We typically apply this sense of balance and self-care to things like food, drugs and alcohol, sexuality, money, and risky behaviors. But you could bring sobriety to other things as well, such as righteousness, contentiousness, over-working, or controlling others. In the early days, I felt that it was my responsibility to answer the question, “How come you aren’t drinking? ” I didn’t understand I could decline to answer or that I didn’t have to make sense to everyone. For a period it was, “I’m an alcoholic,” and that tended to silence anyone (for clarification, I no longer identify as an alcoholic).
Tip #8: Be Social
Reach out to someone for support on Pocket Rehab through the lifeline if you are really feeling like you may relapse. Immediate support can help by providing guidance to you in this difficult reasons to stay sober time. There are many others on there that also feel like giving up on a daily basis—maybe you could support them on your way and, giving and receiving support, will help you.
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Getting sober may seem difficult, but there are strategies you can use to get and maintain sobriety. Some are structured in programs, such as the 12-step approach used by Alcoholics Anonymous and similar addiction recovery programs. Sobriety can be a particularly challenging pursuit for someone with an addiction like alcohol use disorder.
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It is an incredible feeling to have that fog lift. I was listening to this podcast the other day about this guy named Justin Wren. He frequently travels to Africa to build water wells. He runs a foundation called fightfortheforgotten.com. (We already donated! you should too) After listening to this podcast it just hit me like damn… imagine if the only water I could drink was full of parasites and worms.
It’s a great way to boost dopamine and endorphin levels naturally. Sometimes boredom in sobriety looks like not wanting to be around anyone. When I quit drinking, I was lucky to have a spouse that supported my decision. It’s important to have the right mindset about sobriety. I have gone to bars with people I genuinely like as a sober person, and I don’t stay for longer than an hour or two if nothing is happening. Alcohol robs you of the ability to feel naturally motivated and inspired.
Adding healthier food to my diet has made a world of difference in my life. Be patient, and don’t set yourself up for failure by trying to do too much at once. You don’t need to spend hours in the gym or hitting the pavement. Doing just 20 minutes of moderate cardio (a heart rate of around 112) can improve your mood up to 12 hours after exercise. So many people in early sobriety choose the gym to exorcise their demons (pun very much intended). Find something you like (or, at the very least, don’t hate) and do it for five minutes daily.
- When you’re living a sober life, you’re in more control of your emotions and your actions.
- I’ve learned to appreciate the sunsets and the flowers and the ocean.
- That’s why Recovery Centers of America (RCA) offers a range of addiction treatment options to help individuals overcome their addiction.
- Living sober with sober people can be tons of fun and immensely rewarding.
- People new to recovery can find themselves approaching their new diet, exercise program, job, and even participation in support groups with a compulsion that echoes addiction.
How common is relapse?
- Everything I’ve listed above is part of my mental health maintenance plan.
- There are common setbacks to getting and staying sober like withdrawal, craving, and pressure to use.
- Sobriety doesn’t necessarily turn you into Liz Lemon, but it can give you the clarity to understand that you’ve been Liz Lemon your whole life.
- Right now, you’re doing a very hard thing, and sometimes hard things feel lonely.
- Now, I can deal with them the same way you would deal with any chronic disease.
After being sober, look back, and take in the sense of its benefits. Look for groups of people who have similar interests. You might find websites that connect different groups of people interested in similar hobbies, such as hiking, woodworking, or exploring https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/kudzu-extract-and-alcohol-addiction-can-it-help-you-drink-less/ historical points of interest in your area. Make it a point to be social with friends and family as well, incorporating daily or weekly in-person activities. Think about who you would trust in moments of struggle, anxiety, depression, or stress.
responses to “7 Reasons Why It’s Good to be Sober”
Enjoy the bliss of blamelessness — the feeling that there is nothing to be ashamed of, that you are taking an honorable path. The knowledge that you are putting distance every day between yourself and problematic past behaviors. You will never be happier than you are grateful, so spend a few minutes every day reflecting on what is going well in life. This can help you create an attitude of gratitude where you recognize each day’s successes, no matter how small they may be.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that chronic users of alcohol can cut their life expectancy by an average of 30 years if they continue drinking.
- Additionally, I examine the way mental and physical health as well as our relationships with others impact the reasons people drink and their role in maintaining sobriety long-term.
- Contact the team at our residential treatment center in Texas to learn more about finding happiness in sobriety and getting the help you need.
- It’s a term that describes people who are curious about different levels of living a sober lifestyle.
My Mental Health Is Stronger
Apps like Pocket Rehab can connect you with others that will offer immediate support. If you’re having trouble staying sober, check your app and take a nice, long look at your WHY! Whether it is someone you love, your children or wife or husband, your parents or your freedom or something else—your WHY is the reason you stay sober today, tomorrow, and every day. Is your freedom what keeps you walking the sobriety line? If so, think about it the next time you consider using drugs or alcohol. Not using drugs or alcohol is almost like a “stay out of jail free” card.
- I used to think I had Italian blood in me because I would blow my top at the slightest thing, shouting and gesticulating like a Neapolitan fish wife.
- But I PROMISE you, if you keep moving forward, things in your brain will start to click.