Getting sober is a big decision. It’s you saying I deserve better. I’m ready for a new life. The journey isn’t easy, but there’s so much to learn along the way.
There are lots of misconceptions about recovery. You may wonder if this is the best path to take. Can you do it alone?
You may have tried before, many times, and you weren’t successful. That’s okay. The fact that you are willing to try to fight for a better and healthier life is what matters most.
The road to sobriety is a long and difficult one. But it gives you an opportunity to learn and grow as a person in so many ways. Here are seven things you realize while getting sober.
Getting Sober: You Don’t Have To Do This Alone
You may feel alone, or like you are the only one going through this. Getting sober can be a lonely road, but it doesn’t have to be.
You may feel like you caused this mess, and it’s up to you to fix the problem. Yes, it is your decision to stop, but there’s help available.
A quality treatment center is a must. There are wonderful online recovery groups, podcasts, endless books and blogs on the subject, and supportive people who have already walked this path.
Asking for help can be one of the hardest things to do. You may feel weak and vulnerable. The truth is that asking for help takes real strength. It means you accept you have a problem and are ready for positive change.
Wondering If You Really Need Help
Don’t waste your time wondering whether your problem is bad enough to get help. If you feel out of control, you need help.
Whether you drink every day or on occasion, if you feel like you need to stop, then you are right to seek help.
You may not be walking around intoxicated all day. You may even hold down a full-time job. That doesn’t mean you don’t have a drug or alcohol problem you need to address.
It’s common to second-guess yourself. And, you may think others are judging you. Let it all go. People enter recovery for different reasons. Each case is unique. You deserve to better yourself and live your best life.
Sobriety Is Hard: So Don’t Be Hard On Yourself
Getting sober is hard. If it were easy, you would have already done it. You will have good and bad days, and it’s normal to fail more than once. What matters most is that you don’t give up.
You may question yourself and ask yourself how you could let this happen. I know better. Why is my life out of control?
Keep this in mind. Life isn’t always perfect. Everyone has ups and downs. You are taking a big step, and you’re ready to try. That matters.
Try not to be so hard on yourself. Beating up on yourself will only make getting sober even harder than it already is.
Attending Meetings
Attending regular AA or NA meetings is very important for your sobriety. There are many misconceptions about these groups. They are not cults or religious groups.
These groups are meant to be support systems for people going through a shared journey. You will meet people struggling, and others who are conquering their demons long term on a daily basis.
Also, you may feel intimidated when you first start attending meetings. You may be afraid to speak up. That’s completely normal. But, attending meetings can really help you through the tough days.
When you go to meetings regularly, you will probably find a group of caring, supportive friends who all share some common experiences and hopes for a better future.
Letting Some Things And People Go
Getting sober is about starting a new life. You will have to change old habits and behaviors to be successful.
This isn’t easy. Change is tough. You may need to stop going to certain places you frequented before treatment. And there are people you will need to leave behind. This is hard, but those individuals could sabotage your recovery efforts.
And there are people you will need to leave behind. This is hard, but those individuals could sabotage your recovery efforts.
Those who truly support you will remain, but you want to break away from others who do not. Although this is difficult, you want to do whatever it takes to be successful in your recovery.
You Can’t Just Have One Drink
All alcoholics and addicts who are in recovery at some point have thought they can control things and just have one. Then, unfortunately, they are proven wrong again and again.
Having just one can instead throw you right back into the vicious cycle of addiction you wish to escape. You don’t want to risk that. It’s not worth it.
You have to realize other people can control their alcohol consumption, but an addict absolutely cannot. When you understand you can’t control it, you are ready for real recovery.
Staying Sober Isn’t Boring
Some people who are getting sober worry that their lives will be boring without their old habits. They may wonder what nondrinkers do to relax or have fun.
The truth is being sober is a wonderful feeling. You can actually participate in life and remember what you did the next day. Getting sober means no more embarrassing situations when you don’t have control of your actions.
Instead, you will find yourself noticing the little things that didn’t concern you in the midst of your addiction.
Life is great when you are in control. You can be in the moment with those you love and cherish the memories you make while you are living your best life.
Asking For Help
If you are thinking about getting sober, but don’t know where to go or how to begin, we can help. Don’t try to go it alone. We are recovery experts and can help you through your unique journey to sobriety. Don’t wait. Contact us today.
