| living is, quite simply, a choice to live free from | | | | addictions. Of course, that is the main starting point |
| addictions. However, the reasons that a person | | | | and continued focus of true sober living, but the |
| chooses sober living are far from simple. Everyone | | | | focus should be more on how life can be changed for |
| has their own different experiences that have led | | | | the better by sober living. If a person remains |
| them to decide that is the way forward for them. It | | | | incontact with friends and family that knew them |
| is important for a person to have their own reasons | | | | before their sober living began there are often a |
| for seeking sober living, and not to be forced into it | | | | large number of barriers to be broken down. No one |
| by others. | | | | can be expected to change completely overnight, but |
| Many people have reached a stage in their life where | | | | with concerted effort and determination, the change |
| their lifestyle is seen as the only way to turn their life | | | | to sober living can be truly successful and literally life |
| around. It is a sad fact that addictions to drugs, | | | | changing. |
| alcohol, or even gambling can destroy a person's life | | | | There are many organizations that can help a person |
| and affect everyone around them. | | | | to achieve sober living. Many of these offer |
| Being determined to change to a happier living | | | | counselling sessions and a buddy system to provide |
| lifestyle may not repair all of the damage that their | | | | support and advice to anyone who has, or is |
| addictions have caused to others, but it will definitely | | | | considering choosing sober living. There are also a |
| eliminate the consequences of continuing addiction. | | | | growing number of residential places in sober living |
| Support from those around you is essential for | | | | homes. These range in their entry requirements and |
| continued and successful sober living. Often, the best | | | | fees, but all provide a safe and supportive |
| people to seek support from are those that have | | | | environment for people to start out on the road to |
| been through similar situations. This is not always the | | | | living without booze or drugs. |
| case, but understanding of the true meaning ofsober | | | | Here is one word of caution to anyone wanting to |
| living by anyone that you come into contact with is | | | | start a new relationship at the same time as |
| often necessary to help prevent a relapse into the | | | | beginning their new sober living lifestyle. Don't! The |
| life that you lead before you chose to live alcohol | | | | pressure of trying to change old habits maybe |
| free. This does not necessary ensure that the person | | | | overwhelmed by those of the relationship. Of course, |
| is the best source of support, but it does remove a | | | | this does not mean that you cannot seek new |
| lot of the pressure about explaining what real living is, | | | | friends; just don't be too keen to form a deep |
| and why you have chosen such a path. | | | | relationship too soon during this vulnerable time. |
| Sober living should not be seen as simply giving up | | | | |