Becoming sober isn’t easy. Staying sober is even more difficult. But you shouldn’t be discouraged.

It is possible to learn to control the urge to drink. It will take time, and it will take discipline, but it is possible. The best way to get your drinking under control is to have a good strategy.

There are many strategies you can use. It’s probably best to have multiple systems if something goes wrong. Here are five things you can do to help you stay sober.

1. Identify Triggers

There are reasons that you’ve turned to alcohol.

Addicts often use alcohol as a coping mechanism. There are many things that you might be coping with. After all, a lot is going on in the world.

Stress, job problems, and relationship issues are big reasons you might turn to alcohol. But there are many more minor things that start to add up, too.

There is nothing wrong with becoming angry or agitated. In fact, it’s a good sign that you are an average person.

But there are healthier ways of coping with problems than alcohol. Once you identify situations and things that make you upset, you can avoid them.

Or, if you can’t avoid triggers, you can find other ways of dealing with them.

2. Seek Help

Addiction usually requires professional help.

It’s probably best to seek help from a professional centre like Studio 64 Recovery. They offer a variety of treatment options.

An intensive outpatient program, or IOP, is the best option for many patients. They are far less expensive than inpatient programs and more flexible. It’s easier to adjust your treatment to your lifestyle.

No matter what program you choose, you will probably go to therapy.

Therapy will probably continue after your program is finished. You might start attending group therapy sessions or AA meetings.

It’s essential to start on the right path. You'll struggle later if you don’t have a good foundation for recovery. You will face problems farther down the line.

There is no shame in seeking help. If seeking professional help is too big of a step at first, ask for help from friends and family. They can help you find a treatment program that is right for you.

Professional treatment can be expensive, but it could just save your life.

3. Distract Yourself

Find something to take your mind off drinking.

That might be a friend you can call, but it could also be something else.

You might find a new hobby you can work on whenever you are tempted to drink. Or watch an episode of a particular TV show that you like.

Having a simple mantra could distract you. When you feel tempted to drink, take a few minutes to meditate. Step away from the world and focus on something as simple as your breath.

If you’re surrounded by alcohol, get out of the situation. Head somewhere where there isn’t alcohol. That might be a friend’s house or an ice cream shop.

Everyone’s mind works in different ways. Do whatever works for you.

4. Journal

There are many benefits of keeping a journal.

But journaling can be beneficial even if you don’t have a mental health issue or are facing addiction. It’s a good habit for everyone. Here are some of the mental health benefits of WebMD.

One main benefit of journaling is that it provides routine. Routine and ritual will help you find stability during recovery.

Journaling also creates a record. Years later, you can reflect on what you were going through and how much you accomplished.

When you struggle in the future, you can re-read how you faced the issue. Maybe your journal will be a source of inspiration to others struggling with issues like addiction.

There is no harm in journaling, so give it a try.

5. Treat Yourself

Getting sober is an accomplishment.

You deserve to treat yourself. Whenever you reach a milestone, take yourself out for a nice dinner. Or indulge in a good dessert.

Early on, celebrate every minor achievement. No accomplishment is too small to be celebrated. Even one day of sobriety is something to appreciate.

Invite your friends over for a sobriety party. It can be fun to celebrate by yourself. But there’s nothing like sharing the moment with loved ones.

Treat yourself to whatever you like best.

Conclusion

It’s tough to control the urge to drink. But it isn’t impossible.