Some people drink alcohol only occasionally, and some never drink it at all. There are others who drink every day, though. One beer per day might not be the worst thing in the world, but having several drinks every day is a pretty strong indication that you have a drinking problem.

If you need to start looking into alcohol rehab near you, that’s probably not the happiest time in your life. You likely realize that you need help, and it takes courage to ask for it. It can be a lot easier to attempt to maintain the status quo. Your friends and family might ask that you get sober, though, and if you love them, you may be willing to do it for them. 

Let’s talk about sober living right now. This is the place you’d like to get to if you’re getting into a rehab program. We’ll also discuss mindfulness and meditation.

What is Sober Living?

Sober living is exactly what it sounds like. You’ve reached a point where you’re no longer reliant on drugs or alcohol. You have kicked the habit entirely.

As you might imagine, getting there is not easy, especially if you have consumed alcohol daily for many years. It’s possible, though, if you have the right support network around you and you are determined.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness refers to thinking about the way you live your life. Some people drink because they have a hidden pain that they can’t get over. Some drink under the guise of partying, but that’s just an excuse. In reality, they are self-medicating.

If you are mindful, part of that usually involves self-reflection. You might have to talk to a mental health professional in order to figure out why you’re drinking every day. You may have to attend some group therapy sessions.

Once you do these things, you can learn to be mindful. If you know what your triggers are, you can stay away from those states of mind, those companions, or those behaviors that you know will lead to you taking a drink. 

How Can Meditation Help You Stay Sober?

In many alcohol treatment programs, the admins or sober coaches recommend that you 

meditate as a way to help with your sobriety. Meditation makes you more self-aware. If you slow down your breathing, close your eyes, and focus inward instead of outward, that can teach you a lot about your behavior, including your drinking. 

If you don’t know how to meditate on your own, you might start by attending some group meditation classes. You can also watch some helpful videos that will give you tips on how to do it. Virtually anyone can meditate, and someone struggling with alcohol addiction or other addiction issues might get a lot out of it.

Getting sober can challenge you like nothing else in your life has up to this point. It’s helpful to think about why you’re doing it, though. If you have a goal in mind, it gives you focus.