Recovery from addiction is a courageous and challenging journey that often involves facing various fears. These fears can be significant obstacles to overcome, but with the right support and strategies, individuals in recovery can move forward on their path to healing. fear of being sober Three common fears experienced in recovery are the fear of relapse, the fear of the future, and the fear of change. Dealing with setbacks or relapses is a common part of the recovery process.
They Don’t Know Who They are Without Alcohol
The Berman Center offers high-quality behavioral healthcare treatment in Atlanta at our centralized location. Despite these obstacles, sobriety can bring many positive changes and ultimately lead to a healthier life. Research indicates that continuing toxic relationships can put your recovery at risk and increase the likelihood of relapse. Excessive guilt and shame can become incredibly toxic and, if not addressed, can potentially lead to relapse.
What is the hardest thing about sobriety?
This can scare people to the core, but pain can be worked through. It is a part of life and if you numb your feelings all the time, you won’t feel the good or the bad. Peer support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or SMART Recovery, offer invaluable opportunities for individuals in recovery to connect with others who understand their struggles. These groups provide a non-judgmental space to share experiences, gain insights, and learn coping strategies. Social situations often present significant challenges for those maintaining sobriety.
Welcome to Mainspring Recovery, The #1 Rehab Center in Virginia
You have to relearn how to exist as a person without a cigarette, and the people in the video seemed comically inept. Furthermore, it isn’t uncommon for those who binge drink to end up developing alcohol use disorder. This is a common condition, with a 2020 study stating about 14% of U.S. adults suffer from alcohol use disorder.
It can be scary to confront ourselves and our dreams, and putting them off or procrastinating on them is a way to avoid putting the work in or fear of failure. When we’re sober, we may find those desires and dreams come to the surface again, prompting us to pay attention to them once again. Having healthy coping mechanisms can be incredibly beneficial as it can help us effectively manage our emotions and steer us away from potentially harmful behaviors, such as substance use. The ultimate goal is to operate from a more peaceful emotional state, so you can cope with whatever life throws your way. Some follow the typical 12-step program popularized by Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous. Others practice being California sober aka where you abstain from the substance you have a harmful relationship with but may use others.
Decreasing Stigma Associated with Mental Health
Maintaining a structured routine can help reduce stress and anxiety, while also providing a sense of stability and control. Sobriety, however you choose to approach it, is never just about your ability to avoid your substance(s) of choice. Part of recovery—a key part—is understanding your emotional sobriety. Mostly, we are in a great amount of pain and change is our only option. Alcohol was part of my identity and anything different seemed impossible.
Treatment Services
- A structured routine will help you achieve other goals in your life, whether they are short-term (like being on time for work) or long-term (like going back to school and changing careers).
- They cover up all of that “stuff” that happened that you don’t want to deal with.
- The fear of the unknown is a common thread that runs through all the other fears.
- We use drugs to numb ourselves and our emotions and to push off thinking for another day.
It sounds like a weird thing to be afraid of, but it’s very real. Every day, week, and month that you let slip by without tackling your drinking problem is time you can’t get back and more damage you must undo. Educate your family about your challenges and what you need from them so they know how to support you. Family therapy sessions can also be beneficial, helping to improve communication and resolve any underlying issues that may impact your sobriety. Techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep-breathing exercises can help you manage stress and the anxiety that may come with sobriety.
- I surrounded myself with people that drank and used just like I did.
- Staying sober can be a challenge, as it often requires breaking habits and making lifestyle changes.
- Seeing a therapist or counselor regularly can help you confront these emotions in a healthy way when you’re ready to do so.
- It’s a dysfunctional version of “playing it safe.” You deserve better than that.
- Therapeutic techniques play a crucial role in managing fear in recovery.
- Most people who make their way into recovery have left a lot of pain and suffering in their wake.
I’ve mentioned the importance of therapy in sobriety before, but I want to talk about it again. There will be days when the feelings are overwhelming like it’s all too much. She continued by explaining various resources like the 12-step program Alcoholics Anonymous, SMART recovery, recovery coaching groups, and therapeutic support groups. The level of care needed for your sobriety journey is unique to you. Seeking out an intensive outpatient program may be another step you take to find lasting recovery.
2011 research has shown that as time in sobriety increases, the brain’s reward system begins to normalize. Over time, repeated substance use can lead to changes in the brain’s structure and function. The brain adapts to these high levels of dopamine by reducing its sensitivity to the neurotransmitter.