You can expect certain alcohol withdrawal symptoms such as sleep disruption to occur, though some people can experience seizures and other severe symptoms. As you get going, keep a simple chart or use an app that tracks your progress. In fact, getting sober and sustaining sobriety is easier when you have a trusted support system motivating, encouraging, and supporting you along the way. A study from Substance Abuse indicates that having support from others can improve a person’s chances of engaging in and completing detox and treatment for addiction.
Choose a Therapy
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. It’s part of the sobriety package, and it’s not necessarily a bad thing. Sobriety can be an incredible way to shed relationships https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/alcohol-and-depression-how-alcohol-makes-your-depression-worse/ you’ve outgrown as well as find new ones that align with your new values. This isn’t to say that all of your friends will be threatened, or that all of your friendships will change. Some will certainly remain, but even those aren’t necessarily long-game friendships.
What Is Sobriety?
It’s a subversive, hardcore choice to take your life into your own hands. It’s an opportunity to grow into your bones, and every single crap thing that happens to you on the way only makes you stronger. If people press that response, I’ll either stare at them and hold an uncomfortable silence (this is enjoyable at some point), or just change the subject.
I Know Who My Friends Are
- Even if things feel like they are beyond your control (a difficult boss, terrible landlord, legal problems, or financial difficulties), you always have the option to take the first step toward improving the situation.
- I know, I know, this website is called “Recovery Connection” and it is designed to encourage those who are suffering the slings and arrows of addiction to get help.
- You will have days when you don’t necessarily make the strongest choices to improve your well-being or strengthen your recovery.
- A study from Substance Abuse indicates that having support from others can improve a person’s chances of engaging in and completing detox and treatment for addiction.
If you’re early in your sobriety or stuck in a cycle of relapse, you might find yourself questioning why you’re doing this to yourself. SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. At any moment, someone’s aggravating behavior or our own bad luck can set us off on an emotional spiral that threatens to derail our entire day.
- This one happened for me relatively early on, and that’s WITH pregnancy brain.
- If you’re like me, this can feel entirely terrifying.
- I’ve spent the last seven years researching and understanding alcoholism, addiction, and how people get sober.
- Their process of getting sober will depend on numerous factors, including the severity of drug or alcohol use disorder and long-term goals of sobriety.
This might seem like a terrible thing; this is not a terrible thing. This is a JOYOUS and wonderful thing because it easily sorts out the ones that have a weird relationship with alcohol, or the ones that just aren’t for you. It will hurt (pretty bad at first), but in time you will come to see it as the gift it is—and you won’t waste time getting to know the wrong person. It may also be helpful to get to know yourself on your own, first. Spending sober time becoming familiar with your body intimately can help you better communicate your needs to someone else when you feel ready for that step. Thankfully, there have only been a few times when someone at the table hasn’t pointed it out on my behalf and adjusted accordingly.
I’m No Longer An Easy Target
Just because it “seems” like things will never change, that is not actually the case. How you feel today — no matter how boring, stifling, angering, or depressing being sober sucks it may be — will be different tomorrow. Your feelings will look different in a day, a week, a month, and a year, so look to the future with optimism.
My Mental Health Is Stronger
People who are successful with their sobriety find ways to keep themselves busy. It’s through that process that many people start to forgive themselves and see the value they can bring to the world. When I got sober, it became very clear who I hung out with because I needed bar buddies and who I actually enjoyed being around. Somebody who was just a casual acquaintance can become one of your closest friends. Re-evaluating your relationships with other people is part of the process.
Choose to recognize that the choices you make directly impact your experience. Even if things feel like they are beyond your control (a difficult boss, terrible landlord, legal problems, or financial difficulties), you always have the option to take the first step toward improving the situation. This subreddit is a place to motivate each other to control or stop drinking. We welcome anyone who wishes to join in by asking for support, sharing our experiences and stories, or just encouraging someone who is trying to quit. Please post only when sober; you’re welcome to read in the meanwhile. With help from a healthcare professional, you can start looking for a treatment program that meets all of your unique needs.
- No one can wave a magic wand and make you or someone you love sober.
- This guide includes the steps required to fully support the path and the journey to addiction recovery.
- If you are hungry, even if that is not your main issue, get something healthy to eat.