18 Ways to Stay Sober

Being sober is a joy. When you decide to get sober, you decide to look after yourself – your mental, emotional, physical and soulful self. Stop drinking and discover life as you never knew it, real and exciting! Set goals, try new things and meet like-minded people when you ditch the booze. It can be challenging in a world packed with drinkers, drink and social occasions. But no one needs alcohol to have fun! Get sober and stay sober, howzat?!

Here are my 18 Ways to Stay Sober:

1. Re-configure your life!  Create new routines, find new interests and make new connections.
2. Learn to deal with your emotions and to sit with them – they too will pass. 
3. Keep perspective.  Recovery is not a linear process – celebrate those milestones.
4. Be prepared for cravings.  Take a deep breath and they will pass.  You are grieving.
5. Avoid obvious triggers – bars, drinking buddies, stressful family gatherings, socials.
6. Set some goals for the next 12 months. You have time on your hands so use it well.
7. Book a couple of sessions with a life or recovery coach.
8. Find your tribe!  Connect with a support network of sober friends who understand.
9. Discover your natural highs.  Experiment to find new interests, learn a language, take a course, become a volunteer, and travel.  Do something creative – art, cookery, write a book!
10. Have your go-to drinks.  Experiment with AF drinks until you find your favourites. 
11. Get moving!  Have a daily exercise routine – an essential mood changer.
12. Keep a journal.  The benefits of journaling are real.  Include a gratitude practice.
13. Listen to music.  A real mood changer – especially listening while exercising.
14. Have your story ready when people want to know why you are not drinking alcohol. 
15. Find your purpose! Set goals, move forward and achieve something different in your life.
16. Don’t become a recluse!  You CAN have fun without alcohol, and it will just get easier.
17. Make your choice and know that there is no going back.
18. Give back to those less fortunate than you. Use money saved from buying booze.