Author Michael Swerdloff On How to Begin, Navigate, & Sustain Sobriety
“Create a recovery team/support system. For me early on, having friends in AA, a sponsor, and a therapist was a lifesaver. Knowing I was not alone and others were going through or had already gone through similar messes felt supportive and comforting, as well as helping me not contact people who were not good for me to be around.”
“This may sound crazy, but it doesn’t matter what program or system you utilize to stay sober; it is more important that you do it with all you have for at least the first year.
The one caveat is to be super careful with a system that supports using other forms of recreational drugs while sober, like cannabis or mushrooms. It makes the process significantly harder, even though it appears to make it easier. It is challenging to try to retrain the brain to not depend on substances to mask your feelings, offer instant gratification, and rely on yourself and others if you are still looking for another “thing” to do that for you. It is a mixed message for your system, and your neural pathways will not know how to respond healthily.”
You can view the entire interview about How to Begin, Navigate, & Sustain Sobriety on Medium here.
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Michael Swerdloff
Providence Holistic Counselor, Coach and Reiki
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