
Sobriety is the best path forward if you are struggling with substance abuse. While motivation is an essential piece of the puzzle when starting your journey to reclaiming your life, it cannot always provide the momentum needed for long-term success.
What is Motivation
In terms of sobriety, motivation gives you the inner drive to abstain from substance abuse. Motivation can be internal, from a personal desire to improve yourself or an external source, such as your family's hopes. Other sources of motivation include:
Improved health
Restored relationships
Achieving personal goals
Limits of Motivation
Motivation is a powerful driving force that helps you take that critical first step towards sobriety. However, it can be fleeting. Your motivation levels can change dramatically over time as it is easily influenced by external forces, such as:
Work pressures
Relationship issues
Exposure to triggers
The power of alcohol and drugs
What You Need When Motivation is Low
In high-stress situations, or when certain people surround you, motivation can disappear, increasing the risk of a relapse. When motivation is low, you must draw on other things to keep you going.
The Role of Willpower
Willpower is the internal force that helps you resist temptation. Like motivation, the strength of your willpower can also be influenced by daily stressors. Like a muscle that gains strength with repeated use, you can increase your levels of willpower with strategies like:
Mindfulness exercises
Setting achievable goals
Building a strong support system
Have a Support System
A strong support network is essential for staying sober. Family, friends, and support groups provide accountability, encouragement, and shared experiences.
Meeting with others who face similar challenges can help you feel understood and less alone. Qualified counsellors are also an excellent resource you can rely on to get you through tough days.
Develop Healthy Habits
Replacing destructive habits with healthy ones is another strategy that can carry you through when your motivation is at its lowest.
Star with the basics, including:
Exercise
Balanced nutrition
Meditation
Engaging in hobbies
These activities provide positive outlets and reduce reliance on substances. Establishing new routines takes time and effort, but the reward of a life free of addiction is worth it.
Build a Structured Routine
A structured routine brings it all together. A daily schedule filled with healthy habits, work, and social activities can keep you focused and avoid idle time that can increase the chance of a relapse.
Use these tips to ensure your days are filled with healthy activities:
Establish a regular sleep schedule
Plan meals and exercise
Schedule time for work and hobbies
Set realistic goals and celebrate small achievements
How to Get Professional Help
Motivation is a starting point, but lasting sobriety requires a detailed action plan. Creating a support system, adopting healthy habits, starting a structured routine, and getting professional help offer the best chance for long-term recovery.
Professional guidance can be a lifeline to help you keep you on the road to sobriety. The trained team at Reset My Future can offer strategies to manage cravings, reveal underlying issues that increase temptation and help you create an action plan to reduce the chance of relapse. Book a free consultation to learn how the proper support can change your life.