As a rule-follower, I found a sponsor and asked her if I was in the right meetings. She diagnosed me with “a pupu platter of addictions”—not too much of any one thing, but enough of each one to be concerned. Her advice was to quit drinking, quit smoking, quit emotional eating, and quit trying to control and manage my family’s crises. Some people may find that they’re more optimistic than I was, that quitting drinking feels like a good idea and one that’s entirely within reach. I hope those people are out there and their prediction comes true.
Setting Boundaries in Recovery: How To Do It + Why It Matters
I’d bet nine out of 10 of us won’t even answer, and we’ll just laugh because it’s such a ridiculous question. 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. I’m not a doctor or mental health professional, so my advice shouldn’t be construed as medical or therapeutic. Recovery is not some magic inoculation against the trials and tribulations of being human. What it can do is make us more aware of what’s behind these peaks and valleys and better able to reach out for and accept help in navigating the valleys. It was only once I got sober that I started getting treatment for depression, and a few years into sobriety, I was diagnosed with ADHD.
Things I’ve Learned in 17 Years of Sobriety
But feeling that way and keeping it to yourself, or trying to ignore or suppress those feelings, definitely can be. I feel good about myself and it makes me comfortable. I don’t feel awkward standing next to people or worry about where my hands should be. I feel I belong and that’s something I never would’ve reached drunk, only sober. Staying sober offers numerous benefits for your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Sobriety as an Act of Worship
If you find it difficult to make new, sober friends, try joining a support group. Spending more time with supportive loved ones and planning activities for the entire family can also help you develop a healthier lifestyle and avoid situations in which you would normally drink or use drugs. There are numerous motivations for individuals to stay sober, including improved physical health and overall well-being. Additionally, maintaining sobriety can lead to better relationships with family and friends. It frees you from these things that hold you back, giving you the opportunity to have deeper and more meaningful connections and engage in activities that bring you joy.
Owning a Successful Bar While Maintaining Sobriety – Cesar Vallin’s Story at Cloak & Petal
Greet the thought like an old friend, telling it that it’s not helpful right now. Then, letting it be, ask yourself what matters right now. Then, move forward, committing to actions that are most relevant to the things that matter. When trust is lost, words alone are no longer enough. Trust is built through repeated patterns of committed action over time. You learn to deal with life in a way that isn’t going to kill you.
Emmy is a content specialist dedicated to helping brands boost their online presence and reputation through tailored, well-researched copy. With expertise across diverse niches—including mental health—she crafts messages that resonate with target audiences and drive engagement. If you or a loved one is finding it a challenge to stay sober, then do not hesitate to contact Freedom Recovery, where you can find the right program for your needs. When contemplating sobriety, the voices in your head may be engaged in an endless debate. As described in my article on the Types of Denial in Addiction, our minds can make up many reasons why we don’t have a problem. When regaining a sense of order and healthy habits, motivational momentum snowballs into building a life you can be proud of.
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- Invest in a jigger or a wine measure to keep track of your pours.
- I can visualize myself on a sandy beaches in Hawaii (on a family vacation) and yes, I can even distinctly remember the sunburn.
- From improved health and relationships to enhanced career prospects and overall life quality, sobriety can truly transform your life.
- Sobriety can also be a catalyst for these as it allows you to be your most authentic self as you discover your passions and step outside of your comfort zone.
- However, when it has happened, I have to speak up to point out that I didn’t drink and I’m not subsidizing their drinking.
What I mean by that is, I remember being bogged down by money. My drunken life was https://appsychology.com/living-in-a-sober-house/ always based around my next paycheck. It was never a question of “what I’d do” after work, I’d drink it. Without alcohol though, it’s amazing how rapidly I’ll research and do things.
- These days, unless I’m feeling generous, I simply say, “I don’t drink,” and leave it at that.
- My friends and I packed our bikinis in our backpacks and took the F train to the last stop, Coney Island, after school.
- Don’t wait— reach out today to take the first step toward taking control of your life.
- Health benefits of going sober include losing weight due to cutting out these excess calories and enhancing metabolic functions.
- I have always hated the feeling that I’m putting people out or being difficult.
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. Guilt is a Sober House Rules: A Comprehensive Overview sense of doing something wrong, whereas shame is the sense of being a bad person. Both often show up when struggling with substances. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or addiction issues, you can check out my resource page for suggestions on how to find help.
Are you considering cutting out alcohol or drugs from your life? Sobriety is more than just abstaining from substance use, it’s a lifestyle that can bring about various benefits. For many people who don’t have healthy relationships with themselves, substance misuse can be a way to mask that discomfort.