Trying to maintain sobriety? Don’t feel overwhelmed. You can do this. Try to keep these ten tips handy in the front of your mind.

10. Visualize yourself not drinking.

If you’ve slipped, think back and figure out what happened that caused it. Then come up with a plan for the next time. Then sit and imagine yourself back in that situation, using your new plan, and succeeding; Do that a couple of times and you will find the new plan right there when you need it.

9. Weigh the outcomes.

What will happen if you drink, What will happen if you don’t drink? Sometimes it helps to write down how you feel after you’ve overdone it, and re-read that honest assessment the next time Little Voice is feeding you a line.

8. Create accountability.

Post your goals here, and faithfully log in and ‘fess up when you slip. If you have a spouse or friend who can serve in this role that helps too. Accountability strengthens resolve.

7. Break it down.

Remember, the only time you can actually not drink is right now. The past is over and the future has to wait its turn. Just don’t drink today, don’t drink right now.

6. Reward yourself for maintaining sobriety

Think of it as a “sober Treat”. Reward yourself with a favorite show or new clothes. Don’t be bashful; Post here that you’ve completed “Day ##” and tell us what you treated yourself with. Stick your chest out!

5. Take your brain out of it.

Remember when you learned to ride a bike? When you were thinking about it, you wobbled all over the place, but then the time came when you just did it. Don’t dwell on sobriety; Just make it an integral non-optional part of your life. Then move on to other things.

4. Surround yourself with success.

I’m not into dumping friends, but there may be some dyed-in-the-wool drinkers you just need to move on from. More importantly, make new sober friends, and read the posts here from folks who are running the good race.

3. Look back once in a while.

As you make progress toward maintaining sobriety, occasionally remind yourself of what it was like “back when”. It can be a huge motivator.

2. Prepare for success in maintaining sobriety.

We all know when the tough times will be: At the pub with pals, the 5 PM Happy Hour. Have a plan. Be aware of the times you have problems (this is often half the battle) and have something planned. Exercise at 5 PM. Be ready to order a non-alcoholic drink at the pub.

1. Know that you CAN succeed.

This is not a seven foot high jump. It’s not “rocket science”. It’s just NOT drinking alcohol. Never let Little Voice con you into thinking, “I can’t do this.” Horse manure! Tell LV to, “Stuff it!”.

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More tools for your Toolbox to help you Maintain Sobriety :

14 Ways to Heal Like a Hero – Inspiration to Take Back Your Life

Surfing Emotions in Early Sobriety

Top 5 Pivots I Take When My Brain is Focused on Alcohol

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Read more from This Author :

Ten Ways to Overcome My Drinking Problem

If you’re “sober curious” …If you are drinking too much too often and want to stop or take a break… Talk to Us. 

We are an independent, anonymous and private community who share resources, support and talk it through every day. It helps to have a community behind you in a world where alcohol is the only addictive drug that people will question you for NOT using

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