Sobriety is not just about quitting substances—it’s about rediscovering your purpose and living a life that aligns with your values. One of the biggest fears individuals face is not knowing what life will look like without substances. But by focusing on your “why”—whether it’s for your health, family, or personal goals—you can stay motivated to continue on your sober path.
Delirium Tremens: Risk Factors and Treatment for DTs
When you do start to deal with your problems in healthier ways (and you will), you are going to feel completely transformed and unstoppable. Besides, once you get to the point where you can attend boozy social functions sober, you’ll see that many people think they’re being charming when in reality, they’re kind of a mess. Another common fear in sobriety is that you’ll wind up alone because no one will want to hang out with you. We are biologically wired for companionship, so this is a very real and instinctual fear to have. For years, I worried about the impact of sobriety on my social life.
- I didn’t need a Xanax next Tuesday, I needed one yesterday!
- In Denise Duffield Thomas’ book, ‘Get Rich’ she talked about how she was scared of buying her beachside mansion in case it got swept away by a tsunami.
- Yet, at the same time, it may feel better just to give in and use because that’s what they expect from you.
- You will be ready to start your new, sober life.
Define Your Fear to Overcome It
If you’re reading this and thinking, “Wait, what? Take the sensation of fear and notice where it is in your body and place your hands over the space and imagine bringing in loving, healing energy to the pain and feel it gently dissipate. They all feel so liberated and empowered for navigating the situation sober and coming out stronger than ever.
Moving Forward Is One Step
Besides, allowing the fear of failure to completely influence big decisions like this is a cop-out. It’s a dysfunctional version of “playing it safe.” You deserve better than that. You will have good days, hopeless days, and every other sort of in-between day on this journey. Fears about sobriety are common, even for people who desperately seek it. All it takes to get started is a phone call—we’re ready to help you or a loved one every step of the way. 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.
Build Healthy Relationships
Filling your days with meaningful and fulfilling experiences will make sobriety feel more rewarding. One of the most effective ways to overcome the fear of being sober is to surround yourself with a strong support system. This includes not just family and friends, but also sober peers and recovery professionals who understand your journey. The first thing is that sobriety can be a really hard thing to face for a lot of addicts. There’s the chance that they might not make it through it, they could fail, and then there’s the pressure to succeed. There’s a fear of a life without the ability to ever drink or take drugs again.
In these programs, it’s customary to receive plastic chips as you progress to the one-year fear of being sober mark, at which time you receive a bronze coin. Shame is having negative beliefs about yourself and your self-worth. Guilt is having negative feelings about your past behavior.
Engage with relevant support groups to find peer support
Naturally, she answered the phone right away—so annoying. I told her how awful I felt and all about how I had been “diagnosed” with anxiety, so I really, truly needed a prescription for something to feel better. Let him know you’re sober and see what he decides to do.” She didn’t understand at all.
It just means that you have to get up and try again. Working with a support group and a sponsor after you leave rehab is a great way to keep your sobriety intact. Additionally, pursue an addiction treatment center that prioritizes relapse prevention.
- It’s a convenient cop-out we’re all guilty of using.
- Take a closer look at these feelings you may be having and what you can do about them right now.
- When we aren’t sober, we can use that as an excuse to avoid those problems.
- If so, then this special podcast recorded for you in time for All Hallows Eve, or Halloween is the perfect time to face our fears, look them in the eye and learn how to move past them.
- Navigating your existing relationships in sobriety is a huge challenge.
Yet, with the help of your team of professionals, you can work through them and find yourself in a much better place. Our long-term treatment approach ensures that you are equipped with the tools and support necessary to maintain sobriety and thrive. By focusing on evidence-based treatments and addressing the mind, body, and soul, we provide a foundation for lasting recovery.