Keeping your environment recovery focused can be challenging especially if you do not live alone and the people in your home are not supportive. We talked earlier this week about ways to keep your environment recovery focused. Today, I’d like to dig a little deeper and talk about how to overcome a challenge you may face with this seemingly simple task.

If you live with people who are actively using substances while you are trying to stay sober this may apply to you. First, we all know that it is unrealistic to ask other people to stop using drugs or alcohol especially if they’re not the ones who are trying to do better. If you can learn how to stay sober when everyone around you is rubbing it in your face then you are setting yourself up for success.

Think about it this way. Many people escape to a 90 day treatment program, or create a space where no one is using around them. While that may be necessary to get started, it does not prepare anyone for how to cope or manage in the real world. If you’re starting off in this environment then it’s as if you have skipped the first step so to speak.

No doubt about it, this type of situation will be harder, especially in the beginning, but as you progress you will start to notice things about the world in which you used to be part of that will surprise, annoy, or agitate you.

For example, if your roommates stay up night using drugs and you’ve managed to get a good night’s sleep, you will watch them suffer with a hangover or withdrawal and be able to appreciate that you no longer have to deal with that. Or, you will watch them crave and realize how their behavior is really inappropriate during this time. You will have money to spend on nicer things while your roommates may be broke.

I’m here to tell you that this type of environment, while not ideal, is not a deal breaker. Don’t use this as an excuse to not gain sobriety but think of it as a challenge and once you’ve conquered it, you will be much more prepared than most.