The Mental Health Challenges Of Staying Sober: Finding Help In Therapy
If you must dig WAY back into childhood for this answer, then do that. When I quit drinking, I was lucky to have a spouse that supported scared of being sober: why is sobriety so hard my decision. That being said, drinking FOMO is real and must be dealt with. Sometimes admitting the truth to yourself is the first step. Alcohol merely blurred my perception of social situations. 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.
Why Sobriety Feels Like a Constant Battle
- Understanding these challenges is the first step towards long-term recovery.
- When your current lifestyle revolves around drinking or drugging, it is not hard to see why the thought of living a sober life is hard to grasp.
- Research suggests that a strong support system is crucial for recovery and preventing relapse.
- We’ll also provide practical strategies to overcome these obstacles.
Losing friends is another common reason people are afraid to get sober that appears to come true. There is no denying that upon getting sober you will see some of your friends leave. But what you will also notice is that those people who are your friends – beyond just partying, drinking and taking drugs – will never leave. Our range of services and levels of care are designed to improve your quality of life, addressing mental illnesses and behavioral health challenges with the utmost comprehensive care. Our residential treatment programs and outpatient treatment programs provide various phase of treatment options to cater to individual needs.
Navigating Withdrawal Symptoms and PAWS
And, to be frank, many times that reality is downright hard to swallow. The idea of being labelled an ‘addict’ or ‘alcoholic’ the rest of your life can often be even scarier. But what you need to remember is that you can choose who to share your journey with – and who to exclude. Only those who are closest to you need to know about the reasons behind your decision to stop abusing substances. The question why is sobriety so hard reflects the complexity of breaking free from addiction, but every step forward is a victory.
Table 2: Strategies to Overcome Sobriety Challenges
Another common reason people may be afraid to get sober is that they think life might become “boring” once they’ve quit all their vices. Many times, social events and outings center around drinking alcohol. Maintaining sobriety can present significant mental health challenges.
FIRST STEPS RECOVERY
For some individuals, unless they hit rock bottom, they will never find the motivation to remain and get sober. For instance, some individuals decide to stay clean after one negative encounter with the law. Others might decide to get clean after poverty, homelessness, and total isolation. It is important to note that you can get into recovery the moment you decide enough is enough. Manage cravings by using distraction techniques like exercise or journaling, reaching out to a support system, or practicing mindfulness. Identifying triggers and avoiding high-risk situations also helps.
Treatment for Quitting Alcohol
It can be difficult to manage, as intense cravings and emotional distress can lead to relapse if not handled properly. Mostly, we are in a great amount of pain and change is our only option. For me, I was terrified because I knew no other way to be. Alcohol was part of my identity and anything different seemed impossible. I didn’t want to admit that I might not have this drinking thing under control like I thought I did for so long.
Tony had managed to stay employed and in contact with his family during his years of addiction. But he needed ongoing help coping with stress without chemical support. Warren is a Licensed Master Social Worker, who specializes in substance abuse and mental health treatment. Clinically, Warren has developed a therapeutic skillset that utilizes a strengths-based perspective, Twelve Step philosophies, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. It’s not surprising that many people are afraid of failure. I believe it’s part of the human condition to fear failing at anything.
- Additionally, lifestyle changes—like avoiding old haunts or finding new hobbies—require significant effort.
- Dopamine depletion can cause apathy, boredom, and lack of motivation.
- Everything is rewarding, but it doesn’t mean it’s always smooth sailing.
- These cravings can be incredibly powerful, making it difficult for individuals to resist the urge to relapse.
- Unfortunately, it is these fears (and more) that often stop addicts from getting the help and treatment that they need to stop using.
- There isn’t necessarily one specific method that’s most successful; each person who stops drinking experiences a personal journey toward sobriety.
After 25 years of sobriety, Tony continues to attend 12-step meetings and practice the disciplines of prayer and service foundational to his recovery. He does not consider himself “cured.” Sobriety, he says, is a lifelong endeavor. Graduating from residential treatment, he was told to attend daily 12-step meetings for 90 days. His father was an alcoholic who drove drunk, lost his job and walked out on his family when Tony was 10. Seeking relief, Tony started smoking marijuana at age 12 and had his first drink a few years later.
While removing substances from your routine can seem challenging, taking it step by step may help you regain control and even feel empowered. Many people like to drink occasionally as a way to relax or socialize, but for others, the habit is rooted in anxiety and fear. If this is the case for you, you may want to dig deeper. Once detox is complete, your body will be free from alcohol and ready to begin physical and psychological healing.
What percentage of people who get sober stay sober?
I had myself convinced that my drinking was just like everyone else’s and therefore I didn’t have a problem. I surrounded myself with people that drank and used just like I did. I truly thought I was just the fun party girl who only socialized and drank alcohol. I thought just because I didn’t drink in the morning and at times would go a few days without booze, that alcohol was a non-issue for me.