping mechanisms. If you’re involved in a 12-step https://northiowatoday.com/2025/01/27/sober-house-rules-what-you-should-know-before-moving-in/ program, you likely already know the importance of milestones. In these programs, it’s customary to receive plastic chips as you progress to the one-year mark, at which time you receive a bronze coin. People in recovery from a substance use disorder frequently have problems meeting work-related responsibilities, maintaining employment, and managing money. If you were active in your addiction for a period of time, you may have developed financial problems.

Physical and Mental Health Benefits of Abstaining From Alcohol

The Covid-19 pandemic has upended normal life for countless people across the United States. Many have lost friends and family to the virus, and many others have lost jobs, homes, or food security. Still more are struggling with long-term isolation, often while also raising kids in perpetual lockdown.

Alcohol intensifies violence against women

Recovery resources exist for many different companies, mainly across the United States. Being under the influence can make you a little more outgoing, a little flirtier, or possibly more aggressive in the short term. A significant reason is that drugs can affect the brain in a way that lowers inhibitions slows reaction time, and interferes with general cognitive function.

To avoid relapse and remain sober, it’s important to develop healthy relationships. Now that you are sober, you may have discovered that some of your past relationships were not only unhealthy but downright toxic. It’s not just your drinking buddies and drug dealers who can get you into trouble—sometimes those who are closest to you can contribute to a relapse. Some of the immediate changes you will need to make will be obvious—like not hanging around the people that you used with or obtained drugs from. After all, you can’t hang around your drug dealer or old drinking buddies and expect to remain sober for very long.

Confronting Peer Pressure with a Sober Mind

This includes not just abstaining from substances but also adopting healthier lifestyle choices like regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and stress management. Other studies suggest that roughly 50% of individuals who complete addiction treatment programs remain abstinent for a year, and this number increases with time and ongoing treatment. For those who see a difference, being sober means having gone beyond the initial stages of not using or drinking.

Learn more about the difference a glass of Surely wine can make as part of your sober curious journey. Surely non-alcoholic wines taste just like the real thing because they start out just like the real thing. The alcohol is just removed at the end, keeping you buzz-free and well on your way to a healthier lifestyle. These official guidelines come from the non-profit Moderation Management.