Taking the first step to getting clean and sober is never easy and asking for help is even harder. When addicts and alcoholics are deep into their addictions, they seem to not know any other way of life; but there definitely is. When someone hears the word “rehab” the first thing that may come to mind could be “criminal” or “jail.” Hollywood has somehow made this image that rehab is some dark and scary place, when in reality it has the potential to help you make memories and life-long friends. Getting clean and sober may seem like the end of life as you know it, but it’s one of the best things you can ever do for your life.
Top 10 Ways To Getting Clean And Sober
We realize that this big of a life change is intimidating and scary, because in reality, who likes change? The pay off of making a clean and sober life for yourself is far more greater than it would be with a miserable life struggling with addiction issues. Before people finally decide to become clean and sober, there is a lot of rationalization and denial that comes into play.
- Realize that you have a problem (we finally get honest with ourselves and others and admit that we have a problem, and that our lives are unmanageable from our addiction issues).
- Ask for help (we don’t like to ask for help because we think that we can do it on our own, but we truly cannot this time).
- Tell someone that you know (friend or family member) (honesty is key, and letting people know that you’re deciding to change your life for the better just may get the people you need to have in your corner for support).
- Start seeking treatment out-of-state (sometimes it can be a little easier and more constructive to seek treatment that is out-of-state so you can get yourself away from the familiar things and the triggers that could potentially cause you to relapse).
- Keep an open mind about your new way of life (in the rooms, there’s a saying “keep an open mind and give yourself a break.” Just keep an open mind, go with the flow, and follow the suggestions and you will be happy and free).
- Try going to an AA/NA/CA (etc) meeting (fellowship is like one big family, and you might come to find that you will meet people very similar to you and what you’ve been through).
- Find a sponsor (no they don’t give you free shirts, they take you through the 12 steps of whatever fellowship you choose).
- Work the 12 Steps of whatever fellowship you choose (when you work the 12 steps, you are guaranteed a spiritual awakening, happiness and freedom).
- Find a home group (a home group is a meeting where you feel most at home, and you attend their monthly business meetings).
- Start helping other addicts or alcoholics who may be struggling (you can start to sponsor others and take them through the 12 steps!)
SEEKING TREATMENT TO GET CLEAN AND SOBER
It’s strongly suggested that when you’re trying to get clean and sober from drugs and alcohol that you immediately seek treatment, out of state, before your life gets any worse. You don’t need this extravagant “bottom” to finally stop this battle against drugs and alcohol; your bottom stops when you stop digging. Many people who are now clean and sober have realized that they hit an “emotional bottom” where they realized that the drugs and alcohol that once made them happy were no longer working. The emotions and feeling of useless and emptiness took over.You don’t need to go to jail or get arrested to finally get help for yourself; the time is now. If you or someone you know is struggling, please save a life and call (866) 323-6590.
