I failed more times than I can count before I finally got it right, and I assure you there is nothing special about me that you can’t find within yourself. You don’t have to produce some hidden, superhuman strength to be successful at sobriety. But you do need patience, empathy for yourself, and a firm commitment to meeting your goal.
I’m not special. These benefits of sobriety are for everyone.
In order to achieve long-term sobriety, your focus should be on what you can do today to become a sober person. Living one day at a time to the best of your ability will give you the best chance to succeed. The fear of getting sober is more common than we may think. Of course, on the surface, asking if there is such a thing as a fear of being sober might seem like a rhetorical question. Non-addicts may proclaim, “Of course addicts should want to get sober—why wouldn’t they? ” But the problem runs deeper than just simply being able to quit and stay sober.
- This can help you feel more grounded and less overwhelmed by fears and cravings.
- The process can be uncomfortable, particularly for someone who is afraid of feeling in general.
- But seeking a professional opinion on where to get started can help alleviate and address your particular fears.
- Celebrating these achievements can boost your morale and reinforce the value of your efforts toward sobriety.
Physical Challenges of Sobriety
Many people in recovery find that their social circles change dramatically when they stop using substances, which can contribute to feelings of boredom and isolation. Substance use, particularly alcohol and drugs, hijacks the brain’s natural reward system. This system, primarily driven by the neurotransmitter dopamine, is responsible for feelings of pleasure and motivation.
Creative Tips For Tackling Tough Alcohol Cravings
- Some follow the typical 12-step program popularized by Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous.
- In fact, they ghosted you, and now you’re left holding the emotional bad by yourself.
- Kushner stresses the importance of setting boundaries and seeking out your own help (like therapy or a support group).
If you feel numb, like you’re fear of being sober in a fog, or have nothing going on – this is possibly one of the reasons. It depends on many factors, including the amount of damage you’ve done, years of heavy drinking, age, and genetics. People who are riding high on the recovery wave in the early weeks often make the grave mistake of thinking they don’t need to attend their meetings or see their counselor anymore. In particular, you may notice elevated levels of stress, anxiety, and depressed mood after you quit. Every time I tried quitting smoking in the past, I felt like I’d just woken up from a coma ten years into the future.
- Our Atlanta treatment programs are overseen by experienced and compassionate professionals whose number one goal is to help you reach lifelong recovery.
- In early recovery, you may fear that your life will be boring.
- These practices focus on bringing your attention to the present moment, which can help reduce worries about future sobriety and decrease your overall anxiety levels.
It’s not okay to be dishonest with yourself about where you’re headed. ???? Take your goal-setting one step further by getting clear on The ‘Why’ Behind Your Goals, which not only helps you gain clarity but also helps you stay committed to your aspirations. For example, you may have developed a co-dependent relationship, or a family member, friend, or employer may have been enabling you without even knowing it. All of these factors can contribute to a higher risk of relapse. Acknowledge the problem, take responsibility, initiate a conversation, practice transparency, and show love through actions – these are the steps to repairing relationships.
