How to Get Accountability to Stay Sober
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If you're struggling with alcohol and are hesitant to get help, you're not alone. Many people feel like they should be able to handle it on their own. However, research shows that peer support is a critical component of successfully maintaining sobriety.
Why accountability helps you stay sober
One study found that newly sober people in a sober living home felt more understood by their peers, which made them more receptive to feedback. Similarly, members of Alcoholics Anonymous reported that discussing their struggles with peers in meetings helped them to be more open and vulnerable. Peer support can help improve self-esteem, which is essential for maintaining motivation to stay sober.
If you're interested in accountability, it's critical that you are willing to put in the work and build a relationship with your community. Many people turn to online accountability buddies in Facebook groups, but this approach often fails because there is no sense of felt accountability. Felt accountability is when you believe that your actions or decisions will be evaluated by others, and it is essential for effective accountability. If you are only going into the Facebook group when you need something, then you aren't building relationships with the group.
To create felt accountability, you need to feel that the other person or group cares about your sobriety. This means building relationships with people who understand your struggles and are committed to helping you stay sober. When you value the group's opinion of you, you're more likely to think twice before drinking.
How to get accountability
Ultimately, peer support and accountability are essential for anyone struggling with addiction. Addiction can be isolating and overwhelming, but with the right support system, you can overcome it. If you're hesitant to seek help, remember that you're not alone, and there is no shame in asking for help. In fact, asking for help takes strength and courage. So take the first step today and reach out to a support group or accountability partner.
If you are looking for a small, supportive community, then please check out my Living a Sober Powered Life community. We would love to support you in your sobriety journey.
Learn more about felt accountability in episode 143:
What to listen to next:
E94: your ability to handle unexpected stress matters
E55: how to power through when you want to give up
E106: why we get so overwhelmed
Sources
Polcin D, Korcha R. Motivation to maintain sobriety among residents of sober living recovery homes. Subst Abuse Rehabil. 2015;6:103-111
Grub, I. et al. Motherhood, substance use and peer support: Benefits of an integrated group program for pregnant and postpartum women. Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment. 131: 108450. 2021
