Dr. Daniel Francis, Philadelphia PA on How to Stay Sober

Many of us know the troubles alcohol can bring to our home lives, work lives, and relationships. Laying off the liquor, though, might seem like a daunting step. The first thing you should recognize is that taking action to curb your alcohol consumption doesn't mean that you have to identify as an alcoholic. That means that you don't necessarily need to jump straight into Alcoholics Anonymous or rehab.

All that probably comes as a relief, but what should you do? The process usually begins with community. Whether you find that community in an in-person group like AA, in an online program, in a group of like-minded friends, or even in a single person like a significant other or sibling who can hold you accountable, a community centered around healthy, sober living will give you a strong basis for your journey towards sobriety.

Recognize that it is a journey, not a single step to success, regardless of whether or not you waver along the way. Even those who pull the plug on alcohol and never let another sip pass through their lips are constantly working to reaffirm their commitment to sober living. They are on a journey, just like you. Keep the moment that you chose to start your journey close to your heart, and remember that you are working towards sobriety for important reasons. When you're tempted to stray, note the form of the temptation. If you do stray, don't beat yourself up about it. Recognize it as a step on the journey, recommit, and move forward.

While you're on the road, take the time to reaffirm your beliefs and values, and consider practices that will leave you on steady ground to move forward. Some popular practices include meditation, yoga, reading about others' journeys, and keeping a journal. All of these practices offer you a chance to touch base with yourself, helping you to constantly reaffirm and re-envision what you believe is best for you. It's also important to pay attention to self-care and self-love, which will help to further strengthen the ground beneath your feet.

Through all of these practices, you will gain greater self-awareness and inner strength that will allow you to succeed on your path to sobriety.