What is a Plan for Sobriety and Why is it Important?

You have reached a point in your life where you know you need to make a change and stop your alcohol and drug abuse, but you are not quite sure as to how to be successful. You may have heard the term “plan for sobriety” but you are not sure what it is or what is its purpose.

What is a Plan for Sobriety?

A plan for sobriety is a road map for how you can be successful in your recovery and it is also the best plan on how to avoid relapse. As you prepare to enter a program or are nearing the end of a rehab treatment program, you should be considering a plan for sobriety.

Why is a Plan for Sobriety Important?

A plan for sobriety will include your network of people who will be there to encourage you when the going gets tough. These may be people from a meeting or from a different group, but have someone, a small group of people who will be positive people in your life. Plan your events to avoid situations that will include drinking or drugging. If you are not there when it is happening, then you don’t have to worry about being tempted.

The First Step is Getting Sober

If you are just getting started and have not completed rehab treatment, the first thing to consider is the type of program that will best meet your needs and will be the best fit to help you get to the stage where you begin to see the future without drugs and alcohol abuse. It may be necessary for you to enter a detox program before you begin a rehab treatment program.

While there are as many differences in detox as there are rehab programs, the best and most recommended detox is a medical detox, especially IV therapy. Medical detox allows the use of medication during the detox process that will help you through the withdrawal process and keep you comfortable. Being comfortable is crucial because statistics show that people who are allowed to suffer during detox are more likely to quit before it is complete.

Once you have completed detox, you should consider your options for rehab. There are many different types of programs available for rehab that includes: 12 step programs, natural approaches, and cognitive behavioral education programs.
12 Step Programs

12 step programs are the more traditional approach to rehab. 12 step programs offer the support of group meetings and counseling. Members have a sponsor that will encourage you to stay on the path. 12 step programs teach that while you will not be cured of the disease of substance abuse, you can avoid it through abstinence, belief in a higher power and the support of meetings.

Natural Approach

Holistic methods have become popular with many individuals who want to take a mind, body and spirit approach to getting past their substance use and starting their new life. Acupuncture, meditation, vitamin therapy and yoga are all tools that are used in a more natural approach to rehab.

Cognitive Behavioral Education

Cognitive behavioral therapy teaches individuals to use self assessment and self change to reevaluate their decisions and choices and to make more productive choices and decisions. They learn to change habits and behaviors and to form new ones that are positive and purposeful to their life.