Maintaining Your Sobriety
Risk Factors for Relapse
Stress — bad health, someone close dies, job changes
Lack of Support
Extreme emotions — being bored, feeling angry or alone are common
Lifestyle habits
Coping Mechanisms
Stay active: Find a hobby or something you enjoy doing. This will help you to not drink. Exercise
Learn to deal with your emotions: Keep a journal, talk to your support people, or talk to a professional
Don’t be by yourself: Make up a support system. Join a support group or find a sponsor.
Self-care: Eat well and don’t smoke. Stay away from situations where you are tempted to drink.
What to do if you have a Relapse
Talk to your doctor or someone on your medical team. Having a relationship with them is important in staying sober. They can help you if you start drinking again. They can help even if you are thinking about drinking.
Resources for Addicts, Caregivers, and Family
It is a good idea to find support where you live to deal with your addiction. This can help take care of problems in your life. Support groups are a good way to find people who share the same kind of problems. There are also groups for caregivers and family members who also need support.
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) (aa.org)
• Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA) (adultchild.org)
• All Addictions Anonymous (alladdictionsanonymous.com)
• Al-Anon.org (al-anon.org) For family members of addicts
• Dual Recovery Anonymous (UK): A 12-Step Program for those with a dual diagnosis
• Nar-Anon (nar-anon.org)
• Nicotine Anonymous (nicotine-anonymous.org)
• Marijuana Anonymous (marijuana-anonymous.org)
• Methadone Anonymous (methadoneanonymous.info)
• Women for Sobriety (WFS) (womenforsobriety.org)
• XA Speakers (xa-speakers.org) A collection of recordings from speaker meetings, conventions and workshops of 12-step groups.
• 12 Steps (12step.org) Resources for all 12 step programs. It contains an in-depth discussion and forum on the 12 steps.
• 12StepTreatmentCenters.com A list of 12 Step treatment centers around the world.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 06/19/2012
Copyright © 06/19/2012 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#7373
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