More about the early days

You have two goals. One goal is to help you stop using. The other goal is to help you relearn how to live without drugs or alcohol. It can take a long time for substance abuse to develop, and it can take a long time to relearn how to live without using. Now, it’s about learning and staying focussed.

You will need to find the “tools” you need to help you stay clean and sober. These can include:

Self-help groups in which you are comfortable

Help in identifying triggers (see earlier section)

Relapse prevention awareness

Stress management

Medicine for pain, cravings or depression

Time or money management skills

Job skills

Where others are concerned:

Let friends and family focus on their own adjustments

Stay positive. Even small changes toward positive thinking helps you and others. Negative thinking helps nobody

Go to NA, AA, SMART Recovery or similar group meetings for encouragement from people who understand