Getting back on track to sobriety after experiencing addiction can be one of the most difficult journeys to have to go through. However, with the right habits and support, you can be on the road to recovery sooner than you think.

Visit Breathe., LLC for telehealth options to help you get back on the road to recovery. 

Exercise is a must
Getting into the habit of exercising regularly will be your saving grace if you want to avoid the trappings of your past. When you exercise, your body and mind grow stronger and more resilient day by day. Exercising is also a positive habit to help replace a negative pattern of behavior if you're looking for a healthy distraction.

Follow the right diet
Following the right diet is what is also going to be key to your success in maintaining a healthier lifestyle. Moreover, your body may be craving essential vitamins and minerals that may have been depleted over time. Again, it's about replacing negative behaviors with positive ones that are good for the body and mind. Eating a balanced meal will also help to stabilize your emotions and mood.

Start the day off with the right attitude
How you start your day can determine what the rest of your day will be like. Therefore, if you decide to wake up early to spend time meditating on good things before you rush ahead with your day, this can only help you achieve the goals you set out for the day. Again the focus here is on building positive habits so that you don't fall into old and familiar patterns. Other examples could include switching off from social media or reading an uplifting book instead of watching the news to help get you in the right mindset.

Minimize those things causing you stress
While a little bit of stress can actually be beneficial in helping you break out of a rut, too much stress can actually have the opposite effect causing ill health and mental disorders. This could then end up delaying your progress, especially if you suddenly take ten steps back for every one step forward. So if you feel like stress is getting the best of you, seek help now before it's too late from support groups as well as trusted friends and family members who you can open up to in your time of need.

Don't neglect your sleep
Sleep is an essential component of healthy living and healthy thinking. Moreover, it is one of those things that we can easily neglect because of the busyness of life. However, don't let busyness get the better of your sleeping pattern, as you will need as much rest as possible in order to heal properly. 

Spend time on yourself
If you find that you have lost your way en route to sobriety, then it is vital to spend time on yourself to get to know your authentic self again. A remedy for this is implementing self-care as part of your daily routine so that you don't lose sight of yourself in the recovery process. For example, treat yourself to a shopping splurge if you find retail therapy therapeutic, spend time outdoors if you feel re-energized by being in the open air, or do a hobby such as arts and crafts if you have a creative streak that is just waiting to be unleashed.

Remember, it is entirely possible to get your life back on track to what it used to be before you felt the world crumble beneath your feet. Simply start off small with positive, uplifting steps in the right direction, and soon you'll be making greater strides than you ever imagined possible.


Image via Pexels

Written by guest author:
Michelle Peterson
michelle@recoverypride.org
Recoverypride.org

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One of the most difficult times of the year for those recovering from a substance use disorder is Thanksgiving to Valentines Day holiday season. If you find yourself struggling during these times, you are not alone! Here are some tips to help you from taking a first drink or drug.
 
1.Plan Each and Every Day of Your Holiday
Plan to spend most of the time with family and friends that are supportive of your recovery. If you are required to be present for social gathering where alcohol is being served, bring a fellow AA member with you. Plan fun events and outings to replace your old drinking rituals.
 
2.Find and “Alc-a-Thon” in Your Area
 
During the holiday season, some AA groups hold a marathon of meetings called an “Al-ca-thon”. It is a time when the members of Alcoholics Anonymous gather together to celebrate their recovery from alcohol and addiction. Many AA groups have meetings on the hour every hour to share their experience, strength, ahd hope. If you are not a member of the fellowship or think that you might have a problem with alcohol, you are welcome to attend. Check the local papers for an “Alc-ca-thon” in your area.
 
3.Ask for Support from Your Family and Friends
 
Those who truly support your recovery will be happy to help you throughout the holidays. Be up front and tell them your concerns.
 
4.Have a List of at Least Ten People you can call if you feel the Urge to Drink
 
Make a list and check it twice. Always carry your cell phone and your list of names. The urge to drink is very powerful and can happen anytime.
 
5. Don’t Forget about Regular Exercise
 
Regular exercise is an essential component of any balance recovery program. If you have extra time on your hands, it is a great idea to get out and exercise. Examples include running, skating, cross country skiing, stretching, yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates or water aerobics. Instead of napping on the couch after dinner, go for a walk around the block.
 
6. Stay Away from Slippery Places
There is absolutely no reason to ever check out your former favorite drinking establishments. It is very likely that your old drinking buddies are still there and are still telling the same old stories.
 
7. Join us for an Alcohol-Free Event
We recently started a nonprofit for people in recovery, Grace & Sobrie-Tea. Please check out our website for upcoming events!
 

​ I received a DWI.  What do I need to do in to get my license back?

You must obtain a certificate of completion.  A certificate of completion can be obtained by: Completing a substance abuse assessment at an authorized NC DWI Services provider, and completing the recommended level of treatment or education (ADETS) at an authorized NC DWI Services provider.

I need an assessment for my DWI charge, where do I go to do this?

You must complete your assessment at an authorized DWI Services Provider. You will have the option to do this via Telehealth or come to the office.

What do I need to bring to the DWI assessment?
1.      Documentation of Blood Alcohol Content
2.      Citation
3.      Picture ID

How much will my DWI assessment cost?

$100

What requirements would I have to meet to be eligible to be referred to Alcohol and Drug Education Traffic School (ADETS) instead of treatment?

• You have no previous DWI offense conviction in your lifetime, and, you did not refuse to submit a chemical test, and your BAC was 0.14% or less at the time of your arrest, and
• Your assessment does not identify a substance abuse handicap (i.e. a substance use disorder, mild, moderate or severe).

How much does ADETS (education program) cost?
Cost: $160

If I don’t qualify for ADETS (education), what are the other levels of treatment that I could be recommended to complete? 

• Short Term Outpatient Treatment - (Minimum of 20 contact hours over a minimum of 30 days)
 • Longer Term Outpatient Treatment - (Minimum 40 contact hours over a minimum of 60 days) 
• Day Treatment/Intensive Outpatient Treatment - (Minimum 90 hours over a minimum of 90 days) 
• Inpatient/Residential Treatment - (Minimum 90 days) 
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I’m still confused, what can I do? Breathe. Call us today and we will answer any questions you have, 704-782-3050.

The 508 form is the electronic form that is sent to the North Carolina DMV to show when an assessment and recommended education or treatment has been completed.  This form will include your arrest date, demographic information, your breathalyzer results and/or blood test results, and the level of recommended education or treatment that was made by your provider.

When your treatment is completed it is important you contact your provider with your conviction date if you had your assessment prior to your conviction. Your 508 can not be entered without your conviction date. When the assessment and treatment have been approved, the hold on your Motor Vehicle Report (MVR) will be lifted. The state asks for 5- 10 business days to approve all E-508 forms.  

Have additional questions? Call us today at 704-782-3050 or book an appointment now.  Inhale. Exhale. We know it's a lot of information. That's why we are called Breathe. We are here to help you with every step of this process. 

 On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me: The gift of sobriety!
The holidays can be tough and full of triggers. You may be wondering how you can stay sober during this time. Below are some tips to consider.

1. Practice Self-Care-Don’t overextend yourself during the holiday season. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Maybe catch a movie with a friend, take a bath with your favorite bubble bath, call an old friend, write in your journal, and/or read a book.
   
2. Pay it Forward-Research shows helping others improves your mood. Possibly volunteer at a local shelter.
3. Plan ahead-for work parties or family functions-Show up early, and leave early. Drive your own vehicle or with a supportive friend. This way when you want to leave, you can leave.
4. Get support-Let someone know that you may need additional support during this time of year. Also, sharing what is helpful to support you. Do you need a phone call? Someone to stop by? A text? Let them know what helps you the most.
5. Avoid people pleasing-Being aware every time you say “yes” to someone, you are saying no to something else. Potentially the self-care time you wanted to take.
6. Think of all the money you are saving-Use some of that money to put away on saving for a gift you’ve wanted for yourself or maybe an upcoming vacation.
7. Ahhhhmazing-Think of how amazing it will feel to wake up sober on Christmas Morning or New Years Day.
8. No scary surprises! You won’t find yourself scrolling through your phone the following day, being upset at yourself for a text or a phone call you made.
9. Grab that dessert you wanted! Do you know how many calories you are saving by not drinking? Eat the cake!
10. Plan an extra holiday!- If you anticipate the holidays being stressful with various family members plan a few extra days for yourself. Maybe start new traditions with sober friends. Maybe a game night after the holidays.

Visiting North Carolina and received a DWI? We have over 17 years of experience working with out-of-state DWI cases. We are fully licensed by NC DWI Services. We are willing to assist you with your needs in a professional, confidential, and timely manner. Here's what you need to know:

DWI: Living Outside of North Carolina
If you live outside of North Carolina and:

1. Have been convicted of a DWI (Driving While Impaired) in North Carolina
2. Have been convicted of driving while less than 21 years old after consuming alcohol or other drugs in North Carolina

You must complete a substance use assessment and recommended education or treatment to get your license back.

• If you complete a substance use assessment and the required substance abuse education or treatment outside of North Carolina, you must choose a North Carolina DWI services provider to review and approve it.
• It is best to contact a North Carolina provider before you begin your services.

The authorized North Carolina DWI provider will:

• Complete the review
• Process the information
• Complete a Certificate of Completion (e-508 form) to resolve the outstanding DWI offense on your North Carolina record

You should receive a copy of the Certificate of Completion from the provider to keep for your records. Call us today, 704-782-3050.
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Helpful links

http://www.nchhs.gov/mhddsas/services/dwi