Over the past two decades, food and work have emerged as my real drugs of choice. Like most addiction, they’re fueled by shame and the “not enough” gremlins. They’re also tricky addictions because I’m good at abstaining but not so good at moderation. When I got sober, I thought giving up alcohol was saying goodbye to all the fun and all the sparkle, and it turned out to be just the opposite. But there are countless reasons that people might want to reevaluate their relationship with alcohol. Some people I know hopped on the Dry January bandwagon only to realize it was harder than they thought, and their alcohol use wasn’t as innocuous as they assumed.
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For me, the biggest game-changer was my mental health. Without alcohol, I felt less anxious and more in control of my emotions. I was often left anxious, stressed, insecure and overwhelmed because I’d been suppressing my feelings with booze. Or just reassessing your relationship with alcohol? It doesn’t necessarily mean giving up booze altogether or signing up to sobriety indefinitely.
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Individuals who maintain sobriety will experience more restful sleep and feel more rested the next day. Everything in your life can feel more manageable without the effects ofalcoholand drugs. Whether you are struggling with addiction, mental health or both, our expert team is here to guide you every step of the way. Don’t wait— reach out today to take the first step toward taking control of your life. In fact, many people feel that it’s just beginning.Life after addictionallows you to feel more in control of your activities and your relationships. The same Mintel survey explained that two-thirds of consumers aged reported worrying about the emotional impact of alcohol, while a similar figure reported that they wanted to learn more about drinking mindfully.
I’m not special. These benefits of sobriety are for everyone.
A benefit of sobriety that’s often cited is better quality sleep, but an added joy for me has been getting way more sleep. I don’t stay out later than I planned and I’m almost always in bed before midnight. Sobriety can actually lead to improved emotional regulation. Without alcohol to numb emotions, you can face and process feelings in a healthier way, leading to greater stability and fewer mood swings. If you’re struggling with addiction and are looking for support, reach out to Recovery Centers of America. Our team is dedicated to helping you find peace, rebuild relationships, and discover your true potential in sobriety.
He joked that it reminded him of a gremlin from the horror movie. I used a handful of free apps, gathered some stock music and videos of said daughter, and cobbled a mock horror trailer of his daughter. You better believe we’ll play it on her wedding day. I wanted to eat some meaty lasagna, but I was craving a particular kind my grandmother used to make with broccoli in the center (don’t judge).
I was wet, hot, uncomfortable, and in genuine agony… and in my 7 months, this was the first time I felt like I was genuinely detoxed; like the alcohol was oozing out of me. The rest of the day, I was sore as all hell, but I never thought about drinking. I sat on the sofa watching movies and chatting with friends for the remainder of the day and never once got bored or wandered to drinking. You can spot an alcoholic by the phrase, “a sober life is boring.” It’s not absolute, but typically, anyone who thinks sobriety is boring hasn’t attempted being sober.
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When using substances to cope with underlying pain or boredom, this short-term solution prevents one from achieving a state of thriving. Instead of just getting by, sobriety allows you to strive toward your full potential. Then two weeks ago, something really horrible happened.
When you stop drinking, you have to face tough and scary situations without alcohol and that helped me grown an innate confidence that’s stayed with me. I am more resilient as I drank to get through periods of stress, heartbreak or sadness, which meant I tried to avoid them – and you can never avoid them really! Without alcohol, I actually have to face those things so I feel stronger in myself to be able to deal with them if they arise again.
- Being sober fosters trust, empathy, and genuine connections, creating a foundation for lasting and fulfilling relationships.
- You’ll also be able to regulate your emotions better without drugs or alcohol.
- You’ll also have better decision-making skills for problem-solving and time management.
- Additionally, maintaining sobriety can lead to better relationships with family and friends.
- It’s significantly harder to know what’s going on in someone else’s head than it is our own.
It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. https://www.inkl.com/news/sober-house-rules-a-comprehensive-overview When you are in recovery, you can overcome thesymptoms of addictionand instead have ahealthy lifestyle. You can replace substance misuse with exercise and physical activity. Thesober lifecan also give you the opportunity to think aboutnutritionas well. You’ll enjoy generalhealth and wellnessthat you can’t necessarily achieve if you’re drinking or using drugs.
There is a quiet ferocity that comes with quitting alcohol. The world is so much bigger when you’re sober, and you feel emboldened to grab your slice of it. I used to be an easy target for abusers and gaslighting. Because I was a mental and emotional wreck with no sense of self-worth, it was easy to take advantage of me.
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Chronic substance use can impair your ability to think quickly, clearly, and retain information. Depending on the substance, the effect can vary, but I’ve personally talked to many people who noticed a significant negative impact on their brain function. With the increased energy and improved mood, you can focus on more meaningful areas of life rather than merely coping with a state of impaired health and well-being.
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This helps you settle in before any anxiety creeps up. If someone asks why you’re not drinking, keep it light and simple. ‘I’m just taking a break’, or, ‘I’m trying something different’ usually does the trick without inviting further questions. Stock up on non-alcoholic options you love, like alcohol-free beers, kombucha, or fancy mocktails. Having something in your hand helps you feel part of the vibe.
- Guilt is having negative feelings about your past behavior.
- When people drink or use drugs, it frequently starts as a way to deal with hardships but becomes a primary coping mechanism.
- When you’re sober, you’ll be able to eat a balanced diet and provide your body with the nutrients it needs to function properly.
- My drinking was all about self-loathing, which I had done for almost twenty years at that point.
- About a year ago, I was talking to a dear friend who was newly sober, and our conversation shifted something in me.
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Finally, staying committed to attending meetings and seeking professional help when needed ensures ongoing support and guidance throughout the recovery journey. Such changes can include avoiding triggers and creating a robust support system that encourages and uplifts. The journey to sobriety is continuous, often filled with its fair share of ups and downs. By breaking free from addiction, you can experience a profound transformation in your life. It’s a journey that requires immense strength and resilience, but the rewards are immeasurable.
Substance abuse can impair your judgment and decision-making skills, leading to impulsive spending and financial mismanagement. But when you’re sober, you’ll be able to think more clearly, fact-check, sober house and make better financial decisions. When you go sober, you’ll be able to complete daily tasks with improved efficiency.
