Taking the first steps towards sobriety can be life-changing and can put you on a path to recovery for the rest of your life. Deciding to quit using alcohol or drugs can positively impact your health and social relationships. However, getting started can be half the battle. Decide why you want to be sober in the first place, and set in stone your goals. Confide in a friend or family member that you trust so you have some accountability. Speak to your doctor before quitting cold turkey, and ask for recommendations for a recovery program. And finally, find support from others who have walked this path before. Recovery is not a straight line, and it can take a few false starts before things click. But once you are on your way, the journey will be worth it.
The First Steps Towards Sobriety: Beginning Your Journey
Figure Out You’re Why
One of the first steps towards sobriety is figuring out your “why.” This is the motivational idea, the person, or the thing that makes you want to get sober. Maybe it’s for your health, maybe for your children, or maybe another reason entirely. Whatever the motivation is, cement it in your mind so that you can come back to it when you are feeling tempted to give in to your cravings. Set short-term goals for yourself instead of looking years into the future.
Confide in a Friend
Another of the first steps towards sobriety that can be helpful is to confide in a friend or family member that you trust. This gives you accountability and makes the goal more real. You might be surprised at how supportive friends and family are. Hopefully, they’ll agree to help you on your journey.
Speak to Your Doctor
It’s important to speak to your doctor before taking any first steps towards sobriety that involve quitting cold turkey. If you are a long-term alcoholic or drug user, quitting suddenly can create health hazards. Instead, your recovery should be monitored by a medical professional. Your doctor can also recommend treatment programs like in-patient and outpatient rehabilitation.
Find Support
Finally, it’s important to find support when taking the first steps toward sobriety. While friends and family are helpful, finding others who have walked this path before you can be more helpful. To investigate local twelve-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous or others where you will meet with peer support groups. You might even decide to move forward and pick a sponsor or personal guide to your recovery.
Taking the first steps towards sobriety can be an exciting time in your life. However, the road to recovery is not easy. It’s important to prepare yourself as much as possible in advance. For example, decide on your motivation for getting sober and set goals. Then, reach out to a friend or family member. Speak to your doctor before quitting cold turkey, and ask about rehabilitation programs. And finally, find support from others like yourself. Hopefully, you can find the resources to get help and begin your journey to a new and sober life.