Work in Progress: This list is still being built — many more entries are on the way. Check back often.
This is my own personal list — not a recommendation or medical advice. What worked for me may not work for you. Every person in recovery is different. These are the specific things that have helped my sobriety over 9+ years.
Activities and Approaches
A broader set of activities I incorporated into my program:
Attending AA Meetings
- Discussion
- Speaker
- Big Book
- Home Group
- Service Work
- Upon Awakening
- Took notes and did research when I got home
Audio Sobriety Recordings
- Speaker Recordings
- Podcasts
- Sobriety Videos
Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Talk Therapy
- Group Therapy
- DBSA (Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance)
Bible Study
- Podcasts
- Videos
- Reading
- Audio Reading
12 Steps
- Upon Awakening
- Handing our flaws over to God
- Traditional AA sponsorship
Meditation
- Solo Meditation
- Solo Prayer
- Group Meditation and Prayer
- Devotion
- 24 Hours a Day
Church
- Bible Studies
- Christian Support Groups
- Church Services
- Church Service Projects
- Volunteer Work
Medical
- Prescriptions
- Psychiatrist
- Antabuse
- Naltrexone
- A few newer options
Vitamins
- B Complex
- Electrolytes
- A few other options
Community
- Support Groups
- Community Service Projects
- Volunteer Work
Professional Facilities
- Detox Center
- In-Patient Rehab Treatment
- Out-Patient Rehab Treatment
- Sober Living
- Respite
Recovery Groups
- Celebrate Recovery
- Alcoholics Anonymous
- SMART Recovery
Sponsorship and Peer Support
- Continue to call and leave message or talk to sponsor every day
- Started having sponsees calling every day and talk to sponsor when help is needed
- Peer Support (See CPS-AD)
Personal Health
- Exercise
- Healthy Food
- Hydration
- Consistent Sleep
New Friends
- Find in AA
- Find in Support Groups
Animals
- Therapy Cats
- Therapy Dogs
- Service Dogs
- Emotional Support Animals
Diet
- High protein
- Candy during cravings
- Coffee during cravings
- Chocolate during cravings
- Healthy diet
- Substantial water
- Weight loss
- Wegovy
- Small frequent meals
- Do not skip meals
- Omega-3s (fish, fish oil)
Do Not Go to Work Outings with Alcohol
- Sugar
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Keep some candy in pocket
Burning Desire
- Take an Uber if unable to drive
- Go to a meeting immediately
- Call sponsor immediately
- Get help ASAP
Triggers
Common triggers and rules I follow to protect my sobriety.
Emotional Triggers
- Boredom
- Stress
- Resentments
- Fears
- Anger
Alcohol in the Home
- Keeping alcohol in the house
- Keeping an in-home bar
- Accepting an alcohol gift
- Friends who bring their own alcohol
- Throw parties with drinking theme
- Keeping non-alcoholic beverages at home
Hidden Alcohol
- Mouthwash contains alcohol
- Hand sanitizer contains alcohol
- Desserts like tiramisu
- Dips like beer cheese soup
- Sauces like steak sauce
- Some OTC medications
- Some prescription medications
- Other addictive substances
Social Situations
- Leave as soon as people bring out alcohol
- Bars
- Pubs
- Taverns
- Clubs
- Happy hours
- Family drinking events
- Sports bars
- Airplanes
- Events with drinking buddies
Media Forces Alcohol Everywhere
- TV
- Movies
- Commercials
- Video games
- Billboards