How To Prepare To Get Sober

Preparing for Sobriety – A Journey Worth Planning

Deciding to quit drinking is a courageous step, but the way you approach it can make all the difference. Many people try to “white-knuckle” their way through early sobriety, only to find themselves unprepared for the challenges ahead. 

In this article, we’ll explore practical steps to prepare for sobriety, from building a support system to identifying your triggers. By taking these proactive measures, you’ll be better equipped to handle the journey and enjoy the rewards of a sober and happy life.

Steps to Prepare for Sobriety

1. Be Honest About Your Relationship With Alcohol
   • What It Entails: Take a hard, honest look at how alcohol has affected your life. Write down the consequences it has caused and the control it has over you.
   • Why It’s Crucial: Denial and justification often sabotage attempts to quit. Facing the truth allows you to start with clarity.
   • Pro Tip: Journaling can help solidify your realizations. Keep these notes handy for moments of doubt to remind yourself why you started.
   • Podcast To Listen To: Getting Honest About Your Alcoholism
2. Define Your “Why” for Sobriety
   • What It Entails: Identify the core reason you want to quit drinking. Maybe it’s to be a better parent, improve your health, or rebuild relationships.
   • Why It’s Crucial: A strong reason keeps you motivated when the journey gets tough.
   • Pro Tip: Visualize your sober future in vivid detail. For example, imagine being present at your child’s milestones or achieving goals you once thought impossible.
   • Podcast To Listen To: Finding Your Why For Getting and Staying Sober
3. Understand and Prepare for Your Triggers
   • What It Entails: Identify the emotions, habits, or environments that make you want to drink. Plan alternative ways to handle these situations.
   • Why It’s Crucial: Triggers can derail your progress if unaddressed. Preparation allows you to respond with intention instead of reflex.
   • Pro Tip: If driving past a liquor store tempts you, change your route. Replace old habits, like happy hours, with new, healthy routines.
   • Podcast To Listen To: How To Deal With Triggers After You Get Sober
4. Have Conversations With Your Inner Circle
   • What It Entails: Tell close friends and family about your decision to quit and ask for their support. Be clear about what you need from them.
   • Why It’s Crucial: Transparency reduces social pressure and helps you identify who will support your recovery.
   • Pro Tip: Be prepared for some people to resist or criticize your decision. Prioritize your well-being over their opinions.
   • Podcast To Listen To: How To Set and Maintain Boundaries When We Get Sober
5. Build a Support Network
   • What It Entails: Surround yourself with people who understand your journey, whether through recovery groups, online communities, or close friends.
   • Why It’s Crucial: Isolation can make early sobriety harder. A support system provides accountability and encouragement.
   • Pro Tip: Explore recovery options, whether in-person support groups or online communities such as the Sober and Happy Facebook group.
6. Plan to Celebrate Milestones
   • What It Entails: Acknowledge your progress, no matter how small. Celebrate every sober day, week, and month.
   • Why It’s Crucial: Positive reinforcement builds confidence and momentum.
   • Pro Tip: Don’t just celebrate sobriety milestones. Recognize every step of personal growth, from overcoming a fear to mending a relationship.

Creating a Blueprint for Sobriety Success

Preparing for sobriety isn’t about eliminating every challenge—it’s about building a strong foundation to navigate them. By being honest about your drinking, defining your reasons for quitting, identifying triggers, and building a support system, you’ll be better equipped to thrive in recovery. Celebrate every victory along the way, and remember: you are stronger and more capable than you may believe.

Start Preparing Today

If you’re considering quitting drinking, take the time to prepare. Identify your triggers, talk to your inner circle, and imagine the life you want to build.

For more detailed guidance, check out the latest episode of The Sober and Happy Podcast.