Sober Living & Trigger Management

Sober Living & Trigger Management

If you're a recovering alcoholic, you know how difficult it can be to stay sober. The cravings, the triggers, and the pressure to drink can be overwhelming at times. That's why sober living and working with a recovery coach can be so beneficial. In this blog post, we'll explore the benefits of both.

What does Sober Living actually mean?

Sober living is a term used to describe living in an environment where alcohol and drugs are absent.This could be a recovery house, a sober living community, or simply your own home where you've committed to sobriety. 

What are the benefits of Sober Living?

• Reduced triggers: When you're in a sober living environment, you're less likely to encounter triggers that could lead to relapse. For example, if you're living with roommates who drink, it can be difficult to resist the temptation to join in. But in a sober living environment, you're surrounded by people who understand the struggles of addiction and are committed to sobriety.

• Supportive community: Speaking of the people around you, the supportive community aspect of sober living is a huge benefit. You'll be surrounded by people who are going through the same struggles as you, and who are there to provide encouragement and support.

• Accountability: Living in a sober environment also means that you're accountable to others. If you do slip up and drink, you'll have to answer to the people around you. This can be a powerful motivator to stay sober.

Working with a Recovery Coach

A recovery coach is a trained professional who works with people in recovery to help them achieve their goals. A

Why work with a Recovery Coach?

• Personalized support: A recovery coach can provide personalized support that's tailored to your individual needs. They'll work with you to identify your triggers and develop strategies to manage them.

• Goal setting: A recovery coach can help you set realistic goals for yourself, whether it's staying sober for a certain amount of time, improving your relationships, or finding a new job.

• Accountability: Similar to the accountability aspect of sober living, a recovery coach can help hold you accountable for your actions. They'll check in with you regularly to see how you're doing, and to offer support and guidance.

• Continued growth: Working with a recovery coach can also help you continue to grow and develop as a person. They'll help you identify areas where you can improve, and provide guidance on how to do so.

• Trigger management: Triggers are situations, events, or people that can lead to a relapse for recovering alcoholics. A recovery coach can help you come up with strategies to manage them.

How to avoid & manage triggers with a Recovery Coach:

• Stressful situations: Stressful situations can trigger cravings for alcohol, as many people turn to alcohol as a way to cope with stress. To manage stress, consider practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. It's also important to have a support system in place that you can turn to when you're feeling stressed.

• Social events: Social events like parties, weddings, or holidays can be challenging for recovering alcoholics, as they often involve drinking. To avoid temptation, consider bringing a sober friend with you or finding a non-alcoholic drink that you enjoy. It may also be helpful to have an exit strategy in place in case you feel overwhelmed.

• Negative emotions: Negative emotions like anger, sadness, or loneliness can trigger cravings for alcohol. To manage negative emotions, consider talking to a therapist or support group. It's also important to practice self-care and engage in activities that make you feel good, like exercise or spending time with loved ones.

• Old habits and routines: Old habits and routines can be difficult to break, and they can trigger cravings for alcohol. To avoid these triggers, consider creating new habits and routines that don't involve alcohol. For example, instead of going to a bar after work, you could go for a walk or attend a yoga class.

• People and places associated with drinking: Being around people and places associated with drinking can trigger cravings for alcohol. To avoid these triggers, consider finding new social circles or avoiding places where alcohol is served. It's also important to have a support system in place that understands and respects your sobriety.

Remember, everyone's triggers are different, and what works for one person may not work for another. It's important to identify your own triggers and develop strategies to manage them that work for you. Working with a recovery coach or therapist can be helpful in identifying and managing triggers.