2024 Author: Harry Day | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 15:43
While working in a rehabilitation center, in practice, I often encounter the manifestation of psychological states that are very similar for all chemically dependent people, at different intervals of sobriety. I would even like to say that you are watching "live" what is written in books.
The first month of sobriety is putting in order his physiological state - a person "comes to his senses", the body is cleansed of toxins, etc., it is too early to talk about some psychological, emotional moments, here calmness, regime and order are important. During this period, a person, most often, is characterized by irritation and depression.
During the 2nd - 3rd month of sobriety, when at the level of physiology a person already feels well enough, the so-called "euphoria of sobriety" may appear: "Wow, I'm doing it! Hooray!" And at this moment, the first serious catch awaits the addicted person. You can easily break off on euphoria (it can happen this way: "Hurray, everything is so great! It should be noted!" But, if this period takes place in a rehabilitation center, then a breakdown is easy to avoid and further awareness of what is happening begins. The first joy of sobriety has passed and the person begins to think something like the following:
“While I was in use everything was fine, but now there are a lot of problems that need to be dealt with, and it's difficult to cope! Conclusion: it would be better if I drank! (Smoked grass / sniffed / injected - which is closer to whom)
And then comes the third period, which can begin on the 2nd - 6th month of sobriety (for whom how) and last about a year. This is a kind of search for oneself, I would say, getting used to living in a new role - the role of a sober person. And this period is dangerous because life can become difficult and unbearable - after all, there is no skill to cope with problems in sobriety, and then what can happen? That's right - a breakdown! Or another option: if before the search for a drug and its use, staying in a state of drug intoxication took a lot of time, now this time has become free, and it is not clear what to do with it. What's going on? The answer is obvious - a return to use. And this breakdown is already more likely, because in such a state a person who has not completed the full rehabilitation program or has not fully figured out the reasons for his use is already outside the rehabilitation center and access to the “drug of choice” is very simple and always exists. What then can you do to stay sober during this period and not break into a state of disappointment in a sober life? There are a lot of recommendations in this regard. Among them, the main ones are group visits, personal psychotherapy, conversations with a mentor, etc., but this is not about today …
Now I would like to share with you very simple and banal, but very effective methods of maintaining sobriety from AA / AN *, which, along with other recommendations, will help both at the stage of "euphoria" and during the period of "sobriety is not a joy":
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Take walks.
Especially in new, unfamiliar places. Light, unhurried, enjoying the fresh air, breathing deeply and enjoying what is happening around. Of course, it is better to do this outside the city or in parks, but if this is not possible, then walking around the city is also pleasant and interesting.
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Read on.
Many have already forgotten about this exciting pastime, due to running and constant employment, and someone did not really like to do it before. Now is the time to plunge into the wonderful world of book heroes and pay attention to this.
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Visit museums, exhibitions, art galleries and theaters.
Creativity always helps to look at everyday things from the other side, "from a new angle", and this can help to find non-standard solutions to those problems that arise in your sober life. Don't ignore this opportunity - it broadens your horizons.
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Go in for sports.
Not professionally, of course (although you can do that), but to keep your body in good shape, it is simply necessary. After all, when a person feels good, he has the strength for something else. So don't forget about sports!
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Return to previously abandoned cases.
I often observe how the guys, upon leaving the center, begin to restore documents, renew their wardrobe, do general cleaning or repairs - and this is a good desire and undertaking, but the main thing here is not to overdo it. After all, you want to do everything at once, but the resource may not be enough, and not everyone knows how to calculate their strength. Therefore, try to do these things slowly and gradually, little by little every day, planning in advance.
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Try a new hobby.
If you have never made macrame, painted with paints or played football, this is just the case when you should try. It's not a fact that you will like all this, but in the end, you can choose an activity for your liking, which will help you relax, switch, and just have a good time.
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Return to your old hobbies. (not the ones you thought of!)
If as a child you dreamed of learning to play the guitar, ride a horse or sculpt from clay, now there may be time for this that has been freed from use. Try it! What if you discover a talent that has long been hidden behind life's problems?
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Sign up for courses.
Nal any that interest you. Maybe a foreign language, driving, or maybe related to your hobby or childhood hobby - it doesn't matter. It is important that there you will feel yourself in the company of like-minded people, in the company of people with whom you are interested in being sober, and this is very important.
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Take part in social activities, participate in charity.
By helping others, a person helps himself. At these moments, the most important realizations come about yourself and the benefits of your life, for yourself, for others and society as a whole. From a psychological point of view, this helps to restore self-esteem, to confirm their need and demand. And you don't have to take on difficult tasks and devote most of your day to serving others every day. Sometimes, just feeding a stray dog is enough.
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Take care of your appearance.
It is no secret that many, especially in the active phase of use, paid little attention to themselves and their appearance. So it's time to treat your teeth, go to a beautician or get a new hairstyle. When a person looks good, it cheers him up, but in a good mood it is easier to argue about other matters, right?
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Get carried away with something frivolous!
It is important not only to develop and improve yourself, but also to relax and have fun. And what better entertainment than some completely stupid and frivolous activity? What could it be? Anything! The main thing is that it brings joy and pleasure: watch comedies, blow bubbles, fight pillows with friends / parents or children, go to the beach. Do whatever makes you feel sober fun.
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Come up with this item yourself.
If you have not only read to this point, but also took into account all of the above recommendations, then most likely you have ideas on what else you can do. And if this is in favor of your sobriety - then, of course, do it!
But there is one warning: do not forget that an addicted person is an addicted person. Therefore, try to properly distribute your energy and time. And remember that "you need to eat the elephant in small pieces"!
* AA / NA - Society of Alcoholics Anonymous / Narcotics Anonymous
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