Sobriety seems like a lot of hard work, boring, and downright miserable—not to mention impossible. Speak to anyone in recovery, and you’ll soon realize that “the best is yet to come”. Drugs and alcohol have merely numbed you to the pleasures of everyday life. It may be hard at first, and you’ll probably experience a range of emotions at first. But once sober, you’ll begin to experience the beauty in each simple moment. You’ll be capable of appreciating things that have always passed you by, as you learn to live in the present and embrace the simple joys of life.
Engage with relevant support groups to find peer support
A journey can begin with community mutual-help groups, inpatient treatment, residential rehab, outpatient programs, and more. Depending on the severity of addiction and readiness to change, different options may be beneficial for different people. But seeking a professional opinion on where to get started can help alleviate and address your particular fears.
Common Fears in Addiction Recovery – and How to Face Them
Before, you were hiding behind a foggy alcoholic or drug-infected brain. Some people see the benefits right away, while others will struggle with a few challenges before they see the light. You also need to remember that once detox is completed, the substance will be out of your body. If you can avoid major relapses, you should never have to go through an extensive withdrawal process ever again.
Feels Like Success
She said anyone can have the same experience being sober. You may be scared to stop drinking or go to a rehab center. We hold fast to our fears because they make us feel safe. Fear is a big part of what drives addictive behavior, and it’s also one of the biggest obstacles in recovery. Whether you’re considering entering a treatment program or are already enrolled in one, fear is a normal part of addiction.
The future may be unknown but it doesn’t mean that it won’t end well. People who have achieved and maintained their sobriety say that it has been their greatest achievement. Whether it is happiness or misery, sharing is never a bad thing. Opening up about your fears can help a lot and is also emphasised in therapy. Sharing your worries helps unload the tension you hold.
These resources can include therapy, support groups, and 12-step programs. Engaging in regular mindfulness and meditation exercises can help individuals observe their fears from a more objective standpoint. This can reduce the intensity of fear and provide a sense of calm and clarity. By incorporating these practices into their daily routine, individuals in recovery can strengthen their emotional well-being and enhance their ability to manage fear.
- 💙 Start this simple 30-day program on Mindfulness for Beginners to build this supportive habit into your daily life.
- If you haven’t felt what sobriety feels like, you can.
- It is important to remember that relapse is not inevitable.
- Every day, week, and month that you let slip by without tackling your drinking problem is time you can’t get back and more damage you must undo.
“I couldn’t have done any of this without Workit Health—they literally saved my life.”
- Being free from them will allow you to focus on getting ahead in life.
- They must also realize, in many cases, their family, friends, employer, coworkers, and others could find out they have an addiction problem.
- You will not be left alone to fend for yourself; you will be guided to use healthy coping mechanisms.
Sobriety is not just about quitting substances—it’s about rediscovering your purpose and living a life that aligns with your values. One of the biggest fears individuals face is not knowing what life will look like without substances. But by focusing on your “why”—whether it’s for your health, family, or personal goals—you can stay motivated to continue on your sober path. Our rehab in our Delray Beach, Florida treatment center offers customized addiction treatment programs based on your specific type of addiction and specific needs.
Substance Use Treatment
In this section, we will explore several strategies that can help individuals in their journey of relapse prevention. It may lead individuals to question their ability to maintain sobriety or to face the challenges that arise during the recovery process. Recognizing and understanding fear of being sober the role fear plays in recovery is crucial for effectively managing and overcoming it. It is normal to fear sobriety or feel the fear of not being able to live a normal life. While these fears may seem insurmountable, it is important to remember that they are only temporary.
Overcoming fears in any situation is difficult, but when it involves a life change, it can be especially challenging. Face your fears of recovery, and talk about them with your loved ones. It is very normal in the early days to feel like you’ve resigned yourself to a life of misery by quitting alcohol. Those early days of sobriety may leave you feeling hopeless. Any big life change naturally brings a sense of fear or unease. At Eudaimonia Recovery Homes, we encourage residents to engage in activities that promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
- It can feel like they need to give away their current identity in order to become a stranger.
- In addition to CBT, mindfulness and meditation practices can be beneficial in managing fear.
- For some people, drugs or alcohol have become central to their identity.
- There are some people that have neglected school or work because of their addictions.
- Remember, recovery is a journey, and with the right mindset and support, individuals can navigate through their fears and achieve lasting sobriety.
Just focus on talking to your therapist, working through today’s challenges and making it another 24 hours without using. After detox, it’s easy to come to the realization that there are people who are still standing by your side that probably should not be. You recognize what you’ve put them through, you’re ashamed of it and you wish you could take it back. Yet, at the same time, it may feel better just to give in and use because that’s what they expect from you. If you try to stop using and fail, you’re disappointing them all over again.