Scared of Being Sober: Why Is Sobriety So Hard?

What you do NOT want to do is let your fear about what MIGHT happen with your friends in the future dictate what you do to take care of yourself in the present. With proper counseling and/or a good recovery program, you’ll learn important tools for navigating these relationships. Another common fear in sobriety is that you’ll wind up alone because no one will want to hang out with you.

tips to help you overcome the fear of being sober

It wasn’t until she found a packed meeting on a Friday night, with peers she’d typically be parting with, that she hoped she’d found her place. Free from the grip of drugs and alcohol, you are able to start a new chapter. The possibilities are endless as you grow into a healthy, happy, and confident person. Develop a daily or weekly routine that includes check-ins with your support network, attendance at support group meetings, and dedicated time for self-care practices. This can help you feel more grounded and less overwhelmed by fears and cravings.

What to Do If Someone You Love Is Suffering From Alcoholism

However, exciting opportunities await when rebuilding one’s life after active addiction, such as rebuilding relationships, finding employment, and managing cravings. Dr. Umhau urges folks not to overlook prescription https://ecosoberhouse.com/article/alcoholism-and-denial-helping-an-alcoholic-in-denial/ medications like naltrexone or acamprosate. “These are safe, non-addicting medications that have been proven to help people reduce the craving for alcohol, stay sober and are especially helpful,” he shared.

Sobriety Fear #7: You’ll lose your friends.

• Don’t let difficult decisions and conversations with loved ones be the excuse you use to keep drinking alcohol.
• The good news is that you don’t have to worry about it until you’ve got some solid, sober days under your belt.
• Consistent with theories of symbolic interactionism (Erickson, 1995), the quality of social interactions may contribute to a transition of self-image and identity towards a non-addict.
• However, there are common fears that many individuals share in recovery.
• But even if you’re less likely to feel like the odd person out these days when not drinking, figuring out how to talk about your sobriety can feel very challenging.
• Financial challenges and difficulty finding and maintaining employment are key triggers for relapse.

I’ve seen so many people over the years not make it, and I hope my sobriety can shed the light that you are not alone. People who are wondering if they have a problem often try to go without alcohol for a month or set limits on how much they drink. ???? Awaken your potential by exploring the world around you and developing interests outside of substances by Saying Yes to Life. Whether it’s taking up a sport, diving into arts and fear of being sober crafts, or learning to play a musical instrument, new hobbies can provide a sense of achievement and distraction from cravings. ???? Take your goal-setting one step further by getting clear on The ‘Why’ Behind Your Goals, which not only helps you gain clarity but also helps you stay committed to your aspirations. ???? Explore the importance of Embracing Fears and how accepting what you’re afraid of can help you make changes.

• If you have loved ones who are sober, they may have to distance themselves from you to avoid triggers and maintain a boundary.
• The symptoms of acute withdrawal can be intense and overwhelming, making it a challenge to stay motivated to remain sober.
• These strategies can help keep you on track and maintain a sober lifestyle.
• Some had lost custody rights, which they regained after recovery.

You may find yourself discouraged and comparing your journey to others. In these moments, it’s important to think about what you want out of yourself. And sometimes, it is someone going through a life change with a message to share.

Fears That Can Sabotage Recovery and How to Manage Them

By closely monitoring these changes and seeking professional help when necessary, individuals can better manage their recovery and overcome the challenges of staying sober. Leading a sober life involves recognizing and responding to triggers and cravings effectively. Without resorting to drugs or alcohol, it’s essential to explore healthy coping mechanisms.

The participants stated that accomplishing this leave of identity required a “reset” in thinking, attitudes and even the way of speaking to communicate and get feedback from other people according to the new identity as a non-addict. Partial hospitalization programs are otherwise known as PHPs or day treatment programs. PHPs provide a high level of care, but patients can return home each night after treatment. Programs are usually around four to six hours a day for at least five days a week. An emotionally sober person no longer escapes their emotions with drugs or alcohol. This allows them to deal with challenging situations and emotions.

Emotional Triggers

Practice and plan your responses so that you feel confident and prepared in these environments. ???? Start this simple 30-day program on Mindfulness for Beginners to build this supportive habit into your daily life. Worried that they may be abandoned by the people they love or judged by others, some people refuse to admit that they have a drug problem or reach out to others for support. These people know that the days are hard right now, but they endure because they also know that, eventually, they will come out on top. They don’t know when or how, but they trust that it will happen.

Great Jobs for Teens with Social Anxiety

If you’re unsure of whom to approach, pod mapping is a great tool to help figure out relationship safety. Not everyone in your circle will necessarily be understanding of your situation. “The benefit of disclosing to loved ones is determined by the sober person and informed by their specific circumstances,” says Jackson. That’s to say, your loved ones can’t help you if they don’t know what you’re dealing with and how you could use support. «Asking a loved one to be an accountability partner, going with you to meetings, sending supportive messages, or refraining from alcohol in front you are great ways that they can support you during this journey,» says Elder. Having an accountability partner or gaining a stronger sense of trust with friends and family.