But many people use the excuse that they are cowards just so they can keep on using the substances. If you truly want to live a clean and sober life, you are already ahead of the game. Intention and commitment are crucial to having a successful recovery.
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You can call it fear if you want, but it’s actually a sign of progress. As you delve deeper into the program, you’ll begin to understand the root causes of your fears so you can assuage them. All the people you share experiences with at AA meetings or a Solana Beach sober living home are there to process fears.
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Your brain knows this, and, as a result, it becomes afraid. You may again seek out the people and situations that support your alcohol use. Some people who move from a controlled and protective setting find themselves awash in the environmental cues that lead to their drinking. Getting sober may seem difficult, but there are strategies you can use to get and maintain sobriety.
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They may worry about what’s on the other side of rehab. Letting other people down is a common fear even if you don’t have close bonds with others. You may feel that what is alcoholism way about an employer, for example. In these situations, recognize what it means to you, personally, to recover.
You’re likely also to start feeling the stress build, perhaps the same stress that leads you down the path to using. The fear of change is not just about sobriety but also needing to rebuild your life. It can mean finding new ways to cope with stress, addressing unresolved trauma, and forming new relationships. Fear is an incredibly common experience in recovery because recovery itself is a journey of change—and change brings uncertainty. For many, addiction becomes a coping mechanism; a way to numb pain, avoid difficult emotions, or escape from the pressures of life. As a result, the thought of giving up this familiar, destructive crutch can be terrifying.
It’s a convenient cop-out we’re all guilty of using. Those who are overly pessimistic and say, “I’m going to be miserable forever,” will inevitably fail. Being at a party or trying to find the perfect romantic partner without alcohol is the stuff of nightmares for many people. Even people for whom alcohol is not a problem experience this.
Building a long-term foundation for sobriety
By building this network, you’ll feel more confident in your ability to handle the ups and downs of recovery. Once identified, you can start addressing these concerns one by one. It’s important to find a mental health professional you trust. Treatment https://www.xn--pewa-8pa.fr/2022/04/28/25-sobriety-gifts-for-recovering-alcoholics-show-5/ is often a collaborative journey, and you should feel comfortable asking questions, communicating openly, and giving honest feedback on your progress.
- Even after being in recovery for a while, you may not be delighted with the changes you have made.4 In fact you may realize you don’t like being sober.
- If you try to stop using and fail, you’re disappointing them all over again.
- If you’ve developed an identity tied closely to the drug scene, you might fear losing yourself outside that world.
- During your individual counseling and group sessions, your emotions may feel overwhelming.
- A robust support network is vital in alleviating fears surrounding recovery.
The first step in setting clear sobriety goals is to understand why you want to stay fear of being sober sober. This personal motivation will be your anchor during challenging times. Take a moment to reflect on your reasons for choosing sobriety.
A considered approach involves taking things one day at a time and tackling one fear at a time to avoid feelings of being overwhelmed. The mantra “Face Everything and Recover” can help reinforce your courage to confront these challenges throughout your journey. Therapy plays a fundamental role in navigating fears related to sobriety. Engaging with professionals can help individuals process emotions and develop coping strategies.
After detox, your brain begins to piece together the problems you now have with relationships, work, school or other important aspects of your life. Overcoming fear is not a linear journey—it involves setbacks, progress, and moments of doubt. And when fear resurfaces, you can view it as part of the growth process instead of a failure. These goals should be specific and realistic so you can see progress over time.