You know off all the staying sober programs out there, and different methods of sobriety, I've found one true way to keep drugs and alcohol away. It's not a program you buy or ask around for. It's real simple. I just stay home and don't pick up the phone. I've found that solitude within the confines of my safe and clean house to be the best cure of addiction. Anyone one else feel or think this way?
That would work if the person is comfortable of being alone or in solitude. But if they are are quite sociable and easily bored then they would need someone to talk to and interact with. It is a must that those whom they interact with should be people with no vices so that they won't be tempted to engage in what they are clearly avoiding.
What if you have work to do? Wouldn't that draw you away from home/safe zone out into the places where you will most likely face temptation? If you don't need to leave your home for any reason whatsoever then I believe that it's easier to stay sober since you won't have access to drugs and being thus away from people, no one is likely to say something that might trigger a sudden desire to use the substance you are trying not to use.
I think this works for some people and may not work for others. If you're strong enough not to answer the phone and stay home not thinking about that drink you could be having, that works. Some people have a harder time with that. I know someone who would find any excuse or reason to not sit home, no matter how many times he has changed his number and just sat home... it never lasted too long for him. But I definitely love hearing that you're strong enough to do it. I think that's amazing.
Staying home may prevent you from getting influenced by people who are still very much into alcohol and drugs but it's not a guarantee you'll be sober. Other factors come in to play too such as how deeply involved you are with drugs or alcohol. If you're just a moderate user, staying at home can be an effective strategy.
Yes. It's a pretty good method of staying away from harmful substances/drugs. I actually love isolating myself. It gives me enough time and privacy to reflect on my decisions, thoughts, and actions.
It's not really a good idea to isolate yourself from social interactions during recovery just because you're afraid of relapsing. During recovery, a person tends to be very emotionally vulnerable. Being isolated and limiting social contact might have a negative effect on that person's self-esteem and that could lead to complications like depression. The best scenario would be to surround yourself with friends and family who are supportive and won't endanger your progress in any way. It helps a lot to have people to interact and confide with during recovery. That's why therapists encourage communication during recovery as well.
Solitude can work for a lot of people, but it can be the worst enemy in the world for others. If it works for you, then it's important to keep any temptations out of the house and always have someone within walking distance that can help when necessary. Others will find that they have to get outside frequently in order to keep their mind straight and their resolve strong. It just depends on the person.
I think it works for some people but not others. I mean not everyone is the same and there are many different ways to get sober or stay sober. Some people feel that isolating themselves may help, and some people need to be surrounded by others just to stay sane. It works different for people.
I find it's the other way around actually. When I'm alone, the past catches up to me and it makes me want to act rash to make it all go away. When I'm with my "clean" friends, it makes it much easier, because using isn't an option. I suppose it's different for everyone, but I think a strong network of friends and/or family is the way to go, at least for me.
Your right brother, if this works for you yeah do what you gotta do to stay sober. If you have to lock yourself down then do it. I miss going out but its more important that your sober. Stay strong
About 12 years ago, this worked for me rather well, when I moved out on my own and had my own place to myself. It was also around the same time that I ditched all my former friends who drank and did drugs regularly, and made a new circle of friends. I would go out and socialize with my new friends a couple times a week, but enjoyed the time to myself without distractions or arguments with others, or having to listen to other people's drama and B.S. 24/7. It was time for me to "recharge" and clear my mind. I read a lot and taught myself web development, SEO and search engine marketing in my spare time. However, it wasn't just about staying at home - I would also spend a lot of time at the mall (I was basically a mall rat back then) as well as Borders, with my laptop. A few years ago though, when I lost my license for 4 years (2nd DUI), I was stuck in my apartment almost that entire time. There were entire weeks where I wouldn't go anywhere and the only time I stepped outside my building was to take out the trash. It was really hard, to be honest. I felt pretty cut off from the world, and it kind of drove me to drink even more. I think we still need some sort of social interaction, just with better people.
If it works for you and makes you comfortable, then you should stay home and ignore your phone. I am not a party person anymore, but I do like to go out to lunch and have social interaction with my friends. I would get terribly lonely being home all the time not talking to people.
I think that definitely works. However, when you're talking about solitude I think it's necessary to really unpack that to see why you are staying in solitude in your house. It's important to remove yourself from the influences that have caused your addiction. I don't think the most of alcoholics just sit inside all day and drink themselves into oblivion. I think that they probably started recreationally with their friends, so now their friends are the source from which they are having fun drinking. So, they might find that it's difficult not to drink when their are surrounded by their friends. Similarly, when I used to smoke Marijuana it was hard to stop, because I had a friend who would ask me a lot if I wanted to smoke with him. Since I loved the feeling of being high but didn't like the negative side effects I had an internal conflict I had to deal with. In the end, I still hang out with him, but to a very low degree now. Maybe once or twice every 3-4 months. We also don't smoke together anymore. So, isolation works, but what you really need to do is take yourself away from the people who could convince you to do drink.
I think if a person can do it this way and if it works for them then it's great. Some might need to do this if that's what it takes. I think getting away from negative people who influence you would be better instead of being alone all the time.
I also think that it will be a good idea for those who enjoy being at home. You are right that staying home can make you avoid those substances. Several things can be done at home and it is really relaxing.
Yes. I feel very strongly about staying home. Other than the doctor and the store I don't go anywhere. It's safe.
For me, it was going to work which took my mind off things. At work, there were no temptations, nobody could call me and try and tempt me out and I was just too busy to think about what I could be doing. Even though I've been coke-free for eight years now, I still try and avoid bars and clubs wherever possible. At home, there is nothing to tempt me so I feel safer.
Yeah, sometimes that's good. It feels very rewarding to be able to just mind your own bussiness while at home and not care about anyone. I sometimes find myself turning down my friends just because I want to relax at home.
The solitude is very important to me, too. I need time alone to try to figure things out. If I'm around people I get distracted by what everyone else is saying.