One of the most popular social media trends is different challenges, like the ice bucket challenge or the 10-year challenge. The popularity of these kinds of challenges is due in part to the social aspect of it. Having peers support you can be provide a big benefit to achieving goals. This is especially true when practicing sobriety.
What Is the Practicing Sobriety Challenge?
Another trendy challenge that is growing in popularity is the practicing sobriety challenge. This challenge is where the person goes an entire month not drinking or using substances. During the month, they will document their progression until they complete the challenge.
The practicing sobriety challenge has become so popular that people usually take the challenge after a holiday, like New Year’s, the 4th of July, or Labor Day, after they spent the holiday drinking or using other substances. At the end of the month, some individuals may return to their previous habits — a sign that they may need additional help. However, other people find that they enjoy the profound benefits of sober living and continue to abstain from drugs and alcohol. Practicing sobriety can help people take the first steps toward a lifetime of sober living.
Why Practice Sobriety for an Entire Month?
Many people, especially those struggling with substance abuse disorders, can find the concept of lifelong sobriety scary and something impossible to achieve. This is why one of the principles of early recovery is to take it “one day at a time.” By committing to living sober for an entire month, it establishes limits and can be a more attainable short-term goal. Succeeding can bring a sense of accomplishment that paves the way for longer-term sobriety.
What Benefits Does Practicing Sobriety for a Month Provide?
During the month of sobriety, you become more in touch with yourself. You get to experience how you feel both mentally and physically without drinking or using drugs. Doing so can help you:
- Identify your weaknesses and strengths when living sober.
- Learn more about yourself and the challenges of sober living.
- Uncover triggers that tempt you into drinking or using drugs.
- Realize how much better you can feel when you live sober.
- Learn how to avoid triggers to maintain sobriety for the entire month.
- Want to make other improvements, like eating healthier or exercising regularly.
- Take steps to confront your substance abuse disorder for long-term sober living.
A Word About Withdrawal
If you have been abusing drugs and alcohol for an extended period, the practicing sobriety challenge is not recommended. It is vital that you go through supervised detox at a qualified facility before you attempt this challenge. The withdrawal symptoms you experience could be very intense, severe, and even life-threatening.
How a Month of Practicing Sobriety Can Pave the Way for Lifelong Sobriety
By the end of the month, you may notice you have more energy and feel better about yourself physically and emotionally. You may have noticed your overall health has improved. Or you might have lost weight from not drinking and eating unhealthy foods. You might also notice you can think more clearly, concentrate and focus more effortlessly, and make responsible decisions.
Additionally, you may discover new hobbies and activities you enjoy as you look for ways to stay busy to avoid drinking or using drugs. You could even develop deeper relationships with those that mean the most to you.
With all these changes, you can be reluctant to fall back into your former addictive habits. You could feel scared to give up all the new things you discovered during your month of sobriety.
How to Stay Sober for More Than a Month
When you take the practicing sobriety challenge, the first thing you should do is eliminate anything that could distract you from completing the challenge. For example, you would want to eliminate any alcohol or drugs in your home, so they are not a distraction or temptation.
You should consider distancing yourself from family and friends that drink or use drugs. Being around these people makes it difficult to want to remain sober. Instead, spend time with family and friends that do not drink or use drugs. You could even join a sober living support group for encouragement.
The thing to remember about sobriety is it requires taking it one day at a time and progressing from one movement to the next. You should focus on the now, not tomorrow, next week, or next month. Doing so can help you go from living sober one day at a time to living sober one month at a time to maintaining sobriety for a lifetime.
By building a solid foundation during the challenge month, you are taking the first steps that can help you stay sober for more than a month.
Sober Living Support and Addiction Treatment in Dallas for Men
After completing the practicing sobriety challenge, if you want to continue on your journey of sober living, help is available at Casa Colina. We offer sober living support groups, peer support, and addiction treatment programs that can help you achieve a lifetime of sobriety.
We truly understand the challenges men can face when deciding to take the first steps to a sober lifestyle. Many of our staff members have been where you are right at this very moment. They, too, have dealt personally with addiction and learning how to maintain a sober lifestyle. For further information about our Dallas sober living support and addiction treatment programs for men, please feel free to contact us today!
