When you have made a change, it can still take work to keep the change going.
Sometimes it can feel like there’s a battle in your head - between wanting to use alcohol or drugs again and wanting to keep the change.
If this happens, think about the benefits you have achieved and remember how:
- good it feels to have control back
- much effort it took to break the habit
- alcohol or drug use made you feel and any damage it caused
Enjoy your successes
Every day that you stick to your plan is a success. Do not underestimate what you have achieved.
Take time to enjoy your success
- Look back over how things were before you decided to stop and where you are now.
- Share little achievements with other people and tell them you’re proud of yourself.
- Reward yourself and take pleasure in your new life.
Ways to look after yourself
- Get plenty of fresh air.
- Do some physical activity every day - this can boost your sense of wellbeing and improve your mood.
- Handle your emotions and stress.
- Eat regularly and try to eat well.
- Give yourself time to adjust to a new way of living.
- Try relaxation techniques, such as meditation or mindfulness.
- Get plenty of sleep.
It’s normal to have some mood changes or feel a bit down if you have made a big change.
You may also need a bit of time to adjust to sleeping without having had a drink or used drugs.
Talk to your GP if you are finding it hard to cope with these changes.
Looking after your mental health
Build a life away from alcohol or drugs
If you used to spend a lot of time drinking or taking drugs, changing the pattern can leave a void.
Building up a healthy life away from alcohol or drugs can reduce the temptation to go back to the old ways.